Holy Week, the most sacred week of the Christian year, has begun. From Palm Sunday through Easter, we journey with Jesus through the final, powerful days of his earthly life: his arrival in Jerusalem, the Last Supper, his arrest, and ultimately the cross and resurrection.
For nearly two thousand years, the Church has set aside this week not just to remember these events, but to enter into them. Each year, as we return to this story, it’s not just repetition. It’s a chance to go a little deeper. Like walking a well-worn path, we return to the events of Holy Week each year, yet we notice something new each time, drawing us deeper into the meaning of Jesus life, death and resurrection.
This year, we invite you to join us for a special Maundy Thursday experience, held on Wednesday, April 1, at 6:00pm in the Fellowship Hall.
Why Wednesday? Quite simply, because we are already gathered as a church family that evening, and it allows us to share this worship service together in a way that’s accessible to more people. Instead of sitting in pews, we will gather around tables, just as Jesus did with his disciples at the Last Supper. You won’t just hear about the Last Supper; through scripture, conversation around the table, and interactive prayer opportunities, we remember what it means to love and serve as Christ did.
This is a service for everyone: children, youth and adults alike. Whether you’ve observed Maundy Thursday many times or this is your first, come join us! Dinner will be served as usual that evening at 5:00pm. If you plan to attend, please make a reservation with the church office by noon on Monday.
Good Friday, April 3, is a solemn and sacred time as we remember Jesus’ crucifixion and death. We will gather for worship in Carpenter Chapel at 6:00pm. As we pause to reflect on the weight of the cross, we are drawn more deeply into the heart of the story. Sitting with the sorrow of this day prepares us to more fully receive the wonder of Easter morning.
By walking through the trials of Holy Week, we open ourselves anew to the depth of Christ’s self-giving love that carries us from the cross to the empty tomb. Then, Easter morning becomes not just a celebration, but a joyful response to all we have experienced along the way.
On Easter, we have multiple opportunities to worship God and rejoice in the triumph of life over death, hope over despair and love over fear.
• Easter Sunrise Worship at 7:00am in the Remembrance Garden Columbarium
• Family Easter Garden Worship at 8:30am in the Remembrance Garden Labyrinth
• Easter Sunday Worship 10:30am in the Sanctuary
I hope you will join us on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday as we gather in worship and celebrate this most sacred time of the year!
—Carol