Dear friends,
This Sunday begins Holy Week, the most sacred week of the Christian calendar. Beginning with Palm Sunday we hear the dramatic story of the last week of Jesus’ life and how God defeats even death. To fully understand the joy of Easter it helps to have come to the services during the week, to hear and experience the whole story. These special services — Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil — are among the most moving of the church year. Even if you can’t come to all of them, I encourage you to experience at least one. A description of each service is below.
You may have noticed that during Lent there are no flowers in the church. That makes the Easter flowers and arrangements even more special. If you would like to contribute to the Easter flowers or music, please let us know. Either put a check in the offering plate on Sunday (marked for flowers or music) or donate online. And let Claudia know if your gift is in honor or memory of someone. She will need the names today in order to get them in the Easter bulletin.
Here is the schedule for this week.
Maundy Thursday — 7 p.m. — In this service we remember the last night of Jesus’ life, when he gave his disciples one last command — to love and serve others. To demonstrate this command he washed the disciples feet, usually the job of a lowly servant. He then at dinner told them to remember his every day they broke bread and drank wine. This service includes foot washing (optional) and the Eucharist. At the end of the service the altar area is stripped bare, preparing the way for Good Friday.
Good Friday — 7 p.m. — The most solemn and somber service of the year as we remember Jesus’ crucifixion and death.
Easter Vigil (Saturday) — 7 p.m. — In this dramatic service we begin in the Memorial Garden with the lighting of the Paschal (Easter) candle. We process into a darkened church to hear the stories of God’s salvation throughout history, from creation to the Valley of Dry Bones. Halfway through the service we proclaim that Lent is over and move into our first Easter celebration. Following the service there is a cake and champagne reception.
Easter 8:30 and 10:45 — Our Easter celebration continues with these joyful services proclaiming the resurrection.
I hope to see you here.
With love,
Tricia