Holy Week

8 am Spoken Holy Eucharist
10 am Holy Eucharist

For the 10 am service, everyone meets in the Green Space north of the building for the procession with a real live donkey. If you would like to spend time with the donkey, come a little early; the procession will start at 10 am. In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the Parish Hall. We will walk with Jesus as he enters Jerusalem, singing “Hosanna to the King of Kings!” Palm Sunday moves into the story of Jesus’ Passion on the cross, read in parts by members of St. Mark’s. Michael Batcho and a guest percussionist add texture and leadership to this moving service.

6 pm Maundy Thursday Liturgy and Meal
9 pm Setting the Watch

The most stunning service of the Christian year, Maundy Thursday begins with a community meal in the Parish Hall, filled with prayer and song, followed by foot washing, a beautiful Eucharist in the church, the Stripping of the Altar, and then Setting the Watch in the Chapel.

Click here to sign up to attend the Maundy Thursday Eucharist & Agapé Meal and to volunteer to help.

One of the ancient traditions in our Holy Week observance is Setting the Watch. After the Stripping of the Altar, the priest sets aside some of the bread and wine and lays it in The Chapel of the Bread of Life. The Chapel will have been decorated to recall the Garden of Gethsemane — imagine candlelight, fragrant flowers, and flowering trees. During the night between Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, parishioners are invited to sit for an hour with Jesus — our response to Jesus’ question to the disciples, “can you not stay awake with me for one hour?” We call this vigil Setting the Watch. There are always two slots because we want people to watch in at least pairs. It’s a rich and meaningful tradition, and I hope you’ll consider signing up for a shift as a part of your Holy Week journey with Christ. If you need the door code to get in at nighttime, contact the office.

Sign up for Setting the Watch here.

12–3 pm Individual Prayer/Stations of the Cross
6 pm Good Friday Liturgy

The Sanctuary will be open from noon until 3 pm for private devotions or the Stations of the Cross, and we will observe our full, choral Good Friday Liturgy at 6 pm that evening. The evening Liturgy includes the Solemn Collects and the Veneration of the Cross.

8 pm Easter Vigil

Last year we reintroduced this ancient tradition of Holy Week. The Vigil is one of the most important services in the Christian tradition. We’ll hear foundational stories from the faith, light the paschal candle, and transition from the darkness of Good Friday to the celebration of Easter. Come commemorate the resurrection of Christ, a resurrection realized through Christ made manifest in each of us.

8 am Holy Eucharist
10 am Holy Eucharist
11 am Festive Easter Coffee Hour and Easter Egg Hunt in the Courtyard

Celebrate the Risen Christ with the great stories of our faith and the most worshipful songs of our tradition. At the 10 am service, we will welcome guest musicians as well as our wonderful choir to help lead us in the holiest morning of the Christian year. A special festive Coffee Hour is to follow the 10 am service as well as an Easter Egg Hunt.

In addition to the triumph of God over sin, this also means it’s time for Easter fun. We’ll have the annual egg hunt ready to go. In addition, this year we’ll have a special area for a photo opportunity for families as we have created a special Easter backdrop and will be on hand to take photos for families. Let’s celebrate!