HOLY WEEK
PALM SUNDAY/THE SUNDAY OF THE PASSION – April 5th
Worship at 8:45 & 11:15 a.m.
The procession with palms takes us back to Jerusalem on that day of seeming triumph. However, by the time worship ends we will have also experienced the deep sadness of Jesus’ passion and death. The liturgies include the procession of palms, a dramatic reading of the Passion of our Lord according to Matthew, Holy Communion, and special music.
THE GREAT THREE DAYS
MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 9th
Worship at 7:30 p.m.
The Holy Thursday liturgy focuses on three actions: First, the Confession of sins and announcement of forgiveness that brings to a conclusion the Lenten journey that began on Ash Wednesday. Second, we celebrate the meal of our deliverance, taking our place at the supper Jesus shared with his disciples. Third, we will watch the stripping of the altar which symbolizes the humiliation that Jesus experienced on the night of his arrest.
GOOD FRIDAY – April 10th
On this day, the church remembers the death of our Lord on the cross, but more than that we look to the cross as the sign and reality of God’s triumph over sin and death.
3:00 Stations of the Cross – We walk the way of the cross with Jesus, marking the events leading to his death with scripture readings and hymns. A large cross is present in the chancel as a focal point for our prayer and devotion.
7:30 Tenebrae – Through the extinguishing of candles and deepening darkness, we hear the Suffering Servant song of Isaiah and the Passion according to John, the traditional readings of the church on Good Friday. John witnesses to the culmination of Jesus’ ministry: God’s glory in the cross.
THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
VIGIL OF EASTER at Grace Episcopal Church Saturday, April 11th
At 7:00 in the evening, we gather around the “new fire” of the resurrection. We join with other Christians from the Norwood community and wait in expectation for the announcement: “The Lord is risen” The Easter Vigil is an ancient and powerful celebration of the new life that springs from Jesus’ empty tomb. Waiting in a darkened church we hear the salvation story, from the creation, through the Exodus and the prophets, ending with the word of resurrection joy.
Bring bells to ring at the alleluias in worship during the Easter Vigil and on Easter Sunday.
EASTER MORNING SERVICES – April 12th
On this day, Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. Filled with hope, we go forth to share the news that Christ is risen!
8:45 Traditional Easter Worship will be celebrated with the return of the Alleluia, joyful hymns, an Easter message, holy communion, and the joy of our celebration of Christ’s resurrection .
EASTER BREAKFAST will be served in Kask Hall following the 8:45 liturgy. Sign up for breakfast food preparation and to reserve a place at the table.
11:15 Contemporary Easter worship will follow the style of contemporary worship that has become so much a part of Emmanuel’s weekly experience. It will include the return of the Alleluia, joyful hymns, an Easter message, Holy Communion, and the joy of our celebration of Christ’s resurrection.