Here’s what’s happening in worship this week. Click the “more” link for our Church School programming.
Worship Services
Palm Sunday Journey Worship | 8:45 am
An interactive, energetic service for those seeking a fresh encounter with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our theme this month is Disruption. Pastor Randy will preach.
Palm Sunday Sanctuary Worship | 11 am
Our largest service, with music from the Chancel Choir and an organ prelude prior to the service. Pastor Randy will preach from Matthew 21:1–11, and his sermon will be titled “Joining the Crowd.”
Taizé Stations of the Cross | Wednesday, 7 pm
Join us for a meaningful experience during Holy Week, led by the Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan. Experience Jesus’ footsteps along the Stations of the Cross. The service will move from the Chapel into the Courtyard, Sanctuary, and Trinity Chapel with scripture readings; Taizé music; and sung, gestured, and enacted prayers. Stay afterward for Contemplative Prayer. If you’re unable to participate in person, join our live stream on your computer or mobile device.
Maundy Thursday | 7 pm
Pastor Heather will preach at this Communion service, recalling Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples.
Good Friday | 12 pm, 7 pm
Pastor Heather will lead our 12 pm service, in the Chapel. The service will include hearing again the Seven Last Words spoken by Jesus Christ on the cross.
Pastor Randy will lead our 7 pm service in the Sanctuary. It will feature Lenten hymns, and readings of both the seven “I Am” statements made by Christ, as well as a compilation of seven “I Am Not” statements made by Christ’s adversaries as recorded in John 18 and 19.
Easter Vigil | Wednesday, 7 pm
This historic service begins on the Penn Ave. steps and then moves by procession into the Narthex and Sanctuary, culminating in the celebration of the first Holy Communion of the Easter season. The Rev. Mary Lynn Callahan will lead this processing Vigil.
Easter Sunday | 8:45 am, 11 am
Our Easter Sunday Journey worship service will be held in the Social Hall, with Pastor Patrice preaching. There also will be a special Fellowship Time with refreshments from 9:45–10:45 am, prior to the 11 am service, in the Small Dining Room on the ground floor.
Our Easter Sunday Sanctuary worship service will be preceded by special music beginning at 10:45 am, with the Pastor Randy Bush preaching.
Christian Education Classes
We offer Christian Education classes for persons of all ages, from infancy through adulthood, on Sundays from 9:45–10:45 am. Click the links for adult class descriptions and children and youth offerings.
Contemporaries | Second Floor Parlor
What it Means to be Free in Christ
We live in a time in which we are again concerned to protect our rights and freedoms as Americans. But Christian faith offers us freedom even when external circumstances are oppressive. We will explore the nature of Christian freedom and how we can find it. Lessons from great Christians—past and present—will guide us. Dr. John Burgess, professor at PTS, will lead us.
Journey With Scripture | Second Floor Library
“If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with you, so that you may be revered”—Psalm 130:3–4. Perhaps the above verses interpret the movement from Lent to Easter. Join us this month as we ponder journey, cross, tomb, garden, and locked room.
This week, our readings are Isaiah 50:4–9a; Psalm 118:1–2, 19–29; Philippians 2:5–11; and Matthew 21:1–11.
Seekers | Room 234
The Triumphal Entry of Jesus into Jerusalem
On Palm Sunday, Christians celebrate Jesus’ “triumphal entry” into Jerusalem. While the four Gospels give different accounts of the event, it’s clear upon close reading that each Evangelist has crafted this scene to carry a particular theological message about Jesus’ identity, the character of the crowds, and the future. Tucker Ferda will lead us as we look at each of these accounts in detail, and attempt to understand the theological message being conveyed.
Soul Food | Third Floor Music Room
The Rev. Joe Hajdu, Steve Evrard, and Shirley Fair will lead us as we conclude our discussion of Open the Door, by Joyce Rupp.
Young Adults | Pastor’s Conference Room
Discussion and Prayer Series
On Sundays during Lent, we will engage in a discussion series based on topics selected by our group. We also will explore different styles of prayer each week.
See Wil if you want to lead a discussion, lead prayer time, and/or provide breakfast.