March 16th 2008 - Easter Cantata "The Weeping Tree" - Joseph M. Martin
“Outside the city wall stands the weeping tree. In silence she lifts her weary arms against the darkened sky.
She is a gathering place for the sorrowful and a sanctuary for the grieving. Her shadows are a hiding place for the oppressed and a refuge for the lost. Under her graceful canopy there is comfort and beneath her towering presence there is shelter from the storm.
Long ago, she was planted on a windswept hill where all could see her solitary silhouette and, though fixed in barren soil, her roots grew deep into the hearts of all who drew near to her.
Watered by as thousand tears, her sylvan branches once held a perfect harvest, for heaven had chosen her rugged frame to be the bearer of grace. There in her crooked and twisted arms she cradled Jesus, the Hope of the world. She who was cut and fashioned by hatred and violence became a tree of life for the world.
Her arms are outstretched still.”
These are the words of composer Joseph M. Martin inspiring his new Easter Cantata which calls us to come together in preparation for the Good News of Easter morning. Holy week begins on Palm Sunday with a worship service of Palms and Passions, celebrating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and culminating in the performance of "The Weeping Tree", describing Jesus’ journey to the cross. We invite you to experience the majesty of this music and to relive the story of this journey in preparation for the events of Holy Week.
Order of Songs: (the texts to the songs can be found in this weeks bulletin)
1) The Weeping Tree
2) Of Tears and Sorrows
3) Lamentation of the Cross
4) Wondrous Love, Wondrous Cross
5) Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed?
6) Without His Cross
Worship 
“Outside the city wall stands the weeping tree. In silence she lifts her weary arms against the darkened sky.
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