Lent & Easter Holy Week Schedule

Our observance of this Holy Day will include the annual Procession of Palms and the dramatic reading of the Lord's Passion according to St. Matthew. Holy Communion will be celebrated.

Maundy Thursday, April 1^st 7:00 PM

On this evening, we will gather for supper, just as Jesus' first disciples gathered. We will offer an opportunity for washing one another's feet as a mark of our mutual servanthood, as Jesus commanded us to do. We will remember Jesus' last supper with his disciples before his death as we commune around the dinner tables in a simple, meditative Eucharist. And then, as we go out into the night, we will strip the worship space and altar bare of any adornment as we remember with sorrow Jesus' betrayal by one whom he loved.

Good Friday, April 2^nd 7:30 PM

We will gather in the evening in a darkened, stripped worship space to recount for one another the deep mystery of Christ's crucifixion and death and burial. We will hear the story read, reflect upon Christ's act for us, and spend time in candlelit contemplation of "the life-giving cross, on which was hung the salvation of the whole world."

Easter Egg Hunt, April 3^rd 9:00 AM

The Easter Egg Hunt is open to all children aged 2 through grade 5. Guests are welcome as we share the Good News and celebrate this most joyous occasion of our church year! Please contact the church office if you are planning on attending or sign up on the sheet on the board in the entryway so that we can make appropriate plans and have enough treats available for the children.

Easter Vigil, April 3^rd 7:30 PM

This ancient service, one of the most ancient we know of, calls us to move from the tomb to resurrection, as we remember that "this is the night!" in which our Lord Jesus is raised from the dead. It begins outside shortly after sundown with the lighting of the "new fire," from which the paschal candle will be lit. We then process into the Fellowship Hall, where we will join in listening to the "family stories" of our faith, from the Creation story, through Noah and the Flood, Abraham's near sacrifice of his son, the crossing of the Red Sea, Jonah and the whale, the Valley of Dry Bones, and the deliverance from the Fiery Furnace. At the end of the storytelling, we will journey to the gathering area, where we will assemble around the font. This is the night in the early church when baptisms were performed. If we have baptisms, they will take place at this point, and we will give thanks for our baptism. Then we will move into the darkened sanctuary, now decorated for Easter, the lights will come up, the bells will ring joyously, and we will sing out our "Alleluia, Christ is Risen!" At the end of the Eucharist, we will feast together on sweet and savory foods, rejoicing in Christ's glorious resurrection.

Easter Breakfast, April 4^th 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Our High School Youth are planning to prepare and serve a breakfast of pancakes and sausage, cereal, juice, and assorted beverages. A free-will offering will be taken and used to support our Youth Ministry Programs.

Festival Prelude, Easter Sunday, April 4^th 9:00 AM

Our Easter Festival Worship will be proceeded by the traditional prelude of Music and Hymns presented by our various choirs and musicians.

Festival Worship, Easter Sunday, April 4^th 9:30 AM

This will be the major Festival Service of our morning as we celebrate in word, song, liturgy and sacrament the joyous remembrance of our Lord's Resurrection. Come and rejoice with us on this day that forms the heart and center of our faith and proclamation. Please invite someone to join you in worship on this most holy of days!

Easter Breakfast, April 4^th 11:00 AM to Noon

Our High School Youth are planning to prepare and serve a breakfast of pancakes and sausage, cereal, juice, and assorted beverages. A free-will offering will be taken and used to support our Youth Ministry Programs.