Palm Sunday: March 24, 2024
8:00a.m. Service: Blessing of the Palms, Holy Eucharist, Reading of the Passion.
10:00a.m. Service: Service will begin in the parish hall with the Blessing of the Palms. We will then process out of the Hall, up the ramp and into the church. We will have a bagpiper who will lead us up the ramp into the church.
The name Tenebrae is the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows,” and has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastic night and early morning service of Holy Week. In medieval times Tenebrae came to be celebrated on evenings earlier in the week as a devotional prelude to Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
This service is marked by a reading from the book of Lamentations and the gradual extinguishing of candles after the recitation of psalms or Canticles until the single Pascal candle, considered a symbol of the Lord, remains. Towards the end of the service, this candle is removed, typifying the apparent victory of the forces of evil with the death of Jesus. A loud noise is made symbolizing the chaos of the world without the light of Christ. The Pascal candle is restored to its place and by its light (the light of Christ) all depart in silence.
There will be a Agapé Meal at 6:00p.m. We will have one reading some thoughts by Fr. Ron and go right into Eucharist at the table sharing the bread and wine. Stephanie Wheeler will play flute during communion. We will end by going to the church and inviting everyone to help strip the altar led by the altar guild. Advanced sign-up is required. Sign up in the back of church or call the parish office 860-228-3244.
Sunrise Service at Gilead Church 6:30a.m.
8:00a.m. Rite 1 Service of Holy Eucharist with hymns.
10:00a.m. Rite 2 Service of Holy Eucharist with brass and choir
A recounting of Holy week and the Resurrection through Readings and Hymns. The children participate, decorating a wooden cross with flowers.
Musical selections that reflect how music helps us navigate the seasons of change in our lives.
The choir consists of a dedicated group of local townspeople coming together for the joy of singing.
New Orleans style Dixieland jazz is guaranteed to have you dancing in the aisles.