Lent - a season of self-reflection and contemplation

Lent Midweek services

March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - The evenings will begin at 6:15pm with stations of the cross in the sanctuary. At 6:30pm, refreshments will be available in the Common Room for those who are able to come early. We will gather around the tables in the Common Room at 7pm for a Lenten service. Refreshments will still be available for about 1/2 hour following the service for those who are not able to come early.

Schedule for Holy Week

Passion Sunday, April 2 at 9am - in-person and streamed

This service begins outside the sanctuary with a reading of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Each person receives a palm branch to wave during the procession into the sanctuary following the reading and prayers. The full story of Jesus' subsequent betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion is read during the service bringing us to the cross.

Tenebrae Service, April 5 at 7pm

Tenebrae means darkness in Latin. The Tenebrae service begins in candle light and gradually moves to darkness with one candle lit as a symbol of the light, Christ. It is a somber service meditating on the suffering of Jesus in the final days of his earthly life. This service is held in person only.

Maundy Thursday, April 6 at 6:30pm

On Maundy Thursday, we hear of Jesus' mandates (meaning of the word Maundy) to his disciples at the last supper. Jesus washes their feet and commands them to serve and be served in this manner. Holy Communion comes from this night when Jesus took bread, broke it, and then took a cup of wine, blessed it, and said, "Do this in remembrance of me."

This year we will gather at 6:30pm for Dinner Theater with Holy Eucharist following. The production is “The Living Last Supper.”

Good Friday, April 7 at noon and 7pm - both services are in-person at St. John of the Cross, Bristol

Good Friday is called good because of God's plan for our salvation through the crucifixion of Jesus. It is traditional to have a service at noon when Jesus was nailed to the cross. Sometimes Roman Catholic Churches will hold vigil from noon until 3pm because darkness came over land during this time. We focus on Jesus' death in this service. It is not a mass but the eucharist is offered following the service for those who would like to receive.

Easter Vigil, April 8 at 8:30pm - in-person only

The Tenebrae goes from light into darkness and the Easter Vigil begins in darkness (only candlelight) and moves to full light. This mass takes us from creation to resurrection through scripture readings. At the Hymn of Praise which is sung between the Old Testament Readings and the Epistle Reading in the New Testament and the Gospel reading of the resurrection. At that point in the service all of the lights are turned on and we proclaim the resurrection. It is traditionally a service where new believers are baptized and if there are not any baptisms, an affirmation of all our baptisms. The Easter Vigil is one of the most beautiful masses in the church year.

Easter Sunday, April 9 at 8am and 10am - both services are in-person and the 10am is also streamed

The Lord is Risen! is the focus of Easter Sunday or Resurrection Sunday. Along with the Easter Vigil it is the most important service of the church year. Salvation for God's children culminates in Jesus' resurrection. Bishop Douglas Sparks will be with us for his annual visit this year. Several people will be baptized and confirmed! We will have a reception after the 10am service to celebrate. We recognize that this is a day for family as well but hope you will take a few minutes to welcome the newly baptized and newly confirmed as well as visit with the Bishop.