Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Palms and Eucharist

March 24, 10:30 a.m.

On this day, we re-enact the procession of Jesus into Jerusalem with a blessing of the palms, songs of Hosanna, and a procession into the church. The tone of the liturgy turns from celebratory to solemn as we read the Passion Narrative and, as observers, experience the wide range of emotions and responses to Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion.

As Holy week progresses we are invited by our liturgy to return, not as observers, but as participants in the way of Jesus, sharing in the fullness of his experience. We will sit at his table on Maundy Thursday, stand at the foot of the cross on Good Friday, and rejoice at the news of his resurrection on Easter Day.

 Maundy Thursday Liturgy and Eucharist

March 28, 7:00 p.m.

The word “maundy” is derived from the Latin word “mandatum” which means commandment. More precisely, it refers to the “new commandment” that we hear in our reading from the Gospel of John on this day, the Love Commandment, the commandment that Jesus gives his disciples, and all of us, “to love one another, as I have loved you.” The service itself is hauntingly lovely, and includes foot washing and Eucharist, ending with the stripping of the altar.

 Good Friday Liturgy

March 29, 7:00 p.m.

We are not really sure of the historical basis for calling the day of Jesus’ crucifixion “Good Friday,” but it is most likely referring to the word “good” as meaning “holy.” In fact, in the Eastern churches, both Catholic and Orthodox, as well as in the non-Germanic western churches, the day is referred to as “Holy Friday.” At this service, we enter the story of Jesus’ passion, offering prayers at the foot of the cross.

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil

March 30, 7:30 p.m.

The Great Vigil of Easter was re-introduced to our liturgy in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer, but we know it to be one of the most ancient of Christian rites. In the early centuries of Christianity, it was the primary celebration of the resurrection and a time when those who had been in training for as long as three years were finally baptized. It is regarded today by many as the most important service of the church year, even though it is relatively “new” to us.

Easter Day Holy Baptism and Eucharist

March 31, 10:30 a.m.

We celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Day, another central day for baptisms. By the way, we don’t refer to that day as “Easter Sunday.” This is because every Sunday is Easter Sunday as we proclaim Christ resurrected each week of the year. Easter Day is that special Sunday which brings our Lenten season to an end and restarts the cycle of worship and celebration in which we partake throughout the year.

Easter Egg Hunt & Potluck Coffee Hour

March 31, 12:00 p.m.

Join us in this annual church tradition as we welcome parishioners, friends, and neighbors of all ages. Please bring a brunch dish or dessert to share.

Annual Good Friday Church HillStations of the Cross

On Good Friday the Church Hill Community will embark on on its yearly pilgrimage through Church Hill to pray the 12 Stations of the Cross

Participants will assemble by 12:00 noon at Patrick Henry Park, across from the church, for introductory remarks and prayer before proceeding on their journey, stopping at the various stations throughout the neighborhood for brief, poignant meditations.

The last station will be in the St. John's Churchyard at 3:00 p.m.. Our rector, Rev. Amelie Wilmer, will be the preacher.

This event has been a tradition co-sponsored by Pax Christi-Richmond, Richmond Hill, and several Church Hill Churches, including St. John's Church, since the mid-'70s.

 There will be mobile transportation for those unable to walk along with the group.

Friday, March 29

Beginning 12 noon, Patrick Henry Park

Ending 3:00 p.m., St. John's Church yard