Turning Toward New Life - Together: The Road Through Holy Week

Scriptures: John 12:12-17; John 13:1-17; John 18:1-19; Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Rev. Dr. Miriam Méndez

Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor

Holy Week does not invite us to observe from a distance—it calls us to walk the road with Jesus, together.

It starts with a celebration.

On Palm Sunday, crowds gather, waving branches and shouting “Hosanna!” They desire deliverance, change, and life. But even in their praise, they misunderstand what that life will look like. Jesus enters not with force but with humility. Not to conquer but to surrender. We are already being asked: will we follow Jesus on his terms—or only when the path looks triumphant?

As the week goes on, the tone shifts.

At the table on Maundy Thursday, Jesus kneels to wash feet. The Teacher becomes the servant. Bread is broken. A cup is shared. And a new commandment is given: love one another as I have loved you. This is not sentimental love—it is embodied, sacrificial, and deeply communal. In a fractured world, where division easily occurs, this moment calls the Church to turn again—toward one another, not out of convenience, but in covenant.

Then, comes Good Friday.

The cheers fade, and the crowds thin as the forces of fear, violence, and injustice seem to triumph. The cross remains a powerful reminder of the cost of faithful love. Here is the prophetic truth we cannot ignore: the world pushes back against the kind of life Jesus offers. And yet, Jesus does not turn away.

Neither should we.

To walk through Holy Week means confronting both the world's brokenness and our own inner brokenness. It involves seeing clearly what sin causes—and what love is willing to endure. Still, even here, we are not abandoned. The cross is not the end of the story, but the deepest revelation of God’s love.

This is why we walk this road together. Because alone, we may turn away. But together, we are reminded to stay, to watch, to pray, and to trust.

As we journey from palm branches to basin and towel, to cross and silence, the question remains before us: Will we turn toward life—together, even when the path leads through surrender?

Stay on the road. Life is nearer than we think.

Closing Prayer

Gracious and faithful God, as we walk this holy road with Jesus,
keep us from turning away when the journey becomes difficult.

Grant us courage to follow, humility to serve, and love that endures.

Where we are divided, unite us.

Where we are afraid, make us faithful.

Where we are tired, renew our hope.

Lead us through the shadow of the cross and hold us together in your grace.
Help us see the fullness of the new life you are bringing.

In Jesus’ Name.

Amen.

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April 3, 2026

Rev. Dr. Miriam Méndez Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor The ABCNJ Church Leadership Spring Training gathered 110 leaders from across the region, representing 7 ABCNJ Associations (Capital, Essex, Greater Delaware Valley, North New Jersey, North Shore, Raritan, Watchung) and over 30 churches. The day focused on learning, encouragement, and spiritual renewal. Leaders came together with a shared goal: to deepen their calling and strengthen the ministries they serve. The day started with worship as Rev. Jesse Nietzer of First Baptist, South Plainfield, and Rev. Nicholas Johnson of First Baptist Peddie Memorial, Newark, led participants in a time of praise that focused hearts and opened space for God’s presence. Through song and the opening prayer by Rev. Eric Hoheisel, the room was united in spirit, setting the tone for everything that followed. The Rev. Dr. Miriam Méndez opened the gathering with a powerful and grounding message called “Walking Worthy: Guarding the Unity Together,” based on Ephesians 4:1–3. Her message reminded leaders that before focusing on strategy, structure, or service, there needs to be spiritual alignment. With clarity and conviction, she urged leaders to walk worthy of their calling through humility, gentleness, patience, and love—making every effort to preserve the unity of the Spirit. This message laid the spiritual foundation for the entire day, shaping not only what leaders would learn but also how they would engage one another. Throughout the day, participants engaged in a variety of learning sessions led by a gifted team of presenters, including Rev. Dr. James Jackson, Rev. Dr. Michael Wilkerson Leach, Dr. Laura Miraz, Minister Ron Dukes, and Rev. Dr. Miriam Méndez, who offered practical topics, actionable tools, and thoughtful guidance for today’s church challenges. Each session aimed to prepare leaders for faithful and effective service, enhance leadership skills, support healthy church administration, and foster strong ministry partnerships. The training combined theological principles with real-world applications, empowering leaders to return to their churches with renewed clarity and confidence. Additionally, Judson Press was present throughout the day, providing a selection of books and resources related to the workshop topics, further equipping leaders with tools to continue learning and strengthen their ministries beyond the training. Special thanks to Ashley Suazo, Rev. Vivian Thomas McClain, and Rev. April Van Ness for their outstanding hospitality and leadership. Their careful attention to detail in managing registration and guiding participants throughout the day helped create a warm, organized, and welcoming experience for all. The training finished not with a final session indoors but with a prayer walk through the surrounding community. Leaders stepped outside together, moving through the neighborhood with a quiet spirit of attentiveness and intercession. As they walked, prayers were lifted up for homes, families, schools, churches, and the larger community. There was a sacred stillness in the movement—leaders walking side by side, listening for the Spirit’s whispers, allowing God to open their eyes to the needs and opportunities around them. In that shared silence and prayer, hearts were aligned, not only with each other, but with God’s purpose for the community. It was a powerful reminder that leadership extends beyond the church walls—it reaches into the streets, into people's lives, and into the places where God is already active. The ABCNJ Church Leadership Spring Training was more than just a day of workshops—it was a day of formation, connection, and renewal. Leaders left inspired, prepared, and united—ready to walk worthy of the calling they’ve received.