Special Services

The Sunday of the Passion or Palm Sunday, marks the beginning of Holy Week, when we recall Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem and Jesus’ Passion on the cross. We will follow our regular worship schedule of 8:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:30 PM. We will gather outside the church for the 11:00 AM and 5:30 PM Celtic Service service for the Liturgy of the Palms. The 8:00 AM service will gather at the baptismal font.

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

A joyful and triumphant Palm Procession around the churchyard and a walk through Holy Week led by Fr. Eric.

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday during Holy Week,  we gather in the Chapel of St. Peter and St. Paul at noon. During these quiet liturgies, we will hear gospel lessons that recount the final days of Jesus’ life.  Monday Morning Prayer, Tuesday and Wednesday Holy Eucharist.

“Maundy” comes from the Latin word “mandatum” (“commandment”), referring both to Christ’s words “a new commandment I give you, that you love one another as I have loved you” and to Christ’s command to celebrate the Eucharist. In this service we remember the Passover and the institution of the Holy Eucharist. The Maundy Thursday Liturgy concludes with the stripping of the altar by the clergy and the singing of Psalm 22 by the choir.

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen. 

A service of foot washing and communion, remembering Jesus’ new commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

On Good Friday we observe the Passion of Jesus Christ: recalling Jesus’ arrest, torture, and crucifixion.  The service begins and ends in silence. The Passion Gospel and Solemn Collects are read. We do not celebrate the Holy Eucharist.  Although it is a day of great solemnity, devotion, self-examination, and prayer, it is also a day of restrained anticipation, promise and hope.

A service of the Stations of the cross is held at 3 PM in the churchyard.

Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

A special Stations of the Cross for children with prayers and lots of opportunity for wondering.

The Great Vigil is the culmination of Holy Week and begins in darkness.  We light the new fire outside and carry it by candlelight into the church, sharing it with neighbors to hear the stories of God’s relentless love.  Then as we welcome Easter with the first celebration of the Resurrection, we celebrate baptism and renew our own baptismal vows.  This unique service is the height of the church’s year of grace.

Collect for the Easter Vigil

O God, who for our redemption gave your only-begotten Son to the death of the cross, and by his glorious resurrection delivered us from the power of our enemy: Grant us so to die daily to sin, that we may evermore live with him in the joy of his resurrection; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen. 

Alleluia, Christ is Risen!

     The Lord is risen indeed! Alleluia!

10:00 a.m.  Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Lawn. We will meet on the front steps for the annual picture prior to the hunt. Don’t’ forget your basket!

11:00 a.m. Easter Celebration of the Resurrection with the parish’s three choirs, brass, and percussion. The nursery will be available.

5:30 p.m. Easter Celebration of Celtic Evening Prayer.

Collect for Easter Day

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen. 

The Prayer Book notes Holy Baptism is especially appropriate on four dates: at the Easter Vigil, on the Day of Pentecost, on All Saints’ Day or All Saints’ Sunday, and on the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord.

We will celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism on Saturday, April 19, the Easter Vigil. All who wish to be baptized are invited to contact Fr. Eric

Collect for Baptism
Almighty God, by our baptism into the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, you turn us from the old life of sin: Grant that we, being reborn to new life in him, may live in righteousness and holiness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.