Love Grows Here

The Palm Sunday liturgy marks the beginning of Holy Week. In this service, we journey with Jesus as he is welcomed in triumph upon entering Jerusalem and then rejected and crucified at Golgotha (the place of The Skull) outside the gates of the city. The reading of Christ’s passion sets forth the central act of God’s love for humankind, and through it we come to know the reality of God’s saving action in our lives. After worship, we will gather in the Parish Hall for Coffee and Conversation and to make palm crosses for Holy Week.

Walking the labyrinth is an ancient form of reflection or silent prayer and is often used as a practice for healing and growth in God. Many see it as a metaphor for our spiritual journey. Our beautiful portable labyrinth, created by Karen Spencer, will be set up in our Chapel beginning after worship on Palm Sunday and will be available for use through mid-day on Maundy Thursday. You may use it any time the church is open or, if need be, by appointment. Please call Marcia Moore at 336-202-6516 for assistance arranging times outside of Parish Office hours (Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Printed information will be available if you are new to the labyrinth or would like to learn more.

Join us for our Maundy Thursday Service, in which we commemorate Jesus’ servanthood in the washing of feet and the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. The word Maundy comes from the Latin mandatum novum or the new commandment. “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 3:34) This liturgy is filled with conflicting images. There is the joy of Communion, celebrated with all its splendor, but there is also deep sadness expressed in the stripping of the altar as we prepare the church for Good Friday, for the agony in the garden, and the arrest and betrayal of Jesus.

On Good Friday, the most solemn fast day of the church year, we gather to remember Christ’s suffering and death on the cross. In preparation for Good Friday services, all decorations have been removed. The inexorable truth of Good Friday is that death precedes resurrection. Join us in the Chapel at noon.

In addition to our service at noon in the Chapel, our sanctuary will be open from 12-3 p.m. You are invited to this space for Prayer and Meditation and walking the Stations of the Cross. Booklets for the stations of the cross will be provided.