Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, the Son of God in human form.
Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 5:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. on Christmas Eve and at 9:00 a.m. on Christmas day.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the 40-day liturgical season of prayer and fasting before Easter. This time represents the 40 days Jesus spent in the desert being tempted, and are marked by increased attention to prayer (justice toward god), fasting (justice toward self), and charity or generosity (justice toward neighbor).
Holy Eucharist and the imposition of ashes are at noon and 7:30 p.m.
Holy Week represents the most somber week of the church year, when Christians liturgically re-enact the last scenes of Christ’s life and meditate upon his crucifixion, knowing that he died for our sins. It is a time of inward reflection focusing on our dependence on God, and a time of thanksgiving for God’s grace, through His love and the sacrifice and gift of His son.
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as people proclaim Him as their King. Although the service begins with the joyful procession of waving palms, the reading of the Passion at the Gospel reminds us that Jesus entered Jerusalem knowing that doing so would result in his death.
The 10:15 service of Holy Eucharist on Palm Sunday begins with procession of the palms, from the parish hall into the sanctuary.
During Monday and Tuesday of Holy Week, ecumenical prayer services are scheduled at various churches in town.
Maundy Thursday emphasizes the institution of the Eucharist and Jesus’ washing the feet of his disciples and commanding them to love one another. The word “Maundy” comes from the Latin for command.
The service of Holy Eucharist at 7:30 p.m. is followed by the stripping of the altar.
Good Friday observes the anniversary of the crucifixion of Jesus. It is traditionally a day of fasting, abstinence, and penance.
No celebration of the Eucharist takes place, but an ecumenical service is held from noon to 1:00 p.m. At 10:00 a.m. there is a Stations of the Cross for children. "A Solemn Good Friday Service" led by Youth of the Parish takes place at 7:30 p.m.
Holy Saturday commemorates the day Jesus’ body lay in the tomb.
Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
The Festival Eucharist of the Resurrection is celebrated at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. on Easter Sunday.