Easter/Holy Week 2025
Holy Week marks the journey of Jesus and his community of changemakers…as they bring their project of peace to Jerusalem and invite the city to wholeness, justice and new communion.
For the church, Holy Week suggests a shared experience of lovingkindness, prayer and discernment. We celebrate God’s vision of inclusion and justice on PALM SUNDAY. We recommit to hands-on service and partnership on MAUNDY THURSDAY. And we bear witness to God’s passion, and Jesus’ suffering among us on GOOD FRIDAY.
And then, with a gathering of old and young, gay and straight, bashful and bold–we gather on EASTER SUNDAY to praise the God whose love rises to claim us and excite us and move us forward in faith and determination!
Maundy Thursday (April 17)
Potluck, 5:30 pm in Fellowship Hall
Communion & Tenebrae, 6:30 pm in Sanctuary
6:30 WORSHIP:
On Thursday evening, we gather at 6:30 to remember the last night of Jesus’ life–in an upper room–as he breaks bread with friends and washes their feet. Our service includes communion and concludes with the extinguishing of light and reflection in the darkening shadows (“temebrae”). We’re joined this year by our Chancel Choir, who will lead us in a couple of anthems and stirring hymns.
Included are two ancient rituals evolved from this Holy Week story: Holy Communion and the Washing of Feet. The latter is obviously optional–some enjoy the opportunity to participate, others choose simply to bear witness in prayer and gratitude. Together, these sacramental experiences shape our understanding of Jesus’ last days–and the boundless, eternal mercy that we receive to this day. He serves, he kneels, he gives and he reveals.
5:30 PM POTLUCK:
Keep it simple…Don’t overthink it…We’re gathering for a simple supper, in the spirit of that “last” supper all those years ago. Free free to buy pita and hummus, or chips and guacamole, or veggies and sour cream, or a tray of grapes and cheese…You get the idea.
Good Friday (April 18)
7:00 pm SERVICE OF LAMENTATION AND PRAYER
IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL
“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”
Our simple evening service offers space for quiet meditation and spoken lamentation. As we remember Jesus grief on the cross, we connect with our own sadness and our own longing for peace and healing. This hour includes silence in abundance, readings from the sacred story and an opportunity for those who choose to name the grief and despair in our hearts. Along the way, you’ll have an opportunity–if you wish–to walk our labyrinth, in prayerful meditation and intention. It’s another practice inviting reflection around the great themes and patterns of Lent, and the promise of Holy Week and Easter.
Easter Sunday (April 20)
OUR EASTER WORSHIP CELEBRATIONS:
CELEBRATION:
10:00 am in the Sanctuary
12 noon in the Chapel
FRIENDSHIP HOUR:
11:00 am between Services in the Hall
Join a multigenerational community of friends at one of our two Easter services, as we celebrate the Good News of Resurrection and New Life together. As we delight in the Spirit’s many gifts, we’ll celebrate the baptisms of four teens–and welcome six new friends into the circle of joy and membership.
“Christ is risen! Risen indeed! Alleluia!” At 10 am, we’re blessed by the joyful leadership of our Chancel Choir, with David Ervin at the helm, and Catherine York wonderful as always on the organ! They’re joined this year by a Brass Quartet–bringing life and courage to our celebration!
At 12, we’re moved by the rhythm and creativity of Stu Dias, Jimmy Dority and their band at “The Table”–an experimental and energized circle of communion and reflection in the round!
