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 from both Gloria Dei and St. Peter's in saying “Yes! I was there – and it makes all the difference in my life!”
Palm / Passion Sunday April 5 – 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. at Gloria Dei
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.
Maundy Thursday – April 9 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Peter's, for both congregations
Agape Meal and Worship is a special service recalling the Last Supper and the roots of our Lord's Supper / Holy Communion.
Good Friday – April 10 at Noon and 7:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross Walk begins at Noon at St. Peter's, walk to Gloria Dei
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. - both Gloria Dei and St. Peter's will hold evening services on Good Friday.
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 11 The Great Vigil of Easter 7:30 p.m. at Gloria Dei, for both congregations
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 12 The Resurrection of Our Lord 8:00 and 10:00 am. at Gloria Dei
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 5 – 8:00 & 10:00 a.m. at Gloria Dei
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.
Maundy Thursday – April 9 at 6:00 p.m. at St. Peter's, for both congregations
Agape Meal and Worship is a special service recalling the Last Supper and the roots of our Lord's Supper / Holy Communion.
Good Friday – April 10 at Noon and 7:30 p.m.
Stations of the Cross Walk begins at Noon at St. Peter's, walk to Gloria Dei
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. - both Gloria Dei and St. Peter's will hold evening services on Good Friday.
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 11 The Great Vigil of Easter 7:30 p.m. at Gloria Dei, for both congregations
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 12 The Resurrection of Our Lord 8:00 and 10:00 am. at Gloria Dei
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!
