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Each year, we place our ordinary lives on hold for a week. We break with the normal routines to observe a more holy, prayerful time. Historically, this "holy week" began with Palm Sunday - a commemoration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. And, then, each day of the week, the story of Jesus' time in the Holy City unfolded through the Last Supper, the Cross, and the Tomb.
If you happen to skip the mid-week worship services, you would jump from the joy of Hosannas of Palm Sunday to the Joy of Easter and miss out on the heart and power of Christ's Passion. So, in recent years, Palm Sunday became Palm/Passion Sunday, and included Jesus' betrayal and desertion.
This year, as part of our year of ritual retrieval, we return to the old way. For this to work, we need you to do what our ancestors in faith intended: set aside your typical schedule in favor of a more holy one. Make the effort.
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Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 9, 10:00 a.m., Sanctuary
Enter the walled city of Jerusalem. Wait for Jesus' entry! Sing hosanna and wave your palms high as an impromptu march passes by. Ask yourself: "Do I stay or do I follow?" After the Palm Parade, children will gather in the Parish Hall to bake bread. Spread the Bread is a service project which benefits local hunger initiatives. It is a great way for children to give back to the community.
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Stations of the Cross
Tuesday, April 11, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Journey the Via Dolorosa, or Way of Sorrow, through the walled city of Jerusalem. At fourteen locations along the route, read scripture, contemplate Jesus' life, and pray. This will be a self-guided experience of the traditional fourteen Stations. Come when you can. Move through the installation at your own pace. Use the Spark Story Bible to guide your family through the story of Jesus' last journey.
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Dinner Church & Footwashing
Wednesday, April 12, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Parish Hall
After supper was served, Jesus got up from the table and removed his robe. Wrapping a towel around himself, he knelt down. Peter cried out, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
This is a potluck meal. Bring a simple, table-ready dish to share. During dinner we will recall the stories of Jesus's ministry. We will wonder about their meaning. After dinner, we will offer foot washing and anointing. This is a great embodied worship experience for children!
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Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 13, 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary
Come to the Table one last time. Confess your human fatigue in the Garden. Watch as the candles are extinguished, one by one, until we are left in the darkness. This year, we have modified this beloved service to increase it's power and make it even more satisfying for all. There will be Communion and Tenebrae (extinguishing of the light). The Senior Choir are preparing a special anthem "Were You There," with David Jost, saxophone, and Gregory Morisse, tenor. Come journey the roads of the Last Night as we face the Deep together.
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Ecumenical Good Friday
April 14, 12:00 p.m.
St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 3 Maple Street in Framingham
On Thursday, we lament "Were you there?" On Friday, we confess, "Yes, we were there." Led by Framingham's Christian communities, and hosted by St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, you will hear reflections across a variety of theological and spiritual traditions.
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Easter Vigil
April 15, 4:00-7:00 p.m., Sanctuary
On the Sabbath day, they waited. Having hastily placed his body in the tomb, their grief was only just beginning. Though we know the end of the story, we wait in the silence of our own grief and expectation. The Sanctuary will be open for individual prayer and reflection. Soft music will be playing. Readings are provided. And candles will be available for lighting.
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Easter Morning Sunrise Service
April 16, 5:30 a.m., Lake Cochituate
25 Commonwealth Road in Natick
Join us on the beach of Lake Cochituate, by the light and warmth of a fire. In quiet awe and wonder, with song and Communion, we witness the dawn of light, after its long rest in the tomb.
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Easter Morning Sanctuary Service
April 16, 9:45 a.m., with choirs and brass quintet
Join us early to place your flower on the Cross. This year, it will be in the Parish Hall foyer, prior to the worship service. And then, in the warmth of the Sanctuary, listen to the brass announce the good news will starting at 9:45am. At 10:00 a.m., we sing our highest, loudest joy. Reverend Gregory Morisse will be preaching, and Reverend William Tanner will have a special message for the children!
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Easter Egg Hunt
April 16, after worship, for children of all ages!
Like the disciples searched the tomb for signs of Jesus, we search the church yard for signs of new life in eggs and spring flowers! What will you find? Open to children through 5th grade.
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THE PLYMOUTH CHURCH IN FRAMINGHAM
87 Edgell Road, Framingham, MA 01702 | 508.875.1364 | plymouthchurchframingham.org
All voices are welcome. | All people are invited. |
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