Holy Week

Thursday in Holy Week (Maundy Thursday) at 5:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall

On the day before he was arrested, Jesus gathered with his friends for a meal, the washing of feet, and the proclamation of a new commandment to love one another. Remembering that night, we will gather to break bread, to pray, and to be washed clean during an Agape Meal. Agape (ah-GAHP-ay) is the Greek word for the highest form of love; this service is sometimes known as a love-feast. This custom originated in the early church and will be a time of holy fellowship for us as it was for the first Christians. All are welcome, and footwashing is not mandatory–so even if you’re not sure about that ritual, join us as we gather at the table to draw close to one another and to Jesus. This offering is for everyone and it is also suitable for families with children. The menu will include kid-friendly options.

Holy Eucharist, 7:30 p.m. in the church

with Stripping, Washing and Anointing of the Altar and
Procession of the Sacrament to the Altar of Repose

This service is one of the most deeply moving of the year. “Maundy” Thursday takes its name from Jesus’ new commandment (mandatum)–love one another–given to his disciples at the Last Supper, when Jesus washed their feet before they shared their final meal together. Maundy Thursday recalls the institution of the Lord’s Supper, followed by Christ’s anguish in the Garden of Gethsemane, asking his disciples, “Could you not wait with me one hour?”

Following the Eucharist, members of the altar guild remove altar hangings, candles, flowers and all other adornments from the chancel. When the sanctuary (the area around the altar) is stripped bare, and the altar stands completely unadorned, we recall the desolation and abandonment Jesus knew at the time of his arrest, trial, and crucifixion. The altar is then washed, as a body would be washed for burial in the Jewish tradition, and the five crosses in the top of the altar, which symbolize the five wounds of Christ from his crucifixion (hands, feet, and side), are anointed with oil, as a body would be anointed according to Jewish custom.

The reserved sacrament is then processed to the Chapel of the Holy Spirit (the altar of repose) where it remains as parishioners take turns keeping vigil throughout the night.

All-night prayer vigil in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit beginning around 9 p.m.

An all-night vigil is kept in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit with the reserved sacrament and the vigil candle. The chapel is adorned with greenery and flowers to recall the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed in the hours before he was betrayed, tried and crucified. Participants take turns staying awake with Jesus, praying for one hour. A sign-up sheet is available at Information Central (the large table outside the parish office). The sign-up sheet is designed simply to ensure that at least two people are in the chapel each hour. If the time period you wish to come is already filled, feel free to come anyway. Security is present throughout the night.

The Liturgy for Good Friday, noon in the church

Today is the day of sorrows. With our altars and our hearts stripped bare, we confront the story of Jesus’ death on a cross. That cross was, and is, a place of desolation, where all hope seems lost. We know that this is not the end of the story, but we must not rush ahead to Easter without first standing at this intersection of life and death, hope and despair. During this solemn service, as we remember Jesus bearing his cross to Calvary for his crucifixion, a large wooden cross is carried into the church, and those who wish to will have the opportunity to reverence the cross. The Liturgy for Good Friday includes revised solemn collects that address the unfortunate legacy of antisemitism stemming from this liturgy.

Stations of the Cross on Good Friday in the church

Guided: 1:30 p.m.; self-guided, anytime from 2 to 4 p.m.

On Good Friday, you will see around the church icons representing 14 stations of the cross. The stations use the work of Laura James, a renowned artist whose sacred imagery draws on the rich tradition of Ethiopian iconography. The compelling images combine with Scripture readings, contemporary reflections, and timeless prayers to connect the story of Jesus’ death with the hurts and hopes of our world today. This practice–also called the Way of the Cross–is a local adaptation of a custom observed by pilgrims to Jerusalem: the offering of prayer at a series of places traditionally associated with our Lord’s passion and death.

Booklets with the prayers and readings will be available in the church.

Special Musical Offering at 5 p.m. in the church

Soprano Lauren Clay and countertenor Quinn Bitsas, with Baroque instrumentalists Janelle Davis, Chris Johnston, and Brady Lanier, will present Giovanni Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, a powerful setting of the 13th-century hymn commemorating Mary’s suffering during the crucifixion. Solo organ music will also be offered by Diana Chou and Brent te Velde.