Holy Week begins on Sunday, April 9, 2017 as we celebrate Palm Sunday. We celebrate and remember
that on that day, Jesus rides into the holy city of Jerusalem on a donkey while people spread garments
on the ground before him and shout, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" Quickly,
that sentiment fades and Jesus is arrested and handed over to be executed by hanging on a cross, a sign
of ultimate betrayal and torture. As Holy Week continues, we enter into the Triduum, the great Three
Days, where we experience the Last Supper with his disciples, his trial and mocking before Pilate, and
ultimately his crucifixion on Good Friday. Then we make our way to the dawn of Easter where we
rejoice and join in the first Holy Communion of Easter proclaiming once and for all that Christ has been
raised!
Palm Sunday- April 9, 2017- 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.
Our Palm Sunday Liturgy is called the Cry of the Congregation from Pastor Walter Wangerin Jr. and it
recreates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem as we wave our palms and make our procession
into the church. This joyful mood soon changes as we move into the contemplation of our Lord's Passion
during the Gospel reading. Thus, Holy Week begins.
A SHAMA Community Palm Sunday Service will be held at Hope Reformed Church at 7:00 p.m. Join
sisters and brothers from other churches as we mark the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem and start Holy Week
together.
Maundy Thursday- April 13, 2017- 7:00 p.m.
The Maundy Thursday service is one of endings and beginnings. What was begun on Ash Wednesday is
brought to a close here today. What begins today does not end until the resurrection of Easter. We join
together in hearing the command of Jesus to love one another as he has loved us, and the altar is
stripped bare reminding us of Jesus’ arrest and trial.
Good Friday- April 14, 2017- 7:00 p.m.
The Good Friday Liturgy is marked with austerity, silence and reflection. The chancel itself is bare from
the Maundy Thursday stripping. Everything focuses on our adoration of the crucified Christ, who rules,
surprisingly, from the throne of the cross.
A SHAMA Community Good Friday Service will be held at noon at First Assembly of God and will focus on
reflections from the 7 last words of Jesus from the cross.
Easter Sunday- April 16- 7:00 a.m., 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
As we have walked together through Lent and as we have pressed on through Jerusalem and all of the
events surrounding Jesus' death, we gather at last to celebrate the empty tomb. Christ has been raised
from the dead, death no longer has hold over Him, or us! Join us this day as we celebrate the good
news of life in the midst of death and the feast of joy in God's presence! Invite someone to come along
with you to hear the good news!
Please note that in lieu of Sunday School on Easter, Peace Café will serve a scrumptous Easter
Brunch starting at 9:00 a.m. After the Sunrise Service, there will be donuts and coffee available
for anyone who wants to stay.
At 10:00 a.m. we will hold our annual Easter Fair with an Easter Egg Hunt and games and crafts
for children in between services! Everyone is invited to stay for brunch and the egg hunt. Thank
you to Peace Café and the Christian Education Committee for offering these events for us!