Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020 - An Evening Walk Through Holy Week Agape Meal, 4pm
Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is often not possible for today's families to engage in a daily observance during Holy Week. We invite you to join us on Palm Sunday for an evening walk of remembrance through the major events of the last week of Jesus' earthly ministry.
Then, join us on Holy Tuesday as we walk alongside our Lord as we travel the Stations of the Cross, remembering the path Jesus walked from his condemnation to death on the cross.
Then, join us on Holy Tuesday as we walk alongside our Lord as we travel the Stations of the Cross, remembering the path Jesus walked from his condemnation to death on the cross.
Jesus Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ - Matthew 21:8-9
Our observance of Holy Week begins with the triumphant procession of palms. Recall the moment when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem with a blessing of the palms, jubilant procession, and hymns of praise.
A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,
‘Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ - Matthew 21:8-9
Our observance of Holy Week begins with the triumphant procession of palms. Recall the moment when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem with a blessing of the palms, jubilant procession, and hymns of praise.
Jesus Washes the Feet of His Disciples
(Jesus) got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. - John 13: 4-5
Our service continues with a symbolic foot washing* as we gather around the table. Deb and Pastor Emilie will wash the feet of all who are gathered while the congregation pauses to meditate on the example Jesus so expressly left with his friends:
So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. - John 13:14-17
*Participation in foot washing is encouraged, but voluntary.
(Jesus) got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. - John 13: 4-5
Our service continues with a symbolic foot washing* as we gather around the table. Deb and Pastor Emilie will wash the feet of all who are gathered while the congregation pauses to meditate on the example Jesus so expressly left with his friends:
So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. - John 13:14-17
*Participation in foot washing is encouraged, but voluntary.
The Last Supper
While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the* covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’ - Mark 14:22-25
Gathered around a communal table, we will share a lovingly prepared meal, of Seder-inspired foods, sharing the Eucharist during the meal, just as Jesus did with his friends during their last supper together.
While they were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, ‘Take; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he gave it to them, and all of them drank from it. He said to them, ‘This is my blood of the* covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly I tell you, I will never again drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.’ - Mark 14:22-25
Gathered around a communal table, we will share a lovingly prepared meal, of Seder-inspired foods, sharing the Eucharist during the meal, just as Jesus did with his friends during their last supper together.
Jesus Prays in the Garden of Gethsemane
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” - Matthew 26:36, 38-41
After supper the table and the altar are stripped and all who wish are invited to join in a one-hour silent candlelight vigil remembering Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. All leave in silence.
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” Then he said to them, “I am deeply grieved, even to death; remain here, and stay awake with me.” And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want.” Then he came to the disciples and found them sleeping; and he said to Peter, “So, could you not stay awake with me one hour? Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial; the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” - Matthew 26:36, 38-41
After supper the table and the altar are stripped and all who wish are invited to join in a one-hour silent candlelight vigil remembering Jesus' arrest, trial, and crucifixion. All leave in silence.
Holy Tuesday, April 7
Stations of The Cross Then and Now, 6:00pm
What are the Stations of the Cross?
The Stations of the Cross, known also as the Way of the Cross, were first erected in the fifth century in Bologna. Made popular by the Franciscan order, this devotion recalls the events of the final hours of Jesus’ earthly life from his condemnation to his burial. Walking these stations was a common practice by the fifteenth century. Traditionally, fourteen stations are observed; eight are events recorded in the gospels, six are inferred from the gospel text and pious legends. As if on pilgrimage walking the path of Jesus’ final earthly footsteps, these events are often observed each Friday during Lent by erecting fourteen stations, each with an artistic depiction of the scene. Worshipers walk the path between stations pausing at each for a versicle and response, a reading, a prayer, and a collect*.
A new Lenten devotion for the Emmaus Community.
During this season of Lent, let us be ever mindful of Christ’s active presence in our daily lives. Where do we continue to find Jesus in the faces and actions of our neighbors? When is it that humankind neglects to recognize His presence?
Please help in the creation of these fourteen stations.
Throughout these forty days of Lent, all are asked to seek out headlines and images that illustrate these fourteen stations. Clip, print, or illustrate these events. With your graphics in hand, join us on Holy Tuesday (April 16) when we will erect representations of these fourteen ancient stations, laying upon them our images of current events to form a collage. Then, the gathered community will walk the path, praying alongside our Lord and remembering the events of His final hours of earthly ministry expressed in the images of our modern society. The devotion will conclude with a few moments of silent reflection and veneration of the Cross.
Following this experience, we’ll gather for a time of sharing and an exploration how our community is being called to respond.
*As adapted from The Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross), https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/way-cross-stations-cross
What are the Stations of the Cross?
The Stations of the Cross, known also as the Way of the Cross, were first erected in the fifth century in Bologna. Made popular by the Franciscan order, this devotion recalls the events of the final hours of Jesus’ earthly life from his condemnation to his burial. Walking these stations was a common practice by the fifteenth century. Traditionally, fourteen stations are observed; eight are events recorded in the gospels, six are inferred from the gospel text and pious legends. As if on pilgrimage walking the path of Jesus’ final earthly footsteps, these events are often observed each Friday during Lent by erecting fourteen stations, each with an artistic depiction of the scene. Worshipers walk the path between stations pausing at each for a versicle and response, a reading, a prayer, and a collect*.
A new Lenten devotion for the Emmaus Community.
During this season of Lent, let us be ever mindful of Christ’s active presence in our daily lives. Where do we continue to find Jesus in the faces and actions of our neighbors? When is it that humankind neglects to recognize His presence?
Please help in the creation of these fourteen stations.
Throughout these forty days of Lent, all are asked to seek out headlines and images that illustrate these fourteen stations. Clip, print, or illustrate these events. With your graphics in hand, join us on Holy Tuesday (April 16) when we will erect representations of these fourteen ancient stations, laying upon them our images of current events to form a collage. Then, the gathered community will walk the path, praying alongside our Lord and remembering the events of His final hours of earthly ministry expressed in the images of our modern society. The devotion will conclude with a few moments of silent reflection and veneration of the Cross.
Following this experience, we’ll gather for a time of sharing and an exploration how our community is being called to respond.
*As adapted from The Way of the Cross (Stations of the Cross), https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/glossary/way-cross-stations-cross
The Stations of the Cross
Please use these titles to guide your prayerful creativity
1) Jesus is condemned to death
2) Jesus takes up his cross
3) Jesus falls the first time
4) Jesus meets his afflicted mother
5) T he cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene
6) A woman wipes the face of Jesus
7) Jesus falls a second time
8) Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9) Jesus falls a third time
10) Jesus is stripped of his garments
11) Jesus is nailed to the cross
12) Jesus dies on the cross
13) The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother
14) Jesus is laid in the tomb
Please use these titles to guide your prayerful creativity
1) Jesus is condemned to death
2) Jesus takes up his cross
3) Jesus falls the first time
4) Jesus meets his afflicted mother
5) T he cross is laid on Simon of Cyrene
6) A woman wipes the face of Jesus
7) Jesus falls a second time
8) Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem
9) Jesus falls a third time
10) Jesus is stripped of his garments
11) Jesus is nailed to the cross
12) Jesus dies on the cross
13) The body of Jesus is placed in the arms of his mother
14) Jesus is laid in the tomb
Good Friday, April 10
Traditional Good Friday Liturgy & Tenebrae Service, 7:00pm
Join us for a traditional observance of Good Friday, the day we remember Jesus' crucifixion and descent. This service will conclude our Holy Week observance, ending in the gradual darkening of the church as we follow the Christ's journey through the last hours of His earthly ministry.
Then, join us on Easter Sunday at 4pm as we discover the empty tomb and celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord!
Join us for a traditional observance of Good Friday, the day we remember Jesus' crucifixion and descent. This service will conclude our Holy Week observance, ending in the gradual darkening of the church as we follow the Christ's journey through the last hours of His earthly ministry.
Then, join us on Easter Sunday at 4pm as we discover the empty tomb and celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord!