Holy Week is the last week of Lent and the final week of preparation before Easter Sunday. It is during this week that we remember the events of Jesus’ suffering (“passion”) and death in preparation for the celebration of his resurrection on Easter. Below is a brief description of each of the services we’ll be offering during Holy Week 2024.
Palm Sunday (March 24, 10am)
Palm Sunday recalls Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The people waved palm branches and laid them on the road in front of him. At this service, we will join the procession and remember the story. We will also talk about what it means to live faithfully. Worship on Palm Sunday, March 24, will be in-person in the sanctuary and via Google Meet at 10am. We will also stream this service on YouTube.
Maundy Thursday (March 28, 7pm)
Maundy Thursday commemorates the supper Jesus had with his disciples before his crucifixion. This service will include footwashing, holy communion, and a stripping of the sanctuary. This service will be accompanied on the organ. Worship on Maundy Thursday, March 28, will be in-person in the sanctuary and via Google Meet at 7pm. We will also stream this service on YouTube.
Good Friday Tenebrae (March 29, 7pm)
Good Friday is the day we remember Christ’s suffering (“passion”) and crucifixion. We call this day “good” not because what happened was “good.” What happened was tragic. We call the day “good” because on this day we see the extreme depths of God’s love for a broken world and look forward to Love’s triumph on Easter. Jesus’ suffering wasn’t good, the display and triumph of God’s love is. On this Good Friday, we will be offering a service of Tenebrae, or “Darkness,” which is based on a twelfth-century late night/early morning service and is an extended meditation on the passion of the Christ. This service will be accompanied on the organ. Worship on Good Friday, March 29, will be in-person in the sanctuary and via Google Meet at 7pm. We will also stream this service on YouTube.
The Easter season, also known as the “Great Fifty Days,” is the most joyous and celebratory season of the Christian year. Its primary focus is the celebration of Jesus resurrection and ascension and the giving of the Holy Spirit. The season begins at sundown on Easter Eve and runs through the Day of Pentecost. Below is a brief description of each of the services we’ll be offering during the season of Easter.
Easter Sunrise (March 31, 6am, Franklin Down Common)
Early in the morning the women headed to the tomb to prepare Jesus’ body for burial. He had been hastily placed in the tomb ahead of the sabbath. When they arrived, they found the tomb empty. Much like the women, we will gather early in the morning to greet the rising sun and celebrate the resurrection. This Easter sunrise service will meet in-person at the Franklin Town Common (200 Main Street, Franklin) at 6am. The service will last approximately 30 minutes. Limited seating will be made available. Feel free to bring a lawn chair.
Easter Morning (March 31, 10am)
This will be our main Easter celebration where we gather to proclaim together “Christ is risen, indeed!” We will read and reflect on t he Gospel of Mark’s resurrection account and celebrate holy communion. This service will be accompanied by piano, trumpet, and flute. Worship on Easter Sunday, March 31 at 10am, will be in-person in the sanctuary and via Google Meet. We will also stream this service on YouTube.
Easter Egg Hunt (March 31, 11:15am)
Following worship, at approximately 11:15am, we will be hosting a free community-wide Easter egg hunt for children under the age of 12. There will be separate areas based on age. Candy and prizes will be provided. Please bring a basket or bag to collect eggs. You do not have to attend worship to hunt eggs. Everyone will gather in the parking lot, be directed to the appropriate areas, and released together.
Holy Humor Sunday (April 7, 10am)
For centuries, Christians have celebrated the week following Easter as “days of joy and laughter.” On Holy Humor Sunday, we will continue to celebrate the risen Christ and laugh together. Bring your favorite (appropriate for all ages) joke to share. Worship on Holy Humor Sunday, April 7 at 10am, will be in-person in the sanctuary and via Google Meet. We will also stream this service on YouTube.