Blessings to you during this sacred time of Holy Week and the journey of the Three Days – Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.  The worship of these days invite us to walk with Jesus as we remember his passion and death in preparation of the celebration of Easter.   The joy of Easter is most deeply understood when observed through the remembrance of the giving of the great commandment to love, and the death and passion of Jesus.  You are invited to worship with us at St. Andrew’s or in your home congregations and with Christians around the world during these “Three Days” of prayer, remembrance and ritual.

Maundy Thursday, April 1:   6:00 Community Meal

7:00 Worship

The Lenten observance comes to an end at nightfall as we gather for worship on this day.  Forgiveness is offered for all.  Then, at the heart of the Maundy Thursday liturgy is Jesus’ commandment to love one another.  As Jesus washed the feet of his disciples, we are called to follow his example as we humbly care for one another, especially the poor and unloved.  The Maundy Thursday rite invites all for absolution, footwashing/handwashing and communion.   After communion the worship space is stripped of its adornments.  We leave hearing the words of Psalm 22.  There is no dismissal, awaiting day two of the journey.  *

Good Friday, April 2:   12:15-12:45 pm    Meditation and Prayer on The Seven Last Words of Christ

7:00 pm          Tenebrae Service

At the heart of the Good Friday liturgy is the passion according to John, which proclaims Jesus as a triumphant king who reigns from the cross. The ancient title for this day-the triumph of the cross-reminds us that the church gathers not to mourn this day but to celebrate Christ’s life-giving passion and to find strength and hope in the tree of life.  The Liturgy will also include an ancient bidding prayer offering petitions for all of the world.*

The Meditation at noon will include reflections and meditations on the seven last words of Christ on the cross.

The evening worship is a Tenebrae Service.  Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness.  A feature of the service is the gradual extinguishing of candles until only a single candle remains. Toward the end of the service, this Christ candle is hidden and a loud noise is made.  The Passion of our Lord is remembered. All leave in the darkness of the night awaiting day three of the journey.*

Holy Saturday, April 3

We will not be observing a formal Easter Vigil at St. Andrew’s, but this day is a time to remember the stories of God’s redemptive actions through all of history.  And it is the time when Christ passes over from darkness to light, from bondage to freedom, from death to life.   Please take a moment of quiet on this day to wonder about God’s saving actions in your own life.*

Easter Worship at St. Andrew’s, Sunday, April 4 -  10:30am

With this preparation the journey leads us to Easter, when through the darkness we can fully proclaim – Alleluia!  Christ has risen indeed!

See you in Church and have a blessed Holy Week,

Pr. Elaine