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 service for the Liturgy of the Palms. The 8:00 AM service will gather at the baptismal font.

Make a Palm Cross: Meet in Tyler Hall, 9 – 10:30 AM

For children: Fr. Eric will lead a joyful and triumphant palm procession around the churchyard. The Children will meet at 10 AM.

Collect for The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday
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.

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

Collect for The Monday in Holy Week
Almighty God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified: Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.

During Christian formation classes our children learn that the events we remember in Holy Week cannot be separated from the Resurrection; this is the “Mystery of Easter.” During Holy Week we offer services especially for children focused on sharing these Holy stories in meaningful ways. Our youth take leadership roles as readers and leaders. We look forward to sharing this time with you and your family.

Palm Sunday, March 24, 10 AM: A joyful and triumphant Palm Procession around the churchyard led by Fr. Eric

Maundy Thursday, March 28, 5:30 PM: A service of foot washing and communion, remembering Jesus’ new commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Good Friday, March 29, 2 PM: A special Stations of the Cross for children with prayers and lots of opportunity for wondering.

Easter Egg Hunt: March 31, 10 AM:  The Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Lawn precedes our 11 AM service.  Meet on the front steps for a picture. Don’t forget your basket!

“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.

For children beginning at 5:30 PM: service of foot washing and communion, remembering Jesus’ new commandment, “Love one another as I have loved you.”

Collect for Maundy Thursday
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.

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.

For children beginning at 2 PM: a special Stations of the Cross for children with prayers and lots of opportunity for wondering.

The Way of the Cross, 3:30 PM

Collect for Good Friday
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.

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, March 30, 2024 at the Great 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.

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!

11:00 AM Easter Celebration of the Resurrection with the parish’s three choirs, Brass, and Percussion. The nursery will be available. (The Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Lawn begins at 10 AM. Meet at the front steps.)

5:30 PM Easter Celebration of Celtic Evening Prayer. Celeste Ray will be our guest musician.

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.