Easter/Holy Week 2026
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!
Centering Prayer (March 30 – April 4)
Monday Through Saturday @ 12 PM (30 MINUTES)
Join Dave Grishaw-Jones and others for 30 minutes of silent, centering prayer each day during Holy Week, in the Sanctuary. Each day we’ll read a psalm and then sit in stillness and meditation for a half hour. Just this. A way to slow down and hold the strangeness and mystery of Holy Week in community and prayer.
Join Dave Grishaw-Jones and others for 30 minutes of silent, centering prayer each day during Holy Week, in the Sanctuary. Each day we’ll read a psalm and then sit in stillness and meditation for a half hour. Just this. A way to slow down and hold the strangeness and mystery of Holy Week in community and prayer.
Maundy Thursday (April 2)
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.
Good Friday (April 3)
6:30 pm SERVICE OF LAMENTATION AND PRAYER
IN THE CHAPEL
“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 5)
OUR EASTER WORSHIP CELEBRATION:
ONE BIG EASTER CELEBRATION:
10:00 am in the Sanctuary
FRIENDSHIP HOUR:
11:00 am between Services in the Hall
Join a multigenerational community of friends at our one joyous Easter service, as we celebrate the Good News of Resurrection and New Life together. As we delight in the Spirit’s many gifts,
“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!
Following worship, you’re invited to a wonderful gathering of friends–with coffee and goodies–in our Fellowship Hall! “Friendship Hour”–as we build relationships of resilient care and respect!
