Holy Week

Holy Week is one ofthe most sacred time within the Christian liturgical Calendar. The practice of observing Holy Week follows Christ's entrance to Jerusalem, The Last Supper, his crucifixion and death, and then his Resurrection of Easter morning gives the celebration of Jesus' life and resurrection much more meaning. 

 By following this ancient observance of Christ's time before his death, we are able to relive the amazing miracle of his Resurrection and the hope he has given all mankind. If you are looking for a way to deepen your understanding of Easter and take part in traditions that have been observed for more than two thousand years, we hope you will join us for any or all of our Holy Week services, with more information found below:

We start this service in our parish hall with the blessing of Palm fronds and palm crosses with Holy Water and then process into the church.  The tone of the day quickly changes when we read The Passion gospel, remembering Christ’s crucifixion and death. 

Maundy Thursday

 Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, is the night we remember the last evening and supper Christ spent with his friends, the Apostles. 

   We observe the ancient tradition of foot washing, where parishoners and clergy alike wash each other's feet as Christ did for the Apostles. Much as Jesus then retired quietly to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray, we will quietly go forth into the night to ponder the coming events of Good Friday. We will also take turns keeping Vigil with Christ throughout the night and into the morning of Good Friday so that we can be with him in prayer before his crucifixion. 

Good Friday

This solemn and penitent service follows Christ's last hours as he is crucified and then buried. It is also a very powerful service of Hope as we know what is coming; that a miracle is about to happen, and that God will overcome death by torture for the sake of all people.

Easter Vigil

  Known as the most important night within the ancient Christian calendar, this is the night we wait by candle and firelight for Christ to conquer death and rise from his tomb. Old custom holds that Easter Vigil is when new Christians are baptized, and we keep this tradition as well. Anyone is welcome to come forward at this time to be baptized, and you are welcome to contact our rector, The Rev. Mary Ann Hill for information on being included in our baptism. 

   Our Easter Vigil is held first in the darkness of the parish hall where the large Paschal Candle is lit and we say prayers and give readings celebrating God's creation and the life of his Son, Jesus Christ. 

  Afterward we enter the nave (our sanctuary area) to beautiful light, gorgeous flowers, incense and a flood of joyous singing as "He Is Risen!" 

   This is an amazing service that people of all ages, even very small ones, are encouraged to attend. The Vigil takes us from the darkness of the tomb to the bright hope and joy of the risen Christ, and ALL are welcome to come and celebrate with us! For He is Risen, Indeed!

Easter Sunday is a busy day at our parish as we celebrate Christ's resurrection with song, sacraments, and prayers of thanksgiving. A highlight of the 11 am service is the amazing performance of our choir, complete with a grand finale of the Hallelujah Chorus.

   We also host an Easter Egg Hunt for children, with special areas for different ages of egg hunters.  Anyone is welcome to join us, and we hope you do! This is the biggest day on our church calendar, offering us renewed joy, peace, and hope for our future and all of mankind.  

  Blessed are those that come in the name of the Lord! Hosannah in the Highest!