Ash Wednesday – “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” is said as the sign of the cross is made on the forehead of those receiving ashes on Ash Wednesday. Not the usual approach to recovering a sense of wholeness in our time. But it is an act that connects us profoundly to those stubborn folks in the Old Testament who occasionally accepted their responsibility for the way things were going and asked God’s forgiveness.

The liturgy for the Eucharist on Ash Wednesday is pretty up front about our responsibility and our longing to be forgiven. It is a powerful service, and we invite you join with us on this first step of the Lenten journey from ashes to Easter.

Schedule: 7:00 am; 12:15 pm; 6:30 pm (with choir and hymns).

Palm Sunday - The liturgy for Palm Sunday carries us into Holy Week. Services begin with the reenactment of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.  The main service at ten begins outside (weather permitting) with the Liturgy of the Palms and a joyful procession into the sanctuary.  From there the mood of the service is over-shadowed by the coming confrontation of the Powers, and the suffering and crucifixion of Jesus.  The reading of the Passion forms the heart of the Liturgy with the Table where the meaning and hope of the darkest days of our Lord are remembered and offered up.

Schedule:Services at 8:00am; 10:00am with nursery care.

Tenebrae, Wednesday March 31 at 7:00 pm -The word ‘tenebrae’ is Latin for shadows. The purpose of the Tenebrae service is to recreate the emotional aspects of the passion story. It is a quiet service to prepare us for the Holy Days ahead.  Our service is led by the youth of the parish.

Maundy Thursday Rite, April 1 at 6:30 pm -The liturgy for Maundy Thursday is rich and powerful.   At this service, we enact that commandment to serve in love in the re-enactment of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. After the sermon, the rector invites all to come forward to have their feet washed by one of the priests of the parish. Those who come forward then dry the hands or feet of those who come after them, transforming this symbol of service into a sacramental action shared by all. The service continues with the celebration of the Eucharist in the context of a communal meal.

The service concludes with the stripping and cleansing of the altar in preparation for Good Friday. The Maundy Thursday Watch begins immediately after. At the watch, the reserve sacrament is kept and parishioners gather in prayer throughout the night until Good Friday.

Schedule: Dinner and Service, 6:30 pm

Prayer Vigil, April 1- All who wish are welcome to join this all night watch in the chapel beginning with the end of the Maundy Thursday Rite. Come and go at any hour through the night until 12:00 pm Friday, when we begin the Good Friday liturgy. To show that each hour is covered, please sign up on the schedule posted in the Parish Hall.

Good Friday, April 2 - We mark the hours of the crucifixion with the Good Friday Liturgy. A dramatic reading of St. John’s Passion is read as part of the service, and there is one sermon. The service concludes with communion, using bread and wine consecrated at the Maundy Thursday Rite. The church remains open and silent after the service. At 3 pm, the bell tolls, marking the traditional hour of Jesus’ death.  This Liturgy is quiet and reflective, even heavy with solemn remembrance.

Schedule:
Service at Grace - 7:00 am
Confessions by Appointment - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Community Service 12:15 pm at Central United Methodist
Good Friday Service at Grace - 6:30 pm

Holy Saturday Service and The Great Vigil of Easter, April 3 - We are gathered for the wake of a loved one, or so it seems. Dramatic stories of salvation from the Bible are told including creation and the flood. We kindle the new fire of Easter and light the Paschal candle and carry it into the church where we hear the chanted words of the Exsultet with its announcement that God is at work in this mysterious night. The service continues with the sermon and baptism.  We move quickly to the first Eucharist of Easter and a festive reception in the Commons. The fast is over, and the feast begins. Christ is risen!  He is risen, indeed!

Schedule:
Holy Saturday Service - 9:00 am
Confessions by Appointment - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
The Great Vigil of Easter- 8:00 pm

Easter Sunday, April 4 - Holy Week concludes with the greatest feast of the Christian year, the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. We mark the occasion with unbridled festivity, pulling out all the stops in our liturgy and music. At 8:00 am and 10:00 am music is led by the Choir accompanied by brass quartet. Nursery care is available for children 4 and younger during the 10 o’clock service. Wear your brightest colors and biggest smiles.

Schedule:
8:00 am Easter Service
10:00 am Easter Service with Nursery care