Christ Lutheran rejoices in resurrection

For Christians, no other week is as filled with spiritual significance as is Holy Week. The eight days from Passion (Palm) Sunday to Easter Sunday immerse Christians in the central mystery of their faith: The work of God’s salvation through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus of Nazareth, called the Christ.

The gospel writers record that on Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Crowds waving palm branches threw their cloaks on the ground and received him as their king with shouts of “Hosanna.” These same writers carefully note on Maundy Thursday, Jesus celebrated Passover with His disciples, washed their feet, and instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion. He prayed in the garden of Gethsemane and was betrayed there by one of his own disciples. They report how on Good Friday he was scourged and crucified by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, the New Testament writers affirm Jesus was acting as humanity’s substitute, bearing God’s punishment in our place. All four gospel writers conclude by documenting Jesus’ resurrection from the dead on Easter morning. The Christian Bible declares Jesus Christ was raised from the dead He will give eternal life to all who are baptized into Him and trust Him for this gift.

Beginning this Sunday, Christians retrace these events and their significance with unique services that are repeated only once each year. Palm Sunday may include a procession of palms and children, recalling Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Holy Thursday may include a ritual foot washing and includes the sacrament of Holy Communion that Jesus’ instituted that night. On Good Friday Christians gather at noon to hear the account of Jesus’ crucifixion, often using a large wooden cross carried in procession. Evening Tenebrae services include a series of readings during which candles are extinguished. On Holy Saturday, many churches offer an Easter Vigil candlelight service that begins in darkness and with light, music, baptism and the Eucharist in celebration of the acclaim: “Christ is risen!” And on Sunday Christians continue to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with sunrise and festival services of worship.

The community is cordially invited to participate in these ancient rituals during Holy Week services at Christ Lutheran Church, 320 N. 28th St. E. Services include:

Sunday: Palm Sunday/ Sunday of the Passion services at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and includes a procession with palms and Holy Communion.

Thursday: Holy Thursday Divine Service at 6:30 p.m.

March 29: Good Friday Liturgy of the Cross at 12:15 p.m. and Tenebrae at 6:30 p.m.

March 30: Easter Vigil Divine Service at 7:30 p.m.

March 31: Easter Festival Divine Service at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with Easter breakfast at 9 a.m. and an Easter egg hunt at 10 a.m.

For information, call 715-398-3680.

Tags: community, religion, church, family