Holy Week at St. Michael's

Holy Week is a time of sacred worship, marking the end of Lent and Jesus' final days before the resurrection. In these worship services, ancient practices are brought into today's world providing moments for us to pause and reflect on God's presence in our lives. 

Though spread out over the course of many days, we consider our Holy Week services to be one worship experience as we remember God's story of community, suffering, death, and new life. 

Come as you are for Holy Week worship! 

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Palm Sunday

April 5th
8:45 a.m. & 11:00 p.m. 
Worship begins with a palm processional starting in the Fellowship Hall and ending in the Sanctuary. Those who do not wish to participate can remain in the Sanctuary

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week.
Today we remember Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The people of Jerusalem shout cries of “Hosanna!” and it is a cry for help; the Hebrew word “Hosanna” means “Save us, now!”  At first, the crowds celebrate the saving presence of Jesus but, in a matter of days, the same shouts of joy will turn
into cries of condemnation as Jesus is betrayed and crucified by the people. We remember the human    capacity and complexity to love as well as create pain.

​Maundy Thursday

April 9th
​12:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Afternoon worship is held in the Courtyard Room. Evening worship is held in the Sanctuary.

Maundy Thursday is the day on which we remember Jesus’ final night with his disciples prior to his betrayal and arrest. The name "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, which means mandate, or command. On Maundy Thursday we reflect on the mandatum nova — the new command:  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.   By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,  if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
Jesus gives this command during the Lord’s Supper, just after washing the disciples’ feet and declaring to them that they are to follow his example in serving one another.

We will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion, and we welcome all to the Lord's Table! There will be an opportunity to have either your hands or feet washed. 
 

 
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​Good Friday Tenebrae

April 10th
7:00 p.m.
Sanctuary 

The word "tenebrae" comes from the Latin word meaning "darkness" or “shadows.” The Tenebrae service is an ancient Christian service during Holy Week that makes use of gradually diminishing light through the extinguishing of candles to
symbolize the events of Holy Week from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, through his betrayal, to his burial.

The cross was not created by God, but was a tool of the empire. At this service, we will lament Jesus' death, and the many other places of death and suffering that our world faces today.
 

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Easter Sunday

April 12th
8:45 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Join us for Easter Breakfast before each worship service in the Fellowship Hall! Funds support the youth service trip to Alaska.

Easter is God's response to the cross - the power of death is no match for God's love! On this day, we celebrate that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, and remember that this promise of life and love is ours. God's resurrecting love will always win. 

We will celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion, and we welcome all to the Lord's Table! ​
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