Holy Week Continues with the Paschal Triduum

Today we begin the Paschal Triduum. This liturgy (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) celebrates the heart of the Christian faith, the message of salvation, and the healing power of redemption. The Triduum (or three days) commemorates the Institution of the Eucharist, the Passion, Crucifixion, Jesus’ descent to the dead, and glorious Resurrection at the Great Vigil of Easter.

This is the Paschal Mystery, and it takes three days of listening, praying, eating, washing, and waiting to enter into what it means for us. Come join us.

Maundy Thursday Service 

and Simple Supper

Thursday, March 28 | 6:30pm 

We meet in the Parish Hall for supper at 6:30pm as we live our own way into the story of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. Foot washing will be offered – a powerful exercise of faith instituted by our Lord. The service progresses into the Church for the stripping of the altar. Then we process to and keep vigil in the Memorial Garden remembering Jesus’ final hours in the Garden of Gethsemane, where he was arrested. 

Rite of Reconciliation

Friday, March 29 | 9-10:30am 

Receive counsel, encouragement, and absolution through the Rite of Reconciliation – aka confession. You are invited to participate in the rite on Good Friday or by appointment throughout Holy Week. 

Stations of the Cross

Friday, March 29 | 3pm 

Join us in the field as we walk the Stations of the Cross, a service designed for children, youth, and families. All are welcome.

Good Friday Liturgy

Friday, March 29 | 7pm

We mark Good Friday and gather in somber contemplation of Jesus’ crucifixion, the ultimate sacrifice. And we join with Anglicans around the world in a freewill offering for the church in Jerusalem. The Rev. Dr. R. Kevin Johnson will preach. Service livestream available here.

The Great Vigil of Easter

Saturday, March 30 | 7pm

As the sun goes down, we light the new Easter fire. Together we tell the stories of our redemption as we transition from the darkness of Lent into the joy of Easter. This ancient service from the early church is a deep and mystical liturgical experience with beautiful music, candles, flowers, and Eucharist. The Rev. Paul Keene will preach. Service livestream available here.

Easter Sunday

Sunday, March 31 | 10am 

On Easter morning, we celebrate the resurrection and God’s unfailing love, filling the church with music, flowers, and Easter Joy. Easter Music for Choir, Brass and Organ by Peeters, Rutter, Hancock, and Callahan. The Rev. Bowie Snodgrass will preach. 

Service livestream and bulletin available here.

The joy continues after the service with the children's Easter Egg Hunt!

Nursery Care for children ages 0-3 is available in the Parish Hall beginning at 9:45am

Program Note: No Sunday School or "Holy Grounds Formation" this Sun, Mar. 31 and no Morning Prayer on Mon, Apr. 1. Sunday School and Holy Grounds will continue on Sun, Apr. 7 and Morning Prayer will resume on Tues, Apr. 2.

Creativity Time

First Fridays of the month, 9am — Next session April 5

This spring, set aside time to be creative in community. We’ll gather with coffee provided, get set up, and then spend 30-45 minutes being creative in silence together. You can write, knit, scrapbook, watercolor, or be creative in any way that feeds your soul and can be easily done in a group setting. This monthly gathering will be hosted by Rev. Bowie and Sarah Rosen. [Learn more]

 “Art is an act of the soul” – Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity

Menstrual Product Collection for IFPO

In honor of March being International Women’s Month, Christ Church is collecting menstrual products for the clients of Interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges. Menstrual products are an essential need for women to work or go to school, yet women are not allowed to use food stamps to purchase them, and, in many states, menstrual products are subject to sales tax. We will be collecting these menstrual products through Easter morning, March 31; donations of menstrual pads may be left in the IFPO baskets outside Parish Hall. 

The Reconciliation of a Penitent

In these closing days of Lent, Bishop Hughes recommends meeting with a priest for the Rite of Reconciliation of a Penitent in the Book of Common Prayer as a way to go joyfully into Easter, unburdened from worry, guilt, or regret. [Watch the video]

Rite of Reconciliation at Christ Church

Friday, March 29, 9-10:30am | By appointment during Holy Week

All of us are called to reconciliation. We answer the call nearly every time we gather for worship. However, from time to time our conscience is burdened by guilt, worry, or angst by sins we’ve committed. In those cases, the rite of Reconciliation—aka confession—may be the answer. Here counsel is found; encouragement is provided; and absolution is received. You are invited to participate in the rite this Good Friday from 9:00-10:30 or by appointment throughout Holy Week. The rite is utterly confidential and performed one-on-one with a priest. And remember: All may; None must; Some should.

Each week, we continue to remember those in need of prayer. 

Special Prayers: Steve C., Phil B., Chris P., Linda G., Elsie F., Kenny L., Hilary S., Sol, Byron M., Skip C., Kathy G., Terry H., and Glory.

We pray for all those soon to be baptized, especially Joseph, Jonathan, Ida, Dendy, and Christopher.

Ongoing Prayers: Kay S., Diana B., Julienne, Jean B., Christina, Rebecca M., Mabel, Leonor D., Suzanne M., Paul J., Vivian J., Jane H., Linda J., Graham P., Sofia D., Liz D., Ginny, Celine, Frank B., Angelo B., Andrew G., Peter M., Duke L., Joanie, Katia G., Priscila F., Winnie, Curtis F., Lupe V., Sandra, Donna N., Sen K., Ruth G., Elena B., Anne T., Mildred, Kathy, Graham, Lin K., Chase, Jason, Chun L., Ethan L., Jiawei L., and Allison & Steve. 

Diocesan Cycle of Prayer: We pray for Church of the Atonement in Tenafly and St. Mark’s Church in Teaneck.

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: We pray for the Church in the Province of the West Indies. 

We pray for: For Peace in the world and an end to war, especially in Ukraine and Israel/Palestine; for Haiti. 

In observance of Women’s History Month: We remember that March is Women’s History Month. Thank you for all the cherished women in our lives and in our histories: mothers, sisters, friends and neighbors. God, may women across the globe continue to be empowered, knowing the love you offer. —written by Sojourners

Please contact the Rev. Paul Keene if you have any prayer requests or would like a pastoral visitation.