Holy Week Worship at St. Jacob’s
April 13-20, 2014
PALM SUNDAY / SUNDAY OF THE PASSION – April 13, 11am
On Sunday, April 13, our liturgy begins with the Palm Sunday procession, commemorating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Quickly the tone of the service changes as we meditate upon Jesus’ Passion and death. Because this story is so central to our faith, we hear Matthew’s account of the passion next Sunday and John’s version on Good Friday. Though Jesus is obedient even unto death on the cross, he is exalted by God. We gather to remember his offering for the life of the world, and to be fed by his life-giving mercy.
The Three Days
MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 17, 7pm
On the evening of Thursday, April 17, our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. 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 the unloved. At the Lord’s table we remember Jesus’ sacrifice of his life, even as we are called to offer ourselves in love for the life of the world.
GOOD FRIDAY – April 18, 7pm
Sanctuary open for prayer from 3 to 6:45pm
On Friday, April 18, our worship continues as Jesus is brought before Pilate, tried, beaten, mocked, and crucified on Good Friday. 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. In the ancient bidding prayer we offer petitions for all the world for whom Christ died.
EASTER VIGIL AT MUHLENBERG
If you have never experienced it, you are encouraged to keep the Vigil of Easter with your fellow believers at Muhlenberg Lutheran Church, Saturday, April 19, at 7:00pm. This service begins outside in Woodbine Cemetery with the new fire and continues with the Easter Proclamation and the great stories of God’s saving work in Scripture. The service hinges upon a Baptism, echoing the practice of the earliest Christians. Following the Baptism, the Vigil culminates in the joyous first celebration of the Resurrection!
The Resurrection of Our Lord – Easter
At 9:30am on Sunday, April 20, we will hold a new Easter service – a first celebration of the Resurrection. This service will begin in the cemetery with the new fire, include the inscription of the Paschal Candle (Christ candle), and culminate in a congregational Affirmation of Baptism. It will last about 30 minutes.
At 10:00am, there will be Sunday School activities and an Easter Egg Hunt for children, and fellowship for adults and families as well.
Then at 11:00am, we will continue with a festival service of Holy Communion celebrating the victory of Christ. The two services will be quite different, so feel free to join us for both!