Holy Week at St John
Holy Week is the week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. If you have never gone through Holy Week, you may be wondering: “Why is this week different from all other weeks?”
Holy Week invites each one of us to go on pilgrimage through the events of Jesus final week of pre-resurrection life: to journey with Jesus through the gates of Jerusalem, to eat with him and hear his commandment to love one another, to stay and watch with him in the garden, to accompany him on the way to Calvary, to be present at his death, and to dance for joy at his resurrection.
Let this Holy Week be your invitation to experience the remembrance of God’s saving grace and encounter firsthand the power of the crucified and risen Christ to save and heal us.
Worship through Holy Week
Each moment in the final days of Jesus' life leading to his resurrection brings us into deeper reflection on what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Come and experience on the gift of grace we know in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection through the worship services of Holy Week. Each service has a unique focus and approach to telling these life-changing moments of Holy Week. If you are exploring the Christian faith or a life-long follower of Jesus, we invite you to join us for this most holy week.
Palm/Passion Sunday
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Service of Holy Communion, 9:00 am
Holy Week begins with celebration as we wave palm branches with Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. But we quickly become somber as we recall Jesus’ suffering, death, and burial, preparing ourselves for the slower pace of the rest of the services during Holy Week.
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 17, 2025
Service of Forgiveness, Commitment to Ministry, and Holy Communion, 7:00 pm
This service brings us to the table where Jesus ate his last supper with his friends. We recall his shocking act of service as he washed the feet of his friends. We hear his instruction to love one another. We eat together the bread and wine, remembering the gift of life we are given in these mundane elements. And we prepare for the pending death of Jesus by stripping the chancel of all decorations to the words of Psalm 22.
Good Friday
Friday, April 18, 2025
Community Lunch and Dinner, 12:00 pm
We join with members of the community at Mars United Presbyterian for lunch and worship.
Kids Cross Walk, 3:00-5:00 pm
We will explore the stories of Holy Week in a family-friendly manner that invites participants to actively engage in the story as we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection on Easter morning. This free, all-ages together Holy Week storytelling event is open to all. Registration is requested at stjohnchurchmars.org/crosswalk.
Stations of the Cross Tableaux, 5:30-6:00 pm
Through frozen scenes of the passion of Jesus, we will dwell in the story of Jesus’ betrayal and crucifixion, reading the passion according to the gospel of John, offering prayers, and meditating on the power of Jesus’ willingness to die on a cross. Following the Tableaux, everyone is invited into the basement for a simple community dinner.
Tenebrae Service, 7:00 pm
Tenebrae is an ancient service of light and shadow. We gather in subdued silence before joining our hearts in prayer. We reflect on the words Jesus spoke from the cross in the different gospels as candles are slowly extinguished, moving the sanctuary into darkness. A loud noise reminds us of the closing of the tomb before we remember God’s continuing acts of faithfulness in the face of our repeated rebellion, praying for God’s continued mercy following the pattern of Psalm 78. We end the service with a light of hope entering into the spac
Holy Saturday
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Serivce of Storytelling and Communion, 7:00 pm
The Easter Vigil opens with strong, evocative language that declares the Easter Vigil as the culmination of Holy Week and as the center and apex of the baptismal life. We hear the ancient stories of our faith, proclaim the resurrection of Jesus in word and sign, remember God’s promise at the font, and share the food and drink of new life. Raised with Christ, we go forth into the world, prepared to share the good news of the resurrection.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 20, 205
Easter Sunrise Service, 6:30 am
As the sun breaks over the horizon, we worship with members of the community in God’s creation, celebrating the new day and new life that is promised in resurrection. (Note: Worship is at the Adams Township Park)
Festal Worship with Communion, 9:00 am
Come and hear the good news! Jesus is not in the tomb. He is alive! We sing our praises and celebrate the joy and life we know in resurrection! An Easter Egg Hunt for children follows the worship service.