Holy Week and Easter 2011 (April 17-24)
Holy Week and especially Easter mark the highest or most significant moments in the Christian tradition - in and through them we get a very clear sense of who we are and what we are to be about as followers of Jesus. The life of faith as Christians is like a process, a journey that we are on together. We are Easter-oriented people on this pilgrim way passing from the wilderness into this wonderful community known as the body of Christ, moving always from death, to new life, from fear to hope! Won’t you join us?
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday, a complex day, full of celebration and mourning. We gather for the morning services at the Peace Cross (look for the crowd) where palm branches and musical instruments are passed around and then a joyful procession moves out from the cross around the cathedral close and ultimately into the church. At the end of the service, the passion is read, and we hear the stirring and tragic account of Jesus' crucifixion. Before each service (or between services) St. Alban's youth serve a delicious waffle brunch as a fund-raiser for their summer pilgrimage.
All Morning - Waffles Breakfast in Satterlee Hall
7:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist
9:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. - Palm Procession & Holy Eucharist
5:30 p.m. - Holy Eucharist
Monday, Tuesday, & Wednesday of Holy Week
During the early part of Holy Week, St. Albans observes a simple Eucharist in the chancel (the choir seats nearest the altar) of the church. There is a real sense of intimacy and community in these services, and the sermons are delivered by members of St. Alban's congregation.
7:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist, with Lay Preachers
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday symbolically combines two themes - Christ's servant ministry and his institution of the Eucharist. At St. Alban's we lift these up through fellowship and worship. A solemn supper is provided in Nourse Hall, a gathering of friends reminiscent of Jesus' last supper with his disciples. Following our meal we proceed to the church where we have Eucharist and wash one another's feet as Christ washed his disciples feet. The service concludes with a procession to the Bishop's Garden where the community sings and watches in the darkness. This final note reminds us of Jesus' own watching and waiting in the garden above Jerusalem on the eve of his crucifixion.
6:00 p.m. - Fellowship and Supper (provided)
7:00 p.m.- Holy Eucharist, Foot-Washing,
and Garden Vigil
Good Friday
A day for fasting and meditating on the crucifixion of Jesus. For the Liturgy of the Three Hours, feel free to come for part or stay for the whole. The 4:00 Stations of the Cross is an excellent opportunity for families with children to experience Good Friday. The 7:00 evening service is rich with candlelight, mystery, silence, and chant.
12:00 – 3:00 p.m. -The Three Hours (Stations of the Cross in the church, Brahms' Requiem; Good Friday Liturgy with communion from the reserve sacrament)
4:00 p.m. –Stations of the Cross (outside)
7:00 p.m. - Liturgy of Good Friday w/ Taizé Music
Holy Saturday
A simple service of prayer in the morning followed by a day anticipating the very highest moment on the church calendar - the Great Vigil of Easter. The vigil begins on Wisconsin Avenue in front of the church when a fire is kindled and the Paschal Candle is lighted. We process into a darkened church, hear our common story told in the reading of scripture, and ultimately celebrate as children and adults pass through the waters of baptism. After Eucharist, the celebrating continues in Nourse Hall with champagne and cake. You don't want to miss this evening of mystery, joy, and hope!
10:00 a.m. - Liturgy of Holy Saturday
7:00 p.m. - The Great Vigil, Lighting the New Fire, Holy Eucharist and Baptisms and Champagne Reception following
Easter Sunday
And, of course, Easter Sunday morning (there will be no 5:30 service on Sunday - if you are an evening worshipper you'll want to be at the Vigil on Saturday) complete with an Easter Egg Hunt for children, and a festival and beautiful celebration of Holy Eucharist.
7:30 a.m. - Holy Eucharist
9:15 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. - Festival Celebration and Holy Eucharist with choir, brass, and timpani
10:45 am - Children's Easter Egg Hunt in the Playground and Columbarium
