Holy Week Worship @ ECOTA

Palm Sunday: March 24

8:00 am:  In-person worship in the Sanctuary with Holy Communion

10:00 am:  Procession starts at 9:45 am outdoors near the Labyrinth. In-person worship in the Sanctuary with Holy Communion & Live Streamed.

 

This Sunday before Easter is the last Sunday in Lent. The day commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem with a blessing of palms and a procession in which the whole congregation carries palms. The day is also marked by reading the story of Jesus’ passion (the word used to describe Jesus’ death comes from “suffering,” which is one older meaning of passion). 


Maundy Thursday: March 28

7:00 pm:  In-person worship in the Sanctuary with Holy Communion, Foot Washing, and the Stripping of the Altar

 

“Love one another, as I have loved you.” This is the new mandate (commandment) Jesus gave to his disciples this night. He washed their feet as a servant, and gave to them, and to us, the Holy Meal of The Eucharist (Communion). Jesus was shaping his disciples in servanthood to one another, the least and the outcast. And this servanthood is grounded on holy fellowship, with God and all humanity at the table he set for us. Maundy Thursday was only the beginning! We are called to be servants, Maundy Christians, every day.

Good Friday: March 29

11:00 am:  Stations of the Cross in the Sanctuary

12:00 pm:  (Noon) Good Friday Liturgy

7:00 pm:  Good Friday Liturgy

 

What's good about a Friday when Christ dies? The goodness is found in the Passion story in the Gospel according to John we always read on Good Friday, where the cross is not a defeat, but a victory over the powers of death, sin, and darkness. We leave the church this day in silence. It is an opportunity for each of us to meditate on Jesus' Passion and his great love and sacrifice for each of us.

“Love is at the heart of the meaning of the cross. Love is at the heart of the life Christ calls us to live. Love is at the heart of the movement Jesus began and which we live in our own time.” — Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Right Rev. Michael Curry.


Holy Saturday: March 30

7:00 pm:  The Great Vigil of Easter

 

The Great Vigil of Easter is one of the oldest known rites of the Christian church, dating back to the second century. It brings worshippers, literally and symbolically, from darkness into light. Beginning in darkness after sunset on Holy Saturday, the vigil starts with the lighting of a fire, illuminating the darkness. The service is comprised of four parts: The Service of Light; The Service of Lessons; Christian Initiation (Holy Baptism) or the Renewal of Baptismal Vows; and the Eucharist (Holy Communion). It has been observed that the four sections of the service can be compared with fire, air, water, and earth, the four primal elements of the cosmos. The vigil’s history evokes that sense of the primal, of foundational beginning. The drama and ancient beauty of the Great Vigil of Easter opens for us the mystery and wonder of God in the Risen Christ. Alleluia!

Easter, Day of Resurrection: March 31

8:00 am:  In-person worship in the Sanctuary with Holy Communion

10:00 am:  In-person worship in the Sanctuary & Live Streamed

 

Easter Day is the annual feast of the resurrection. Faith in Jesus’ resurrection on the Sunday or third day following his crucifixion is at the heart of Christian belief. This is the day when we mark that Christ is alive, and through his resurrection, we, too, are given the gift of life. Jesus breaks the bonds of death, breaking them on our behalf.  Let the joy of our Alleluias ring!!