Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Christian year. This year we cannot be together to commemorate God’s saving acts, but this will not stop us from marking this holy time.
The liturgies found here can be used by families, small groups, or individuals. We believe in one Baptism, so no Christian is ever alone. Whether we gather together physically or gather in spirit, Christ is in the midst of us. If you live alone, consider scheduling a time to call a friend or church member to share in these liturgies with you from a distance.
It will be helpful to read the rubrics (italicized instructions in each worship booklet) before you begin the service. If you have any questions about these services, please contact us.
Palm Sunday
This service is intended for Sunday morning, and includes the Liturgy of the Palms with Morning Prayer.
What You’ll Need
Small branches of palm or other plants from your home or yard. You can also make paper palms.
Holy Week Worship Booklet
Bill Gausewitz’s Palm Sunday Sermon (below)
If you like, listen to or sing the recording of “All Glory, Laud, and Honor” (below)
Maundy Thursday
This liturgy takes place around a simple evening meal (vegetarian preferred) with bread and wine (or non-alcoholic alternative), and has an option for foot washing.
What you’ll need
Simple dinner, bread, and wine
Candles for the table
Water, a bowl, and one clean towel for each person participating
Holy Week Worship Booklet
Fr. Brian’s Sermon (below)
Good Friday
It is appropriate that this service begin at noon, the same hour Christ was crucified.
What You’ll Need
A pillow or cushion for kneeling
A wooden cross, or drawing of a cross, upon which to meditate
Holy Week Worship Booklet
Fr. Brian’s Sermon (below)
Recording of The Anthems of the Cross (below)
Recording of “Sing my Tongue the Glorious Battle” (below)
Holy Saturday
This service is held in the morning, or early afternoon, well before the Easter Vigil (which begins after sundown).
What you’ll need
A pillow or cushion for kneeling
Holy Week Worship Booklet
Holy Saturday Homily (below)
Easter Vigil
This service begins after sunset, and proceeds by candlelight (or low lamp light, if you need the light to read) until the Proclamation of the Resurrection.
What you’ll need
A large candle, plus smaller candles for each person participating
A pitcher of water and empty basin
A small bowl or container of salt
Sprigs of rosemary or a similar plant
Your Easter Worship Booklet
The recording of the Exultet (below)
Fr. Brian’s Easter sermon (below)
The recording of the Great Alleluia (below)
Easter Sunday
The tradition of the Church, as we have received it in the Book of Common Prayer, assures us that the benefits of Holy Communion can be received through intention, even when not consumed. This service includes an act of Spiritual Communion, which connects us to the Holy Communion that Fr. Brian will celebrate on behalf of the entire church on Easter Sunday.
What you’ll need
Your Easter dinner! Bread, wine, lamb, and eggs are most traditional, but you can serve what you normally would.
Your Easter Worship Booklet
Bishop Megan’s Easter Sermon (click here to listen)
“In the Garden” Easter Hymn for meditation before the Gospel (click here to listen)
Recording of “Joy to the World, He is Risen” on the piano (below).