Holy Week Services

Holy Week observances begin on Palm Sunday and conclude on Easter Sunday.

Palm Sunday (March 16, 2008) is observed by a reading of the Passion Story according to St. Matthew, following Jesus' entry into Jerusalem to his crucifixion. Services are at 8:15 and 10:30.

Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and the Easter Vigil are observed as the Triduum, a single unified observance of Christ's Passion and Resurrection. The Triduum is a centuries old focus on Christ's passage from death to life.

Maundy Thursday is a traditional Communion service, with the addition of the individual absolution of sins. It concludes with the prophetic Psalm 22, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Services are at 10 am and 7:30 pm.

Good Friday services take the worshiper from light to darkness. Bible readings tell the story of Christ's passion. Services are at noon and 7:30 pm.

The Easter Vigil following sunset on Saturday, consists of four parts: Light, Readings, Baptism, and Holy Communion.

• The Service of Light focuses on the paschal candle as a symbol of the resurrected Christ.
• The Service of Readings recalls God's mighty acts in history and show God's redemptive purposes.
• The Service of Holy Baptism celebrates baptism as the sacrament of being joined to Christ's death and Resurrection.
• Holy Communion celebrates the first Eucharist of Easter, in which the Risen Christ is present in bread and wine.
• Easter Vigil service starts after sunset (7:30 in 2008)

Easter Morning services celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord with a full traditional communion service. Services are at 8:15 and 10:30. A congregation breakfast is available between the two services.