Holy Week
In the early Church, the final three days of Holy Week was given the name “Triduum” (Latin for Three Days). On these days Christians around the world commemorate the Last Supper, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection of Jesus. The Easter Vigil is generally seen as the most important service of the year, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox churches. It begins after sundown; new members are baptized, and current members are given the chance to renew their baptismal vows. The Bible readings are taken from both the Old and New Testaments beginnings with Genesis to the Gospels. They highlight God’s workd from Creation to Christ’s Resurrection. Near the end of the service, the congregation partakes in the first Eucharist (Lord’s Supper) of Easter.
We will pause for our Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 pm here. We will join the congregations of Whiting and Mayflower Congregational churches at Mayflower for the Good Friday service at 7:00 pm. Please join us at these very special services.
Looking Ahead at Special Worship Opportunities
- April 14—Maundy Thursday 7pm
- April 15—Good Friday 7pm at Mayflower Congregational Church
- April 17—Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Sunday
From the Bridge Pastor
Grace to you and peace from our Triune God.
In this week before Easter, the week the Church has named “holy”, let us all take a few moments each day to reflect on the events which took place during the last week of Jesus’ life on earth and what each of those events means for us: the triumphal entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, the Last Supper he shared with those closest to him, his horribly painful death on the cross, and his laying in a borrowed tomb until the third day.
Each of these days has special meaning. On Palm Sunday, the Jewish people welcomed him as their king. Yes, Jesus was a king, but not an earthly king. He would not sit on David’s throne and rule the people; his earthly throne would be a cruel cross representing pain, suffering, humiliation, and death.
We will gather at First Congregational United Church of Christ this Thursday at 7:00 for a Holy Communion Maundy Thursday worship service. We will join our sisters and brothers at Mayflower Congregation Church at 7:00 for a Good Friday worship service.
On Easter Sunday, we gather for the Resurrection of Our Lord Easter festival service which will include beautiful Easter hymns, choir anthem, organ, and a brass quintet.
Blessings to all this Holy Week.
Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)!
-Pastor Del
Prayers
Our prayers continue to be lifted up for the Ukrainian people as the incursion by Russia continues and thousands of Ukrainians are fleeing the country in search of safety and as Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are dying. Lord, have mercy!
Our prayers also continue to be lifted for our country: for the political divisions which seem to be widening, for the poor, for those who are homeless, for those who are sick, for those who are dying, for those who have already or are ready to give up hope.
Our prayers continue for the whole Church and, in particular, First Congregational United Church of Christ that we may continue to strive to be the hands of Christ in the city, in the state, in the nation, and in the world.
Pastor’s Office Hours
A reminder of my hours:
Mondays: 9:00-noon and 1:00-4:00
Tuesdays: 2:00-5:00
Wednesdays: 2:00-5:00
Thursdays: 9:00-noon and 1:00-4:00
During my posted hours, I might be called to visit someone in the hospital or who is homebound. It will be a good idea to call ahead to ensure that I am available for an in-person visit. Also, I will be available for emergencies in addition to office hours. Please call my cell phone at (712) 490-6510.
