Holy Week and Easter Schedule

Join us when we move through the services of Holy Week, culminating in the great celebrations of the resurrection at our Easter Services.Holy Week Evening Services: Mon., March 6, Tues., March 27, Wed., March 28Services of Holy Eucharist at 7 pmThese contemplative service lead us through the week leading up to the time of Jesus' betrayal, arrest, and crucifixionMaundy Thursday Supper and ServiceThursday, March 29Potluck Supper at 6 pm, with Holy Eucharist, Footwashing, and Stripping of the AltarThis much beloved gathering at St. John's begins with a simple potluck supper at 6 pm. Traditionally, we bring olives, hummus, pita, and other simple foods, sharing supper and communion at our tables, as we recall Jesus' last supper with his disciples. We process to the church for the ritual of foot washing, as Jesus invited his disciples to do to demonstrate their love for one another. That is followed   by stripping of the altar, reminding us of the desolation facing Jesus on the cross. The evening concludes with time before the Altar of Repose, where we are invited to watch and with with Jesus as he prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.Good Friday ServicesFriday, March 30Children's Service at 4:30Prayer Book Service at 7 pmThe 4:30 service, a participatory service, is especially designed to lead our children through the story of Jesus' trial and crucifixion. At 7 pm, we hear the Passion of Jesus Christ  according to St. John. The service begins and ends in silence.Holy SaturdaySaturday, March 31The Altar Guild gathers to polish communion vessels and prepare for the great feast ahead. Join them at 10 am in this ministry as we anticipate the great joy of Easter.The Great Vigil of Easter Saturday, March 31, 7 pmWe gather as night falls to light the new fire of Easter. In a darkened sanctuary, we listen by candlelight to the story of God's redeeming work from the beginning of creation. We then gather round the baptismal font  to renew our baptismal vows. We then hear the first proclamation of Easter, and begin the Easter feast with the celebration of Holy Communion around the altar. It's our first chance to sing "Alleluia" after the long Lenten fast. Bring bells of any shape and size to help ring in the resurrection news. A simple but festive reception follows, and you are invited to bring anything you would like, sweet or savory, to add to the table.Easter DaySunday, April 1Service of Holy Eucharist at 8 amFestival Service of Holy Eucharist with Choir at 10 amThe joy of Easter continues on Easter morning. Come for one of our services. After the 10 am service, we gather in front of the church for our traditional "parish photograph, and a bountiful reception follows in the Parish House. Our younger children will meet us for their Godly Play class, and there will also be be an Easter craft activity for them during Coffee Hour.