This Sunday we enter a very special time of the church -- Holy Week. Our reading and worship services will center on the very center of our faith, the cross. One of the things that makes this week so special is the uniqueness of the different worship services. Each service this week will provide an opportunity for us to view Jesus' last days, cross and tomb from a different perspective. Worshipping throughout Holy Week has a deep richness and power of the Easter celebration, and I would encourage everyone to worship together and in person this week.  

Palm/Passion Sunday, 10:00am in person and on YouTube by 8:00am

This worship service begins by inviting members of the congregation to leave their pews and join the process as we wave palm branches and sing. Following communion, the service takes a drastic turn as we hear the story of Jesus' final hours. Several of our LSA students will engage in this challenging part of the story. The choir has prepared a stirring anthem before we depart in silent observance of Holy Week. Online worship will be available at 8am on our YouTube channel.  

Maundy Thursday, 6:45pm in person and LIVE on Zoom

This worship service centers on the story of Jesus' final meal with his disciples and friends. We will hear a powerful word of forgiveness as we approach the altar rail for individual absolution. We will continue with communion before the service concludes with the stripping of the altar. Since this worship service will be offered live, it will provide an opportunity for online worshipers to join in the communion celebration using elements (bread and wine) from their homes.  

Good Friday, 6:45pm in person and on Youtube by 12:00pm

and 12:00pm Ecumenical Service at St. Luke's Episcopal

The Good Friday liturgy, called Adoration of the Cross, will place the cross in the center of our worship space for a service that is marked by black paraments, the extinguishing of candles, and the Solemn Reproaches. In addition to the Grace service, all are invited to participate in the Ecumencial Good Friday service at St. Luke's Episcopal (right behind Grace) at 12:00pm.

Easter Sunday, 10:00am in person and on YouTube by 8:00am

Finally, we will discover together that the tomb is empty and celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. We have some special music planned, including a trumpet which always adds a joyful flair. We will process our alleluias back into the worship space and gather around the promise of everlasting life! Following worship, we will host an Easter Egg Hunt for the children back on the Councill House lawn.  

In Grace,

Pastor Steve 

We are so pleased to announce that we have hired Rielly Kerr to be our Nursery Director! We are excited to be staffing our nursery for the first time since 2020. Rielly is one of our LSA students who brings extensive experience and a passion for working with young children and their families. Looking ahead, we will give Rielly a couple of weeks to get organized with plans to have the nursery staffed beginning Sunday, April 16th. Please let me know if you have any questions and look for ways to welcome Rielly in the coming weeks!

If you've shared your current email address with the church office, as well as your interest to serve as a Sunday Worship Assistant, the latest link for Spring/Summer worship assistants for May 7-August 27 should have arrived in your inbox (please check your promotion and spam folders). Please note that the program allows for only a one-time emailed invitation, so if that gets deleted or if it did not arrive in your inbox, you can just use the "Inquire about Volunteer Openings" link below or call or email the office. Thank you!

Click on the image below for more information or sign-ups!

Join us for a new Sunday School course, Making Sense of the Cross, by David Lose. This series includes videos, optional accompanying reading, plus great in-class discussions as we look toward the Cross, the central symbol of our faith. The class will conclude on Palm Sunday, April 2nd.

The handout for the third historical atonement theory, Example and Encouragement, is available below. Pastor Steve will lead our final session of Making Sense of the Cross, as we take a look at a new possible atonement theory developed by David Lose. Please read the final chapter as we conclude our study this Sunday.   

For more information about Children, Youth and Family activities,

use the link below to read the latest newsletter!

Our building procedures and COVID safety measures will follow the Council-approved YELLOW/GREEN protocols listed in the link below. Watauga County is currently considered to have a MEDIUM risk for transmission.