PALM SUNDAY recalls Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On this day we have the Blessing of the Palms and procession. The mood of the Palm Sunday service then shifts from triumphal entry into the Passion. The Passion Gospel is read in parts, with the entire congregation reading the part of the crowd, a reminder that this story is our story. The Junior Choir will sing at the 10:30 AM Eucharist.

Beginning the evening of Palm Sunday we will pray the Stations of the Cross at 6:30 every evening of Holy Week. Fourteen pictures depicting incidents from Christ’s last journey from His trial to His entombment are hung around the church. We walk from station to station. At each one related Scripture is read, along with prayer. For many, this is an excellent aid in increasing the meaning of Holy Week. At 6:25 PM, Mother Liza will do a brief explanation for those for whom this is a new experience.

MAUNDY THURSDAY is a day when we remember a number of events, specifically, the institution of the Last Supper, the betrayal, agony in the garden, arrest, and trial. "Maundy" comes from the Latin word "mandatum" meaning "commandment" as on this night Christ gave us a new commandment: that we love one another as He has loved us. Following the celebration of the Eucharist is the Stripping of the Altar, while Psalm 22 is chanted. This represents Christ being stripped of His garments. Following that is the night watch in the chapel. People may sign up to sit in the chapel for one hour, from 8 PM Maundy Thursday to Noon on Good Friday. This is done to recall the agony in the garden and Christ’s question to His disciples, "Could you not watch with me one hour?" This is a good time for prayer and/or reading. There will be a sign up sheet is on the bulletin board.

GOOD FRIDAY is the day we recall Christ’s crucifixion. Because every Eucharist is a celebration of the resurrection, the Eucharist is not celebrated on this day. Instead, there is the Good Friday Liturgy with the Mass of the Pre-Sanctified (communion from the Reserved Sacrament). Additional bread and wine are consecrated on Maundy Thursday so that we can receive communion on this day even though there is no Eucharistic celebration.