Every Sunday in worship the church celebrates the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On several key days at the center of the church year, however, worship takes a particular shape. These words (and others like them below from Evangelical Lutheran Worship) describe services both powerful and dramatic – worship opportunities in which Christians share in the events they celebrate. When you are asked “Were you there?”, join with others at Gloria Dei in saying “Yes! I was there – and it makes all the difference in my life!”
Palm / Passion Sunday April 13 – 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
On this day, united with Christians around the world, we mark Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to complete the work of our salvation. A procession with palm branches prepares us for a gospel reading of the Passion, the story of Jesus’ suffering, death and burial. We will receive and consecrate the sharing bags of groceries for our food pantry and the Family Service League.
Prayer Around the Cross – Stations set up through the week
Take time during the week to pray at stations set up around the sanctuary. They incorporate elements of quiet meditation, prayers of healing, and sensory experience focused on scenes from the Passion. You can pound a nail, pinch a crown of thorns, and taste sour vinegar, among others, as
we allow the story to focus our attention on the love of God shown in the sacrifice of Christ.
Maundy Thursday – April 17 at 7:30 p.m.
On this night we begin the Three Days during which we once again participate in the saving power of Jesus’ passing over from death into life. We hear the words of Jesus’ new commandment (mandatum from which Maundy comes) to love one another. We are reminded of our calling to follow Jesus’ example of humility and service in the washing of feet, just as Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. We gather around the Lord’s Supper, recalling the night Jesus’ betrayal. At the conclusion of the service, the altar and chancel areas are stripped of furnishings, recalling Jesus’ own abandonment.
Good Friday – April 18
Stations of the Cross Walk begins at Noon at Gloria Dei, walk to St. Peter’s
Stations of the Cross is a reading of the Passion story recalling Jesus’ own walk from his trial in Jerusalem to the cross on the Calvary hillside outside the city. We walk, read, and pray at several stops between Gloria Dei and St. Peter’s, concluding with lunch there.
Tenebrae Service at 7:30 p.m.
Tenebrae means “shadows” and is another reading of the Passion interspersed with quiet song and prayer. Extinguishing candles brings growing darkness. With all God’s people we are invited to bow before this mystery of faith. Christ has died, so that we may live.
Holy Saturday – April 19 The Great Vigil of Easter 7:30 p.m.
On the night before Easter Day, the first of the Resurrection services celebrates Christ’s passage from death to life. Unlike any other worship of the year, this service includes strong signs: new fire in darkness, light spreading from the light of Christ, the water and Word of Baptism, the first resurrection meal. And powerful words: the great stories of Hebrew scriptures and the first Easter gospel. Alleluia!
Easter Sunday – April 20 The Resurrection of Our Lord 8:00 and 10:00 am.
He is Risen! Alleluia!
Each of these Easter services celebrates the Good News at the heart of the Christian faith: Christ is risen! And Christ will come again. Alleluia!
Palm / Passion Sunday April 13 – 8:00 & 10:00 a.m.
On this day, united with Christians around the world, we mark Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem to complete the work of our salvation. A procession with palm branches prepares us for a gospel reading of the Passion, the story of Jesus’ suffering, death and burial. We will receive and consecrate the sharing bags of groceries for our food pantry and the Family Service League.
Prayer Around the Cross – Stations set up through the week
Take time during the week to pray at stations set up around the sanctuary. They incorporate elements of quiet meditation, prayers of healing, and sensory experience focused on scenes from the Passion. You can pound a nail, pinch a crown of thorns, and taste sour vinegar, among others, as
we allow the story to focus our attention on the love of God shown in the sacrifice of Christ.
Maundy Thursday – April 17 at 7:30 p.m.
On this night we begin the Three Days during which we once again participate in the saving power of Jesus’ passing over from death into life. We hear the words of Jesus’ new commandment (mandatum from which Maundy comes) to love one another. We are reminded of our calling to follow Jesus’ example of humility and service in the washing of feet, just as Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. We gather around the Lord’s Supper, recalling the night Jesus’ betrayal. At the conclusion of the service, the altar and chancel areas are stripped of furnishings, recalling Jesus’ own abandonment.
Good Friday – April 18
Stations of the Cross Walk begins at Noon at Gloria Dei, walk to St. Peter’s
Stations of the Cross is a reading of the Passion story recalling Jesus’ own walk from his trial in Jerusalem to the cross on the Calvary hillside outside the city. We walk, read, and pray at several stops between Gloria Dei and St. Peter’s, concluding with lunch there.
Tenebrae Service at 7:30 p.m.
Tenebrae means “shadows” and is another reading of the Passion interspersed with quiet song and prayer. Extinguishing candles brings growing darkness. With all God’s people we are invited to bow before this mystery of faith. Christ has died, so that we may live.
Holy Saturday – April 19 The Great Vigil of Easter 7:30 p.m.
On the night before Easter Day, the first of the Resurrection services celebrates Christ’s passage from death to life. Unlike any other worship of the year, this service includes strong signs: new fire in darkness, light spreading from the light of Christ, the water and Word of Baptism, the first resurrection meal. And powerful words: the great stories of Hebrew scriptures and the first Easter gospel. Alleluia!
Easter Sunday – April 20 The Resurrection of Our Lord 8:00 and 10:00 am.
He is Risen! Alleluia!
Each of these Easter services celebrates the Good News at the heart of the Christian faith: Christ is risen! And Christ will come again. Alleluia!
