St. John's Church

Palm Sunday Liturgy of the Palms and Eucharist

April 13, 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.

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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

April 17, 6:00 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

April 18, 6:00 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

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

April 20, 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

April 20, 12:00 noon

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.