 We will have
five special worship services during Holy Week to offer an opportunity to
experience what Jesus experienced in the week before his trial and death.
Holy Week will begin on Palm Sunday,
March 28, 2010. This year the Rt. Rev.
Robert Ihloff, will visit us for baptisms, confirmations, and
receptions.
On Thursday night of Holy Week—also known as Maundy
Thursday, April 1—we will pick
up the story with Jesus gathering with his disciples for the Last Supper. This
service will help people experience fellowship at table with Jesus, to sense
Jesus’ love for his disciples, and his uncertainty about what will follow. With
the help of the St. Cecilia Choir we will have beautiful music at this service.
Friday of Holy Week, Good Friday,
April 2, will bring the trial, crucifixion,
and death of Jesus. We will have two services on this day. At 12:05 PM eight
members of St. George’s will each share a meditation on one of the eight
Stations of the Cross (steps on Jesus’ way to crucifixion) that are mentioned in
the Bible. We offer people an opportunity to be with Jesus, to walk with him. I
expect that the reflections will be beautifully written and will inform and
inspire all who hear them.
We will celebrate Jesus’ Resurrection with
color, splendor, and joy on Easter Sunday,
April 4. We will have three joyful
services, at 7:45, 9:00, and 11:00 AM—and yes, due to the generosity of many
folks we will have a brass quintet.
--
Philip Wiehe, Interim Rector
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Holy
Week Factoids
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Palm
Sunday (March 28, 2010)
Processionals are an
ancient practice, both religious and secular. The first Palm Sunday
processional was in 381AD: the congregation in Jerusalem heard the story
of the entrance into Jerusalem, went home for a quick meal, met at the
Mount of Olives and marched into the city waving palm branches and
singing.
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Maundy
Thursday (April 1, 2010)
Foot washing was included in the earliest Roman
liturgies. It continued as a royal institution until the 18th
century—Elizabeth I washed the feet of 20 poor women, and other kings
washed the feet of peasants.
In the Sarum rite Maundy Thursday began with a separate
service with penitents outside of the church who then entered and
prostrated themselves; this service was followed by communion and vespers.
At this time the holy oils and elements were consecrated for use at all
the Easter services.
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Good
Friday (April 2, 2010)
The first Good Friday services included prayers at all
the places discovered by Queen Helena, mother of Constantine the
Great—The Holy Sepulcher, Gethsemene, etc.
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Next
Season: Easter
Last
Season: Lent
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