Services on April 14 will begin with the blessing of the palms and a procession into the church in a reenactment of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, recalling how people gathered, waving palms and shouting, “Hosanna, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Services will include Holy Communion, lessons, and a reading of the Passion Gospel.
Christian Education classes will be held as usual from 9:30 – 10:30 AM.
Weather permitting, both 8:15 AM services will begin together in the parking lot at the corner of Boulevard and Brenau Avenue. The English speaking service will process from there into the nave and the Spanish speaking service into the chapel. The 10:45 AM service will begin at the fountain on the Brenau lawn. In inclement weather, all services will begin in the parish hall.
Worship Our Ecumenical Lenten services have concluded for the season. Join us on Wednesday, April 17 for our regular Contemplative Eucharist at 12:10 PM in our chapel.
Dinner Come eat dinner together on Wednesday, April 17 at 5:30 PM! Sign up online, at the information station, or call the church office by noon on Monday.
Please visit the Wednesday Night at Grace page for complete details, including cost, childcare, and payment information.
Program Opportunities to learn about different prayer practices are being offered following the meal. On April 17 come walk our labyrinth.
Maundy Thursday comes from the Latin word for commandment: “mandatum.” In John 13:34, Jesus says to his disciples “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another just as I have loved you.” The Maundy Thursday Eucharist recalls how Jesus gathered with His disciples at the Last Supper, instituting the sharing of a holy meal that symbolized His Body and Blood.
The Maundy Thursday service (foot washing, Communion, stripping of the altar) will be held at Grace Episcopal Church at 7:00 PM.
Good Friday, a name that derives from “God’s Friday”, is the day we commemorate the Crucifixion of our Lord.
A Good Friday service will be held in the nave at 12:00 PM and is open to our entire community.
Following the service, the nave will be available until 3:00 PM for any who wish to share in the Stations of the Cross. These 14 stations, key moments in the story of Jesus’ Crucifixion, are commemorated on plaques posted on the columns in the nave. All are welcome to take a bulletin and walk around the nave at their own pace, offering prayers in this solemn time.
At 3:00 PM, the Tower Bells will toll to mark the traditional time of Jesus’ death.
Our COG preschool will be closed on Good Friday, April 19.
The Great Vigil of Easter begins at 8:30 PM on Saturday, April 20! Along with Midnight Mass at Christmastime, this is clearly the most aesthetically dramatic liturgy in the Church year.
The service begins in the nave in utter darkness with the lighting of the new fire and the kindling of the Paschal Candle. The lessons that are the narrative of our entire salvation history will be told during the first part of the service, all of which happens in darkness and candlelight-itself a dramatic setting.
Midway through this service when the Eucharist begins, the Season of Lent officially concludes with the celebrant proclaiming in a loud shout “Alleluia! Christ is risen!” To which the people respond joyfully, “The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.” At this point, the lights are illumined, bells ring out, and the joyous celebration of the Resurrection of Our Lord commences!!
Note: incense will be used at this service.
This post highlights some events and news pertinent to the upcoming week. Follow the links below to learn more about what’s happening at Grace Church.