This Sunday begins Holy Week. Holy Week is a quick way of describing the seven most critical days in Jesus' life and, therefore, in ours. The gospels dedicate between one-third and one-half of their verses to these seven days, a clear indication that the church has not exaggerated our emphasis on Holy Week.
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. Far more than a parade, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a strong political and religious statement. He was knowingly and intentionally engaging in what Roman and Jewish authorities could only count as subversion, maybe sedition. He did so in a way that excited those looking for revolution, but just as quickly disappointed them when the revolution was about far more than a temporary political or military victory. It was about a new truth deeper and more challenging than that of the half-truths they'd come to enjoy.
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday. Far more than a parade, Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a strong political and religious statement. He was knowingly and intentionally engaging in what Roman and Jewish authorities could only count as subversion, maybe sedition. He did so in a way that excited those looking for revolution, but just as quickly disappointed them when the revolution was about far more than a temporary political or military victory. It was about a new truth deeper and more challenging than that of the half-truths they'd come to enjoy.
Here's the version of the story we will hear together this Sunday: Luke 19:28-44.
Please make every effort to be with us throughout Holy Week. These are the most significant days of the year; do your best not to let busyness or weariness keep you from experiencing them. Here's the schedule for Holy Week:
Please make every effort to be with us throughout Holy Week. These are the most significant days of the year; do your best not to let busyness or weariness keep you from experiencing them. Here's the schedule for Holy Week:
- All Week - Lenten Spirituality Center in Spears Fellowship Hall
- Palm Sunday (Sunday, March 20th)
- 9 AM in The Well and sanctuary
- 11:15 AM in the sanctuary
- Holy Wednesday (Wednesday, March 23rd)
- 12:30 PM - Rev. Kelli Taylor preaches the Lenten Service
- 6:30 PM - Bill Segars speaks about the evolution of the Anglican, Episcopal, and Methodist Churches (Live@Central)
- Maundy Thursday (Thursday, March 24th)
- 7 PM - Service with Footwashing, Communion and Tenebrae (a meaningful telling of the story of Jesus' passion)
- Good Friday (Friday, March 25th)
- 10 AM - Stations of the Cross (walk through downtown with devotional readings and reflections; meet in Irby St. Parking Lot)
- 12 PM - Good Friday service in the sanctuary
- Easter Services (Sunday, March 27th)
- 7 AM Sunrise at St. Johns on Dargan Street
- 9 AM in The Well and sanctuary
- 11:15 AM in the sanctuary