Holy Week & Easter Services
It was a rich and full start to our Holy Week this past Sunday. I’m grateful to God for the ways the Spirit moved in our time together. Our enews next week will follow up on the extended announcement I gave regarding the “Thanks Be To God Campaign,” operational giving, and the shift to two worship services in the Fall. For this week we simply wanted to highlight our Holy Week & Easter services.
The next three days of Holy Week are known as the Easter Triduum, leading the church through Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and on to the joyful summit that is the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. These services are always meaningful times of journeying with Jesus and glorifying God for the “mighty acts” by which God “has promised us life and immortality.” I hope you can join in on these. Invite others, and pray that we together will be drawn into the life of God.
Maundy Thursday with Christ Church (112 Medina St.), Tomorrow at 7pm - This service marks out Jesus’ washing of the disciple’s feet, His command for His followers to “love one another,” and the institution of the Lord’s Supper. The service concludes with the “stripping of the altar” as we descend into the darkness of the cross. This is among the most dramatic liturgical moments in the church year.
Good Friday, at COTC at 6:30pm - This service involves reflection and prayers related to the seven phrases Jesus spoke from the cross. It is an opportunity for the church to pause over the suffering Jesus experienced for us, to rest in his presence to us in our suffering, and to glorify him for his for his sacrificial and selfless death. *Childcare is available for children 5 and below. You can register here. Additionally, some of the reflections do touch on experiences of suffering and subject matter that parents may need to debrief with children who are in the service.
Easter Sunday, April 9th at COTC at 8am and 10am - Join us at either 8am, outdoors on the back patio, or 10am, indoors, to celebrate Jesus’ victory over hell, sin, the devil, and death. For both services feel free to bring flowers for adorning the cross. It’s also traditional to wear white if you’re able. We’re expecting the 10am service to be pretty full. For the sake of hospitality please consider coming early, parking around the back of the building to leave spots out front for newcomers, sitting up front, and getting to know your neighbors and our guests! Also, there is still time to dedicate an Easter lily!
I am so looking forward to being together in worship over these next days as we revel in all that God has done for us and for creation in Jesus Christ. Here again, are Scripture readings and prayers to use this week.
Ready to worship,
Peter+