Holy Week is a remarkable moment in the church calendar. Over the course of eight days we experience Christ’s passion together, from his triumphant entry into Jerusalem to his death on the cross to his unexpected resurrection on Easter morning. Join us as we journey together through the sights, sounds, and scents of Holy Week.
- 4/14: Palm Sunday marks the day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, welcomed by the shouts and singing of the people who hoped he would be their Messiah. We will sing and wave palm branches before experiencing a dramatic reading of the entire Passion of Jesus Christ according to Luke. Join us at 9:45 a.m. on the steps of the church.
- 4/18: Maundy Thursday takes its name from the word “mandare” which means “command.” It was on Thursday after dinner with his friends that Jesus commanded all of us to love one another just as he has loved us. At 7 p.m. we gather for the laying on of hands, the Lord’s Supper, and to wash one another’s hands or feet (you may want to consider footwear that is easy to take on and off). While foot washing and Holy Communion have a joyful feeling about them, at the close of the service we strip the altar bare in anticipation of Good Friday.
- 4/19: Good Friday is so named because of an old tradition of using the word “good” to mean “holy.” On this day we gather at 7 p.m. in a service of light and darkness as we remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ according to John. We remember that if God is present in death on a cross, there is nowhere in all creation where God cannot be. In all of our grief, misery, oppression, and death, Jesus is here with us. This solemn service ends in darkness and silence.
- 4/20: The great vigil of Easter is an ancient practice in which the church gathers to recall the entire history of salvation, from creation and the flood to the life and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This joyful and interactive worship service is fun for people of all ages, especially children, and not one to be missed. We join our neighbors at First Lutheran Church in Lynn at 6:30 p.m. for this shared service at their congregation, located at 280 Broadway, Lynn, MA 01904.
- 4/21: Hallelujah! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Hallelujah! On Easter Sunday we celebrate with festive worship, Easter lilies, and the return of the word “Hallelujah” to our church service. We celebrate Christ’s victory over death, and the promise that we, too, will experience resurrection. 9:45 a.m. worship, followed by coffee and fellowship time together.
First Lutheran Church 