Every Sunday is called a “little Easter” because the church weekly celebrates the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But the services of Holy Week take a particular shape, beginning with Palm/Passion Sunday and culminating in the Easter morning celebration. During this time, we make the passage with Christ through death into life.
We begin Palm/Passion Sunday worship with a festive welcome of Jesus as the triumphant king who comes to take his spot on the throne—only to hear that his route will require betrayal and the cross. Our youngest members will help lead the palm procession at the 10:45 am service (parents and children meet in the Commons Area at 10:30 am). During worship the congregation will join in a dramatic reading of the passion narrative by Matthew which ultimately leads to the cross of Good Friday.
Maundy Thursday services are held at noon and 6:30 pm. This night we sit at table with our Lord. We remember the story of how God saved our people in a time of trial. We watch as feet are washed by the servant of all. The 6:30 service will include the Communion Milestone Blessing for young people who just completed the First Communion class. The services end with the stripping of the altar.
Good Friday services are also held at noon and 6:30 pm. This service of light and darkness is based on the shadows our Lord experienced on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. The extinguishing of candles is placed within the reading of the Passion according to John, the ancient gospel narrative for the day. Rather than “mourning” the dying Jesus, the cross is acclaimed as the sign of the world’s redemption.
The Good Friday words of Jesus, “It is finished,” usher us into the deep silence of Holy Saturday, a day when we remember that once his redeeming work on the cross is finished, Christ rested in the tomb. The Holy Saturday prayer vigil from 4:00-7:00 pm in the Chapel is a time for individual reflection and prayer. You’re welcome to come and go as you have the time. There will be a prayer and reflection guide to give shape to this time.
On Easter morning, a new day dawns. Easter Sunday Festival services at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. celebrate Christ’s victory over death and our story of redemption. Easter music, lilies and the celebration of Holy Communion make this morning like no other in the church year!
