Lent, Holy Week and Easter
Following Jesus' journey through suffering and death to new life
Lent and Easter are an important part of the Christian calendar.
The season of Lent lasts for forty days (not including Sundays). It is a time when Christians reflect and prepare for the celebrations of Easter. Some people fast, eat frugally or give up treats following the example of Jesus, who fasted for forty days in the wilderness.
People also give to charity, set aside time to study the Bible and meet with other Christians to reflect on Jesus' life and prepare for the events of Holy Week and Easter.
We invite you to join us for one or more of our worship services during this time of reflection and renewal.
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES
Feb. 22, 2023 9:00am and 6:30pm
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent.
Ashes made from palm crosses are blessed and are used to make crosses on people's foreheads. This custom dates back to the middle ages.
Ash Wednesday services set the tone for Lent, with sombre readings and hymns and a focus on penitence (saying sorry for and turning away from sin).
Holy Week is the name given to the week beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday.
PALM SUNDAY COMBINED SERVICE
Apr. 2, 2023 10:00am
On Palm Sunday Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to crowds and cheers. His triumphant entry into Jerusalem has been celebrated on the Sunday before Easter since the first centuries of Christianity.
The crowds waved palm branches and threw them down on the path before Jesus. We remember this by making crosses out of palm leaves and have a procession into the church, just like the one Jesus experienced.
Morning Prayer
Monday - Friday 9:00am
During the sacred week of Holy Week, we gather for a quiet time each morning to contemplate the suffering of Jesus Christ as we approach Easter.
Tenabrae
Tuesday, Apr. 4 6:20 pm
A series of Scripture readings chronicles Jesus's final week, ending with his burial. After each reading a candle is snuffed out, until only the Christ candle remains lit.
Maunday Thursday
Thursday, Apr. 6 6:00 pm
Maundy Thursday is the day when we remember Jesus sharing the Last Supper with his disciples before his death.
This day gets its name from the Latin word mandare meaning 'to command'. We remember Jesus' command: 'Love one another as I have loved you'.
At the Last Supper Jesus washed the disciples' feet.
We recreate this act of service, not only as a reminder of the nature of Jesus, but also the kind of service we should demonstrate in our love for one another.
Good Friday
The Three Hours
Friday, Apr. 7 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
A series of meditations, on the half-hour, reflecting on the last words of Jesus Christ. The three hours commemorates the three hours that Jesus hung on the cross.
The Stations of the Cross
Friday, Apr. 7 6:20 pm - 7:00 pm
A procession around the interior of the church with prayers, readings, and chant, reflecting on 14 moments of Jesus journey, from his condemnation before Pilate, to his crucifixion.
Good Friday Service
Friday, Apr. 7 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm
The Good Friday service includes the Vereration of the Cross. There is no Holy Communion at this service.
EASTER SUNDAY
On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, three days after his crucifixion on the cross. Jesus triumph over death is the foundation of our faith. We have multiple opportunities on Easter Sunday to celebrate and worship.
Sunrise Service
Sunday, Apr. 9 7:30 am
A quiet contemplative worship, outdoors without music.
Contemporary Service
Sunday, Apr. 9 9:00 am
A family oriented worship experience with children participating actively in the service and with contemporary Christian music videos and our Joyful Noise praise band performing.
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, Apr. 9 10:15 am
After the 9:00 service, we will have an Easter Egg Hunt on the grounds of Davis Hall. Bring your Easter Basket and join in the fun. We anticipate a surprise visitor, so don't miss it!
(Ages 12 and under)
Traditional Easter Eucharist
Sunday, Apr. 9 11:00 am
Traditional service with music provided by our choir and a special performance by our handbells. This service will be streamed on Facebook Live.