We Made it to Spring!

Hey There Everyone,

This year the month of April 2026 begins mid Holy Week. For many outside the church this is also known simply as, the week before Easter. In last month’s article, I explained how Easter Sunday was determined each year. Now let us examine some of the important days in Holy Week.

We begin with Wednesday, April 1st , also known to many as April Fool’s Day. It is believed that April Fool’s Day began when France switched from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar in 1582, following the Council of Trent. There was some confusion about what day it really was and thus became Fool’s Day. Another hypothesis is that the Vernal Equinox marked festivals for early spring when people would play pranks on each other because the weather itself was unpredictable thus fooling the people.

Thursday, April 2nd is Maundy Thursday this year. Maundy means “Mandatum” which is Latin and translates to

“command”, “order”, or ‘commission” which refers to the new command given by Jesus, to love. “I give you a

new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By

this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35).

The liturgical colors for Maundy Thursday are either white or gold to represent purity, joy, and the

remembrance of the Sacrament celebration given to us by Jesus before he died, also known as the Last

Supper. Additionally appropriate is red; to represent the blood Jesus shed for us. Celebrating and solemnity

join on this day. A few other little facts you may enjoy; the term “Maundy Thursday” is not actually in the bible,

travel and the use of sharp objects are considered taboo on this day. Based on Matthew 26:17-30, Maundy Thursday service is offered in remembrance of Him by sharing the

Sacrament of Communion. Please join us for a service of a simple soup and bread dinner as we break bread

together in the Sacrament of Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 2nd at the Somerset Baptist Church,

375 High Street, Somerset, to begin at 6pm. Everyone is welcome!

Good Friday, I know why do we call the day Jesus is crucified GOOD? It is because through his suffering and

death on the cross, we through faith, are saved from our sin. That is truly good. As it stands now, we hope to

have a volunteer who could ring the church bell three times at 3pm to acknowledge the last breath of Jesus.

Wherever you are, at 3pm on Friday please stop and take a moment in prayer to thank the Lord for what he

has done for you.

Holy Saturday, April 4, is a day meant for prayerful reflection. Most people tend to use this day to prepare for

Easter. The problem is that this does not leave us adequate time or space for thanksgiving and mourning.

Please remember that to the early disciples Jesus was dead and in the grave. I had hoped we could offer an art project, something to slow down by painting rocks kind of like eggs but with more significance. If you are interested, please let either me or Deacon Janina know whether we ought to organize this event for you. We were thinking maybe 10-noon? This would allow you time for prayer, fellowship, and artful meditation, as well as time to run all those errands.

Easter Sunday, April 5 at 6:15am, we join the Somerset Baptist Church again at Waterfront Park, 300 Main

Street, Somerset, for Sunrise Worship. Following you are invited back to the Somerset Baptist Church for

breakfast. Our church will be holding its Annual Breakfast of Breads and Indoor Easter Egg Hunt from

8am-9:45am. At 10am we will share in Communion Worship and celebrate together that He is Risen!

But you cannot have the resurrection without death. As Christians we know that death is not the last word,

Jesus is! So, may we walk through this Holy Week in a prayerful and thankful state of mind, heart, body, and

soul.

Peace Be with You!

Pastor Cheryl Rieder