HOLY WEEK 2023

Stories shape us, they mold us, and they give us an identity that often directs the love of our heart.  All of us have a story. However, for the Christian, the story of Jesus Christ is to be the primary story that shapes us.  Time and time again the New Testament calls our life to follow the pattern of the life of Jesus in his death and resurrection (Philippians 2:1-11).  Holy Week is a chance for us to, once again, enter into the story of Jesus, especially his final few days on this earth.  We will have three services this year (see below) where we will read aloud many portions of Scripture, engage in songs of worship, hear brief teachings from these stories and take intentional time for prayer, listening to God and responding to His Spirit.  Our prayer is that the Spirit of Jesus can once again pour into our hearts his command to love one another (Maundy Thursday), share in the sorrow of our own sin and the violent death of Christ (Good Friday), and celebrate the joy of his conquering death and raising from the grave (Easter Sunday).  

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(there will be no child care for Maundy Thursday/Good Friday, and only nursery for Easter, but we highly encourage you to bring your children to participate!)

 

IMG_2251 Large4/6: MAUNDY THURSDAY
7pm 

Maundy comes from a latin word meaning "command."  Our Maundy Thursday service will visit the story of the Last Supper, of Peter's coming trial, and the final command of Christ to love one another (John 13:34).  We will observe a special time of  communion together.

 

 

 

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4/7 GOOD FRIDAY
(Tenebrae service)
7pm

A tenebrae service often includes a darkened room, full of candles that are slowly extinguished.  In the end, the Christ candle will lose its light, and we exit in darkness.  This will be a night of sorrow as we remember the story of Jesus's death, mourning over our sin that he took upon his own shoulders.  Traditionally this is a more somber service as we prepare for the celebration of his resurrection.  

 

flowering cross

4/9: EASTER SUNDAY
10am

Jesus is risen!  For years, Immanuel has brought about a beautiful picture of this through the congregational flowering of the cross.  The instrument of death has led to an empty tomb!  We will end Holy Week (and for many, a lengthy time of fasting and prayer) with joy, worship and celebration!  We will also have a fun, brief play for the children, as well as a small gift for them.  Come, bring a friend, and celebrate the risen Christ!