PALM SUNDAY
Worship at 8:00 & 10:30AM
The celebration of Christ’s triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem began in the 4th century (300’s) A.D. Christians in Jerusalem gathered on the Mount of Olives and processed into the city with palms along the path Christ followed into Jerusalem. The palm bearers who followed Christ into the city cried out “Hosanna” which means “Lord save us!” We too will echo their word as we acclaim Jesus as our King – the one who saves us!
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Worship at 4:00 & 6:00PM
Just as Ash Wednesday begins Lent, so Maundy Thursday marks the end of Lent proper and the beginning of the Three Holy Days of Christendom (the Triduum). The theme of the celebration is the Lord's new command to his disciples of all time to love each other as he has loved. The institution of the Lord's Supper sets forth the depth of Jesus' love and gives power to the church to live out his command. As with Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday occupies a unique place in the church calendar. However, "Maundy Thursday is not primarily the 'birthday of the Sacrament'" (Bobb, Proclaim, p. 136). It is a festival in which reconciliation is solemnly expressed and in which the congregation makes its transition from preparation for the celebration of the mystery of the Passion and Resurrection, to the celebration itself.
GOOD FRIDAY
Worship at 12:10 & 6:00PM
On Good Friday, the Church remembers the crucifixion of her Lord. Her remembrance, while solemn, is not a message of gloom, but a service of adoration of the Son of God as he offers up his life as the Lamb of God. Good Friday Tenebrae is not a liturgical "funeral" for Jesus, but an austere service of reflection, intercession, adoration of the Lamb, and quiet meditation. Christians gather to celebrate the sacrifice of the cross. Good Friday Tenebrae is many times prepared for by the solemn stripping of the altar at the close of the Maundy Thursday. The altar is the most prominent symbol of Christ in the church, and the bare altar powerfully recalls Christ's abandonment before his passion.
EASTER SUNDAY
Worship at 7:00 & 9:30AM
Breakfast served 8:00-9:00AM
Of the many festivals and seasons Christians observe, the greatest is Easter. Jesus Christ rose from the dead, proving himself to be the Son of God, our life and our salvation. On Easter we celebrate a victory—our Savior’s victory over sin, death, and hell.
