Holy Week & Easter Schedule
PALM SUNDAY SERVICE
Sunday, April 13th at 10 AM | Regular scheduled kids’ classes
On Palm Sunday, we reflect upon Jesus’ procession into Jerusalem as he arrives upon a colt and is celebrated with waving palm leaves. We join together in a procession around the church on Palm Sunday singing and waving palm fronds. Afterwards, we will hear the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and of his Passion, juxtaposing the welcome of Jesus received as we sing “Hosanna!” in procession with his betrayal as we participate in the readings and cry, “Crucify him!” This service begins outside, so grab your coffee inside and then join us outside near the basketball goal.
SPY WEDNESDAY TENEBRAE SERVICE
Wednesday, April 16th at 6 PM | Childcare for ages 0-5
Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness.” This service is marked by the slow movement into darkness inviting us to contemplate our Lenten journey as it nears its silent, dark and climactic conclusion in the death of Jesus. To emphasize this journey candles are extinguished until only a single candle remains at which time the candle is hidden, representing the apparent victory of the forces of darkness. But it does not end there.
MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE
Thursday, April 17th at 6 PM | Childcare for ages 0-5
Maundy Thursday receives its name from the mandatum (commandment) given by our Lord: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another” (Jn 13:34). At the Last Supper, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and commanded them to love and serve one another as he had done that day. This day commemorates the Lord’s example of servant ministry, the institution of the Eucharist, the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal leading to the crucifixion. This service will follow the traditional Maundy Thursday liturgy and will include the Stripping of the Altar.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
Friday, April 18th at 6 PM | Childcare for ages 0-5
Good Friday is traditionally a day of solemnity and fasting creating space to contemplate the day Jesus was crucified and died. It is perhaps the most somber and austere of days centered upon the Cross of Christ. In the Good Friday service, there is a specific space created for contemplating and venerating the Cross. You are invited to arrive early for a self-guided meditation of the Stations of the Cross.
HOLY SATURDAY QUIET HOURS
Saturday, April 19th from 11 AM to 1 PM | No childcare
On Holy Saturday, we remember the time that Christ spent in the grave. Traditionally, it is a day of silence and simplicity. As such, we invite you to join us for silent prayer and contemplation in the sanctuary. This is a come-and-go space.
THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER
Saturday, April 18th at 7:15 PM | No childcare
The Great Vigil is the first liturgy of Easter Day. It is celebrated between sunset on Holy Saturday and sunrise on Easter morning with the service begin in darkness. The liturgy consists of four parts. First is the Service of Light, where a new fire is kindled, and from it the Paschal Candle is lit, symbolizing Christ, the light of the world. The Exsultet, an ancient song of praise, is sung or said as the climax of this part of the liturgy. Second is the Service of Lessons, where passages from Scripture recount the history of God’s mighty acts and promises. Third is Holy Baptism if candidates are present. If there are no candidates for Baptism, the Congregation joins in a Renewal of Baptismal Vows. Four is the Holy Eucharist as the proper culmination of the Easter Liturgy. As we keep this holy feast, we share the abundant joy of our Savior’s victory, strengthened by his grace to walk in light of his Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. This service begins outside.
EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE
Sunday, April 20th at 10 AM | Regular scheduled kids’ classes
On Easter Sunday, we remember and celebrate the victorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! Easter Sunday kicks off a period of 50 days traditionally known as Eastertide — ending with Pentecost Sunday. During this season we are invite into a extended season, longer than Lent, of celebration!
EASTER PARTY & EGG HUNT
Immediately Following the Easter Sunday Service
We will join together in a joyful and abundant feast because our Lord is Risen! The tables and glasses will be overflowing for he has risen indeed! Also, we will have games and an Easter egg hunt for the children. As a fun fact, the practice of dying and seeking for eggs came during the Middle Ages, when children used to go house to house on Easter, singing and asking for eggs since because they were forbidden during Lent. The village would give them hard-boiled, dyed and decorated eggs. These eggs were called pace eggs, coming from the French paque, which means Easter. The party will be held at Harpeth Knoll Park, just a short walking distance from the church. This will be potluck style, so bring a dish to share, a side, salad, or dessert! Good Shepherd will provide beverages.