lent &
Easter
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent: a time of penitence, fasting, and prayer, in preparation for the great feast of the resurrection. Throughout the Old Testament, ashes are used as a sign of sorrow and repentance, and Christians have traditionally used ashes to indicate sorrow for our own sin, and as a reminder that the wages of sin is death. The ashes imposed on our foreheads in the sign of the cross remind us that we are mortal and under God's divine judgment, but also that we marked as Christ's own in baptism.
We invite you to join us for weekly worship throughout the season of Lent.
On Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The service begins with “the Procession of the Palms,” where worshippers hold palm branches as they process into the church, proclaiming, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." The tone of the service shifts with the dramatic reading of the Passion narrative where we remember Jesus' trial and crucifixion.
Maundy Thursday commemorates the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper and Christ’s washing of the disciples’ feet. The word “Maundy” derives from mandatum, meaning “mandate” or “commandment,” about Jesus’ words: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." This service concludes with the Stripping of the Altar and Tenebrae, a liturgy which moves us from light into the darkness of the crucifixion.
On Good Friday, we remember the events leading up to and including the Crucifixion. At the Stations of the Cross we journey with Jesus from his trial to his crucifixion, remembering all that he has done on our behalf. At the Good Friday liturgy we listen to the Passion Narrative from John's Gospel and read the Solemn Collects.
Between covering all of salvation history in a single service, saying “Alleluia!” again for the first time since the beginning of Lent, and celebrating the Resurrection with the first Holy Eucharist of Easter, this is a unique service! Additionally, this is the service at which people were traditionally baptized and welcomed into the Church.
On Easter Sunday, we remember and celebrate the triumphal Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! Easter Sunday then kicks off a period of 50 days traditionally known as Eastertide — ending with Pentecost Sunday.
40 days after Easter Sunday we remember Jesus' ascension to the right hand of the Father. Join us for Holy Eucharist, followed by S'mores on the patio.
