Holy Week 2021

Dear friends in Christ,

We’re about to come close to the central mystery of our faith – a truth too profound to be fully understood. As Christians, we proclaim that Jesus has won the victory over evil and death. It’s more than our minds can grasp. But we come close to that mystery in a unique and particularly powerful way at the Great Week, or Holy Week – especially in the Triduum, from Maundy Thursday through Easter Sunday.

It can be challenging to enter Holy Week. Family, work, household tasks – none of these put themselves on hold according to the church year. And yet it’s worth it. If you are a part of these liturgies, you will leave transformed in some way.

Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion, March 28, 2021
Zoom Holy Eucharist (with music)
In-Person spoken worship with Holy Eucharist (no music) – 11:15 a.m.
Zoom Seder (with members of Congregation Ner Tamid) – 6:00p.m.

We wave palms in remembrance of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Yet quickly we run into the reality of betrayal and sorrow, as the liturgy takes us into a reading of the story of the crucifixion of Jesus from Mark’s Gospel, inaugurating this week that commemorates Christ’s Passion.

On that evening we will forego our usual Sunday worship and gather with our neighbors at Congregation Ner Tamid for their Second Night Seder. Login information:

“Second Night” Passover Seder of Sharing and Community 

Sunday Mar 28, 2021 ~ 6:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83745826686?pwd=THNhR2o5YkFldkZYdUVhWG5uVWhjdz09

Meeting ID: 837 4582 6686 Passcode: FREEDOM One tap mobile +14086380968

Maundy Thursday, April 1, 2021
In-Person spoken Holy Eucharist (no music) – 11:15 a.m.
Zoom Holy Eucharist (with music) – 7:00 p.m.

This first day of the Holy Triduum commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, when he washed their feet in loving service and instituted the Eucharist until his coming again. Worship begins with absolution and traditionally concludes with the stripping of the altar and all church decorations in preparation for Good Friday. The Triduum is one great three-day liturgy, so there is no dismissal; we reconvene the next day to continue our worship.

Good Friday, April 2, 2021
In-Person spoken Liturgy of Good Friday (no music) – 11:15 a.m.
Zoom Liturgy of Good Friday (with music) – 7:00 p.m.

There is no celebration of the Eucharist on this chief fast day of the year. Instead, we gather for a solemn liturgy centered on the story of Christ’s Passion, this time from John’s Gospel. Solemn prayers and adoration of the cross of Christ are included.

Missing this year will be our observance of the Great Vigil of Easter. As we near that date we will share information to join other communities virtually in their observance. Also missing this year will be our Easter Breakfasts – both Saturday after the Vigil and Sunday morning.

Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021
Zoom Holy Eucharist (with music) – 10:00 a.m.
In-Person spoken worship with Holy Eucharist (no music) – 11:15 a.m.
Zoom Holy Eucharist (with music) – 7:00 p.m.

Today’s worship culminates all we have pondered this past week as we welcome newcomers and visitors, launch into beloved Easter hymns (Zoom worship only) and celebrate the Eucharist with a new joy because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Please plan to participate in as much of Holy Week as you possibly can. For those who can’t be here for some or all of this journey, know that Holy Week is a community effort your church family is celebrating with you and for you, even when you’re not physically present.

Please let us know if we can hold you in our prayers in worship during Holy Week, or if you would like a visit in the days after.

Final Thoughts

Last year we were unable to gather together for worship during Holy Week and for Easter because of the pandemic. We were not prepared enough to even offer virtual worship – only printed worship folders for use at home. This year members of Christ Church, Lutheran will receive all service folders and hymns by email for use at home and will have several opportunities to gather together either in person or virtually .

Concerning in-person worship: Please note the times of these worship services – 11:15 a.m. Also, please remember that we will follow all necessary protocols to keep everyone safe as we gather. That means that all those who gather will be required to wear masks, and that we will observe social distancing. There will be no singing, amended worship, and communion will be distributed a bit differently than before.

Please stay home if:
– You, or someone in your household, is sick with any illness
– You have concerns, fears, or anxieties about gathering in person
– You, or someone in your household, has an underlying health condition that puts you or them at higher risk.

Finally, let’s remember that our Holy Week and Easter worship is primarily about Jesus. Yes, much has changed from previous years due to pandemic. We have experienced loss, grief, anxiety and more. Now, however, is a time to reflect on what we still have – the opportunity to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, and to invite Jesus more deeply into our lives, the life of our congregation, and into our world.

Information to access these worship services can be found on the church website (www.christchurchlutheran.org) or by following this link:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83003861634?pwd=aTFuY2h1amZyTTlyRDdIMms2QSt2UT09

Meeting ID: 830 0386 1634
Password: 963623

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    +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)

Blessings to you on your journey in faith.