April 9: Palm Sunday: Sunday of the Passion: Liturgy of the Palms & Eucharist
Both services (8 AM and 10 AM) begin with a gathering in Phelps Hall for a Palm Sunday liturgy recalling Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Following the blessing of the palms the congregation processes into the church to celebrate the Sunday of the Passion which features the reading in parts of the Passion of Jesus according to Matthew and joining together for Holy Eucharist. At the 10 a.m. service younger children return to Phelps Hall after the procession for church school before joining their families for Communion.
April 10 & 11: Monday and Tuesday in Holy Week: Come, Rest and Pray
The church building will remain open during office hours (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) and in the evening (6 p.m. to 9 p.m.) for private devotion and prayer. Copies of “Walking the Way of the Cross” and other devotional offerings will be available. In addition our website will have links to various sites including “The Lectionary Page” which provides Scripture readings for each day in Holy Week.
April 12: Wednesday in Holy Week: Tenebrae Service at 7:30 p.m.
Based on the ancient monastic services in Holy Week “Tenebrae” (the Latin word for “darkness or shadows”) offers an extended meditation upon, and a prelude to, the events in Jesus’ life from the Last Supper to the Resurrection. The service features a recitation of the Old Testament Book of Lamentations (the Book of Tears) and the gradual extinguishing of candles symbolizing the pain and darkness that surrounds Jesus’ passion. The service ends with a single candle burning, the Light of Christ, a sign of hope that love and life triumph over evil and death.
April 13: Maundy Thursday: Commemorating the Last Supper
Agape Meal & Foot/Hand-Washing Ceremony at 6:30 p.m.
A simple meatless “potluck” meal of soup, cheese, olives, dried fruit, raw vegetables, bread and wine. During the meal, held in Phelps Hall, Jesus’ Last Supper prayer for his disciples, and all who will follow in his name, is read. This is followed by a reading of the Gospel of John’s account of Jesus washing his disciples feet, after which Father Perry will lead us in the foot-washing (or if you prefer, hand-washing) ceremony. Note: Those attending are asked to “serve our communities” by bringing food donations for distribution to local food banks.
Maundy Thursday Liturgy & Holy Communion at 7:30 p.m.
Following the Agape Meal and Foot-washing Ceremony, people gather in the church for the Maundy Thursday Liturgy in celebration of the Last Supper. The service concludes with the Stripping of the Altar in preparation for Good Friday as appropriate hymns are sung before we depart in silence.
April 13 (9 p.m.) to April 14 (12 noon): St. Peter’s Reads through the Gospels
As an alternative to the traditional prayer vigil from Thursday night through noon on Good Friday, we invite you, as individuals or as families, to join our vestry and other parishioners in reading through the Gospels! You can participate by signing up either at church or online. Details may be found in the Sunday bulletin or Vision.
April 14: Good Friday liturgy at 12 Noon and 7:30 p.m.
This quiet, meditative service will include the reading of the Passion of our Lord According to John, sermon and reading of The Solemn Collects. Devotional music will be offered at the 7:30 p.m. service.
April 16: Easter Sunday – Services at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.