Plans for Holy Week

I just finished typing up notes from the Worship Committee meeting which we held after church today.  Louise, Linda, Rosanna, Laureen, Pastor Dana, and I discussed the upcoming Holy Week plans for worship.  WOW!  A lot is going on!

Folks, I encourage you to attend the services during Holy Week!

Palm Sunday (April 14):  at St John, our children and youth will lead the procession, waving the traditional palm leaves at the beginning of service.  

Maundy Thursday (April 18):  we will meet at Genesee Valley Lutheran at 6 p.m. to partake in a modified Seder Meal to learn some of the traditions of the people of Jesus' time.  At 7 p.m. we'll have a Maundy Thursday service, where the altar will be stripped at the end of the service.

Good Friday (April 19):  This touching service begins with our entering the sanctuary in silence, have our service and the Bidding Prayers.  At the end of the service, we leave the sanctuary in silence again.  What a mournful time.

Easter Vigil (April 20):  At 7 in the evening, we'll gather at the front entrance stairs of St John.  A fire will be lit.  We'll process into the sanctuary.  The Easter Paschal candle will be lit and then the small candles which we each hold will be lit.  During the service, Chelsea's sons will be baptized!  The Vigil Readings will be read, reminding us of the history of our church.  We will remember the waiting for Jesus (and we know the secret--Jesus REALLY WILL ARISE!)

Easter Sunday (April 21):  What a special time this will be!  We will have the traditional service where the children will be part of the pomp and circumstance, bringing flowers to dress the cross and to share the words ALLELUIA with us again!  We'll sing traditional Easter hymns that fill us with joy.  This is the day that we love to celebrate because this is the day that gives us purpose!  

I encourage all of you to take some time to participate in these moving services as we remember the special days that led to Easter--the most special time of our Christian faith!  Reliving the last days of Jesus life and of the glorious rising from the dead is emotional and rewarding and fulfilling.

Please join us!