Gathered for the Maundy Thursday Supper

Tonight, we being the Triduum – the three services that lead us to the first great celebration of Easter.  At 6 pm, we gather in the Parish House for a simple potluck supper – bring hummus, bread, cheese, crackers, crudite or whatever you would like.  If it is not convenient to bring some food or drink, come anyway – there is always plenty to share. We eat and celebrate the Eucharist around the tables, and then proceed to the church for foot washing, the stripping of the altar, and time to pray before the Altar of Repose – to stay and watch with Jesus during his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The Triduum is actually meant to be one uninterrupted service, so we will gather again on Good Friday – at 4:30 pm for a service for children, or at 7 pm for the Prayer Book liturgy of Good Friday.

Then on Saturday, the Great Vigil of Easter leads us from darkness to light, as we celebrate the first Good News of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Join us when we move through the services of Holy Week, culminating in the great celebrations of the resurrection at our Easter Services.

Holy Week Evening Services: Mon., March 6, Tues., March 27, Wed., March 28
Services of Holy Eucharist at 7 pm
These contemplative service lead us through the week leading up to the time of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion

Altar of Repose on Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday Supper and Service
Thursday, March 29
Potluck Supper at 6 pm, with Holy Eucharist, Footwashing, and Stripping of the Altar
This much beloved gathering at St. John’s begins with a simple potluck supper at 6 pm. Traditionally, we bring olives, hummus, pita, and other simple foods, sharing supper and communion at our tables, as we recall Jesus’ last supper with his disciples. We process to the church for the ritual of foot washing, as Jesus invited his disciples to do to demonstrate their love for one another. That is followed   by stripping of the altar, reminding us of the desolation facing Jesus on the cross. The evening concludes with time before the Altar of Repose, where we are invited to watch and with with Jesus as he prays in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Good Friday Services
Friday, March 30
Children’s Service at 4:30
Prayer Book Service at 7 pm
The 4:30 service, a participatory service, is especially designed to lead our children through the story of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion. At 7 pm, we hear the Passion of Jesus Christ  according to St. John. The service begins and ends in silence.

Holy Saturday
Saturday, March 31

The Altar Guild gathers to polish communion vessels and prepare for the great feast ahead. Join them at 10 am in this ministry as we anticipate the great joy of Easter.

The Great Vigil of Easter 
Saturday, March 31, 7 pm
We gather as night falls to light the new fire of Easter. In a darkened sanctuary, we listen by candlelight to the story of God’s redeeming work from the beginning of creation. We then gather round the baptismal font  to renew our baptismal vows. We then hear the first proclamation of Easter, and begin the Easter feast with the celebration of Holy Communion around the altar. It’s our first chance to sing “Alleluia” after the long Lenten fast. Bring bells of any shape and size to help ring in the resurrection news. A simple but festive reception follows, and you are invited to bring anything you would like, sweet or savory, to add to the table.

Easter Day at St. John’s

Easter Day
Sunday, April 1
Service of Holy Eucharist at 8 am
Festival Service of Holy Eucharist with Choir at 10 am

The joy of Easter continues on Easter morning. Come for one of our services. After the 10 am service, we gather in front of the church for our traditional “parish photograph, and a bountiful reception follows in the Parish House. Our younger children will meet us for their Godly Play class, and there will also be be an Easter craft activity for them during Coffee Hour.