HOLY WEEK 2025
DURING HOLY WEEK
Stations of the Cross: In addition to the services of Holy Week, the Way of the Cross is an edifying devotion to walk us through the final days of Lent. This practice arose from the custom of pilgrims praying at a series of locations in Jerusalem traditionally associated with our Lord’s passion and death. Adapted for local use in churches and other appropriate places, the ‘Stations of the Cross’ may serve as a mini-pilgrimage of sorts. The Stations will be available beginning on Palm Sunday and open for self-guided reflection several days throughout Holy Week.
Home Liturgy: During Holy Week, you are invited to "keep watch with Christ" and pray at home for an hour. A liturgy is provided to direct your time if desired. You can find a pdf of the liturgy here. Deacon Jeremiah has also recorded an audio guide through the liturgy, which you can access below.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
Sunday, April 13: Palm Sunday Service/ 11:00 a.m.
Join us for this special Sunday morning service as we enter Holy Week and walk with Jesus from the triumphal entry through his Passion. This service begins outside with the Liturgy of the Palms, then moves into the sanctuary where we join in an interactive reading of the passion narrative and prepare ourselves to walk through the final days of Lent. Note: if for any reason you would rather not walk in with the crowd, feel free to sit in the sanctuary and wait to welcome the procession!
Students (grades 6-12): You are invited to meet at 9:30 a.m. as usual. The plan is to gather in the youth room, then walk to get bagels. After that, there is the opportunity to help hand out palm fronds before the worship service begins. Contact Deacon Ben with any questions.
Parents: We will have limited children's classrooms available. Everyone will meet before service outside in the front of the church for the Liturgy of the Palms. Then, parents of kids 0-5 years old will be able to check their children into classrooms downstairs during the processional into the sanctuary. Older children are invited to participate in the main service (activity packets will be provided).
Wednesday, April 16: Midweek Morning Prayer / 9:00 a.m.
This service combines the morning prayer liturgy with listening prayer and Lectio Divina. Typically attended by 10-15 people seated in a circle, this is a time of strong connection—both to God and each other. On April 16, we will focus on readings specific to Holy Week.
Wednesday, April 16: Compline with Holy Communion and Stripping of the Altar / 7:00 p.m.
Featuring simple, repetitive songs for contemplation, silent time for personal prayer, scripture passages, and traditional prayers for the evening, Compline is offered as a space to breathe and encounter the Lord midway through the week. This Compline service will include communion as we meditate on Christ's Passion, and will conclude with the traditional "stripping of the altar" to prepare for the solemnity of Tenebrae and Good Friday.
Thursday, April 17: Tenebrae / 7:00 p.m.
The name Tenebrae (the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows”) is an extended meditation upon, and a prelude to, the events in our Lord’s life between the Last Supper and the Resurrection. The most conspicuous feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles and other lights in the church until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. Please note that while children are welcome, no childcare will be available for this service and it may be challenging for younger children.
Friday, April 18: Good Friday Services / 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
On this most somber day of the church year, we call to mind Jesus' suffering and death, and our great redemption through his work on the Cross. The midday service is offered by Advent Anglican, and includes time for silence, meditation on scripture, prayer, and devotion before the cross. The evening service is offered by WCC.
Saturday, April 19: Holy Saturday Easter Vigil & Break-the-Fast Feast / 5:00 p.m.
This is the moment when we cross over with Christ from Lent into Easter, from the grave to resurrection! Join us as we light the Easter fire and Christ's light breaks into the darkness, trace God's story of redemption through scripture readings, renew your baptismal vows, and add your volume to the "Great Noise" as we ring in the first Alleluia of Easter (bring a noisemaker with you for this)! Afterward, we continue the celebration with the Break-the-Fast potluck feast!
Sunday, April 20: Easter Sunday Service / 10:00 a.m.
The Lord is risen! As our journey through Holy Week reaches its culmination, come celebrate the resurrection with us at this joyful Sunday morning service. This service will include baptisms. Please note the special start time of 10:00 a.m. Also, no children's classes will be open on this day, but activity packets will be provided. After the service, kids 11 years old and younger are invited to join us in the playground area for an egg hunt!