This ancient Christian custom invites us to walk with Jesus through the last week of his life, from his royal entry into Jerusalem through the intimate last supper with his disciples, his arrest and trial, his death on the cross, and ultimately to his triumph over death on Easter morning. It is a week of intense, roller-coaster emotions, through which we come to encounter and experience anew Jesus’ death and resurrection.
We hope you will participate as fully as you can in our services this week.
As we move from Lent into Holy Week and the Triduum, the three-day period from Maundy Thursday evening through Easter evening, we invite you to partake in these worship opportunities to deepen and enrich your journey through Good Friday and into Easter morning.
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 2, 10:00 AM This service remembers Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with palms being raised in celebration. At 10 AM, we begin in the church lawn, then process to the sanctuary, entering the church building to “All Glory, Laud, and Honor.” Palm Sunday service continues with a congregational procession through the sanctuary with palms and follows with the reading of the Passion story
Tenebrae Service
Wednesday, April 5, 7:00 PM
This beautiful service is characterized by prayer, readings, and music, and ends with the extinguishing of candles, marking the beginning of the Triduum.
The distinctive ceremonial of Tenebrae includes the use of fifteen lighted candles, often set on a special, triangular stand. One candle is extinguished as each of the fourteen appointed psalms is completed.
One candle is extinguished as each of the fourteen appointed psalms is completed. The fifteenth candle, symbolic of Christ, is left lighted at the end of the final psalm. But it is carried away to be hidden, which signifies the apparent victory of the forces of evil. A sudden loud noise is made at the end of the service, symbolizing the earthquake at Christ’s death. The lighted candle is then restored to its place, suggesting Christ’s eventual triumph.
Maundy Thursday
Holy Eucharist and Stripping of the Altar With Foot Washing
Thursday, April 6, 7:00 PM
This service is the commemoration of the institution of Holy Communion by Jesus as we reflect on his commandment to love one another as He loved us. We recount Jesus’ last supper with the disciples, being betrayed and waiting in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Walk of Witness – Stations of the Cross
Friday, April 7, 12:00 PM
We stand at the foot of Jesus’ cross to lament the suffering that violence produces and to receive again the promise of God’s undying love for us.
Good Friday with Veneration of the Cross
Friday, April 7, 7:00 PM
The Friday before Easter Day, on which the church commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a day of fasting and special acts of discipline and self-denial.
The tradition of venerating the cross began in the 4th century with a Spanish nun who, on Holy Friday, would display parts of the holy wood of the cross on which Christ died, for veneration* by pilgrims.
We venerate the cross not because Christ died on it, but because by the cross, salvation has entered the whole world.
Easter Vigil and Lighting of the Easter Fire
Saturday, April 8, 7:00 PM
This Great Vigil service is the pivotal moment in our celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. Join us for Christianity’s holiest of nights where we experience light piercing the darkness as we light the new fire, hear the story of God’s salvation, renew our baptismal covenant, and celebrate Christ’s triumph over death!
This is the first and central liturgy of Easter. Beginning at 7PM on the church lawn with the new fire out of which the Easter fire is kindled, and all candles are lit, we recount from our scriptures the saving works of God.
Midway through this service, the celebration of Easter begins with the celebrant proclaiming in a loud shout “Alleluia! Christ is risen!” To which the people respond joyfully, “The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.” At this point, the lights are raised and the joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord commences!
Easter Morning Service
Festival of Holy Eucharist will be held at
10 AM
The service will feature special music from the choir and will continue our joyful celebration of the Resurrection of Christ!
Easter Egg Hunt will follow the service.