Holy Week Services

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Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley

Holy Week begins with the assent into Jerusalem with the whole throng of disciples throwing their coats and the ground, praising God, shouting:

Blessings on the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
 

Peace in heaven and glory in the highest heavens.

From the joy of that entrance into Jerusalem, we journey with Jesus through his last teachings, his last encounters, his last meal, his last days  and hours of his earthly life.

Going from the Triumphal Entry to the Resurrection will mean so much more if you are able to descend into the valley of Thursday, Friday and Saturday with Jesus. Through this profound and transforming story at the heart of our faith, we are immersed in the holy mystery of Jesus' death and resurrection.

7:00 PM Thursday, April 1 on Zoom

Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, or commandment. On this night we remember Jesus' instructions to his followers during his last supper with them:

A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another. (John 13:34-35)

Our Maundy Thursday service celebrates Christ's example of humble service and self offering, represented by the washing of feet and sharing of communion.

If then I, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.  (John 13:14-15)

Jesus modeled a self-giving love. To follow him means to love and serve one another.

Please bring a bowl or basin of water and a towel, as well as elements for communion. We will wash the feet of those with us, or our own feet if we come to the service alone. This is not a comfortable thing for many people but you are encouraged to do it anyway. Washing the foot of another and presenting our own foot to be washed requires vulnerability, trust and love. These may not come naturally, but Jesus invites us to risk, to serve and to be served.

7:00 PM Friday, April 2 on Zoom

On Good Friday (good as in holy) we hear the story of God's saving love through the paradoxical suffering and death of our Lord, Jesus. We mark this night by listening to the story of Jesus' passion. This year the readings come from Luke 22-23.

Tenebrae comes from the Latin for "shadows" or "darkness." For many in our community, this contemplative service of meditation, scripture, and music has become an essential time of worship in preparation for Easter. Please join with dimmed lights or candles as we enter into the darkness of the story of Jesus' arrest. trial and crucifixion.

6:30 AM Sunday, April 4 at Glendale Cemetery and WPC facebook page.

10:30 AM Sunday, April 4 on Zoom

Standing in the joyful light of a new day, we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. This is the center of our Christian year.