Philosopher Cornel West often tells a story about how he went by a church in Washington, D.C. on Maundy Thursday and saw a large sign outside that said, "The Grave is Empty." The problem he noticed was that the church was emptying the grave before anyone got in it. They were skipping to the triumph of Easter without first going through the tragedy of Good Friday. They were jumping to the resurrection without pausing at the crucifixion. They were running straight to the empty tomb without stopping at the cross. One of the most significant days in the Christian calendar year is Good Friday. Sadly, it is often neglected in our culture which likes to deny death in its perpetual search for happiness. Observing Good Friday can thus be a countercultural act. The question for us as Christians is what is the best way to fully acknowledge this sacred day. This year our church will be holding a Tenebrae Service on Maundy Thursday. Tenebrae is Latin for “shadows,” and this solemn worship service of music, scripture, and the gradual extinguishing of candle lights will lead us into Good Friday. On Good Friday itself, we are then fortune to have our very own Marilyn Jones produce and coordinate a visual arts display that will help us to reflect upon the meaning and significance of the day. In addition to being available for viewing in the Narthex at the end of our Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday Services, it will also be open for visitors from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm on Good Friday itself. I encourage all of you to make the most of this opportunity to stop and pause before the cross that so profoundly shapes our faith. Your brother in Christ, Pastor Brooks