Palm Sunday of the Passion will be observed on Sunday, April 13, with a blessing of palms and shouts of “Hosanna!” followed by a reading of the Passion according to Luke (chapters 22-23). The Passion, a story which appears in all four gospels, is the central story of our faith which retells Jesus’ arrest, trial, suffering, and death. Annually, it sets the stage for Holy Week.

Our worship services on Palm Sunday of the Passion usually include a full reading of this narrative by four presenters who have rehearsed it together, at least a couple of times. If you would like to take part in this year’s reading, please contact the Pastor by Sunday, March 30.

Maundy Thursday was the night on which Jesus was betrayed. This was also when, at table for his Last Supper, Jesus blessed the bread and cup and characterized them as his body and his blood. The gospel according to John says that, in the midst of supper, he got up, prepared a basin, wrapped a towel around himself, and washed his disciples feet which for some reason had gone unwashed since they’d entered the building of the Upper Room. All of these actions will be remembered on Thursday, April 17 at 7:00PM in the newly renovated William E. Sample Chapel with Sts. Clare & Francis Ecumenical Catholic Communion.

Good Friday, April 18, at 7:00PM we will conduct our annual Good Friday Blues service, led by Pastor Maggie Gann of Sts. Clare & Francis Church and Pastor Dave Denoon, with music by the Oîkos Jazz Ensemble and narration by the Logos Readers. This service recalls the circumstances of Jesus’ suffering, death, and burial, and relates them to conditions in the world today.

Easter Sunday (Festival of the Resurrection) will be celebrated on April 20, with music of the day beginning at 9:45AM with a Brass Ensemble under the baton of Director of Music Dr. Leon Burke, III. The service will end, as always, with singing of the “Hallelujah!” chorus from Messiah by G. F. Handel.