Maundy Thursday - Maundy Thursday service beginning with an Agapé Meal at 5:30 in the Parish House followed by the service of Holy Communion striping of the altar in the church and watching with Christ at the Altar of Repose. Note: this service provides the option to receive foot washing as the disciples did on that fateful night, please wear shoes/sandals that are easily removed if you wish to participate in this powerful act of humility.
Good Friday -Two services! We offer two opportunities for worship on Good Friday. The Community Good Friday service at noon with the downtown church association. St. John’s offers a second Good Friday service at 6pm for all those who are unable to attend a service during the workday. Both services involve the reading of the Passion and communion from the Sacrament reserved for that purpose during the Maundy Thursday service.
Holy Saturday - Holy Saturday service at 9:50am followed by decorating and sprucing up the church for Easter beginning at 10am. All helpers are welcome!
Easter Sunday - Two services! Bring your Alleluias, your bells and whistles, and ring out your JOY! Christ is Risen today! Service descriptions below.
The Easter Vigil service begins at 6:45am, this is the First Service of Easter. The Great Vigil is a beautiful service and begins in darkness, then, as the sun rises we light the great fire. The first flame of Easter is then used to light the Paschal Candle. All of our service candles will receive their light from the Paschal Candle and will be our main source of light as we process inside to hear the Exultet, the beautiful chant that recalls the story of the Word of God entering into a darkened world to bring Light and Love. This is considered by many to be the most beautiful service of the year and was for centuries the main service at which new christians were baptized and received into the church. Please bring bells, whistles, shakers, and other noise makers to celebrate the opening of creation with a clap of thunder as we celebrate the moment of Christ’s resurrection at this service.
Festival Easter Eucharist: Not an early riser? Please join us at 10:00am for a Joyful Festival Easter Eucharist. At this service we will flower the Cross to represent its transformation from an instrument of death into a symbol of Life. This whole service is a celebration from beginning to end! After the service we celebrate with St. John’s Easter Luncheon that pulls out all the stops! An Easter Egg Hunt will entertain young and old alike as we gather to share our love of Christ and one another.