HOLY WEEK

Liturgy of the Palms, The Passion, Holy Eucharist
Sunday, April 13
10:00 a.m.

Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week (the final week of Lent) and honors Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem as depicted in the Gospels. As Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem, crowds gathered in the streets laying coats in his path, thus treating Jesus like royalty. They also laid palm branches, an ancient symbol of victory and peace, in the road. The Palm Sunday liturgy is split into two distinct parts: The Liturgy of the Palms, which is a joyful remembering of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and the reading of the Passion, which marks our turn into the somber story of Holy Week. Despite all that is to come, Palm Sunday is a day to welcome Jesus with joyful shouts; a reminder that we are grounded in hope and promise, no matter the trials we face.

Thursday, April 17

Afghan Agape Dinner
6:00 p.m. RSVP HERE

Holy Eucharist, Solemn Stripping of the Altar
7:00 p.m.

Vigil in the Garden of Gethsemane
8:00 p.m.

Maundy Thursday, or Holy Thursday, is the night of The Last Supper, the meal Jesus shared with his friends before he died. For Christians, it is one of the most sacred nights of the year. Maundy is from the Latin word for “command,” referring to Jesus’ commandment to “Love one another.” We begin with a community dinner, breaking bread together. The liturgy continues in the Nave, as we wash one another’s feet and then sit in darkness as the altar is stripped of all vestments in preparation for Good Friday. Maundy Thursday is the last Eucharist before Easter, and we process the reserved Sacrament into the Chapel, where we set up a “Garden of Gethsemane” prayer space to sit and hold vigil with Jesus, as he asked his disciples to do.

Friday, April 18

Good Friday Liturgy
12 Noon

Contemplative Liturgy
7 p.m.

On Good Friday, we immerse ourselves in the heartbreaking story of Jesus’ crucifixion. It is a somber day of silence and prayer and is the only day of the church year we do not celebrate the Eucharist. The liturgy is a continuation of the Maundy Thursday liturgy and begins in silence, as the night before ended in silence. Our liturgy has three parts: The reading of the Passion, the Solemn Collects (prayers), and the bringing in of the cross and veneration. It is a custom in some places to worship or hold vigil until 3 p.m., the time of Jesus’ death. After our noon liturgy, the Nave will remain open through the afternoon until 3 p.m. for quiet prayer and contemplation.

Saturday, April 19

Bonfire, Readings, Song, Bells, Holy Eucharist & Bubbles/Chocolate Reception
7:00 p.m.

The Great Vigil is the climax of the Christian year. It is the culmination of the sacred celebration of Holy Week and the beginning of the celebration of Christ's resurrection. The Great Vigil of Easter follows the ancient practice of celebrating the Easter Feast at sunset on Easter Eve. We begin in darkness, recalling the darkness before Creation and the darkness of the tomb. The liturgy consists of four parts: The Light (kindling of new fire and lighting the Paschal candle to represent the dawning of Creation and the new light of Easter Morning); The Lessons (key readings and psalms from Scripture); Baptism or the Renewal of Baptism (committing or recommitting to our life with Christ); and the Holy Eucharist. The Easter Vigil is a time of remembering, re-telling, and living into the fullness of our relationship with and experiences of God from the beginning of time through the present.

Sunday, April 20

Festive Family-Friendly Eucharist + Livestream
10:00 a.m.

Reception & Butterfly Hunt for Kids
11 a.m.

Celebrating the resurrection together, with a slightly shortened and simplified service. Renewal of our Baptismal vows, joyful hymns, and family-friendly Eucharist. Followed by Coffee Hour/Brunch and a butterfly hunt outside for kids.