Walking Through Holy Week
We’re about to begin Holy Week, the seven days that lead up to the greatest moment of all, Easter Sunday. To fully embrace the size and scope of Jesus’s victory and its consequences for our salvation, I want to invite you to consider dedicating part of your life next week to paying special attention to Jesus: his words, but most importantly, his actions for us.
There is great spiritual power and benefit simply in watching Jesus, remembering, and believing.
Holy Week is not about scoring bonus points with God through merely attending some extra services or doing a little more Bible reading than usual. No, it’s about giving the gift of our attention and affection to Jesus when it matters most. As one wise saint once said, “What you give your attention to is the person that you become.” And we want to become more like Jesus!
Below, you’ll find a brief description of the highlights of Holy Week along with what’s happening at Elmhurst CRC that day, and a key Bible passage. I trust that God’s Spirit will lead you to say “yes” to the right ones for you and your family.
Palm Sunday, April 13: The day we remember Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
We’ll have a 10:00 a.m. worship service replete with palm waving, lively music, and even a little celebratory parade of our own as we march around the Sanctuary in acknowledgment that Jesus really is the one, true King.
You can read the Gospel of John 12:12-26 to enter the story firsthand
Maundy Thursday, April 17: On this day, Jesus modeled the type of servant leadership that he calls all of his followers to emulate. First, he washed the feet of his disciples. Later, he served them a meal, the very meal we now call “The Lord’s Supper.” There will be a worship service at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary that remembers and relives these key Christian actions.
You can read about what Jesus did in the Gospel of John 13:1-30
Good Friday, April 18: This solemn day commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his death at Calvary for us and for our salvation. There will be a worship service at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary in which Scripture readings about Jesus’s Passion are interspersed with music, candlelight, and a somber acknowledgement of the lengthening of the shadow of death.
You can read about Jesus’s final day in the Gospel of John, chapters 18 and 19
Silent Saturday: When his work on the cross was completed, Jesus rested in the silence of the grave. For the first time, Elmhurst CRC will have a 7:00 p.m. prayer service in the Garden Room on this day. This will be a time for guided prayer with very few words needed to be spoken. There will be background music and art work to support our reflections and meditation.
You can read the Gospel of John 19:38-42 to enter this part of the story firsthand
In addition, there will be interactive Prayer Stations set up in the Garden Room throughout the week. You’re welcome to come at any time during these open hours – Mon - Thu 8:30am - 4pm, Fri 8:30am - 12:30pm and 6pm-8:30pm – to give your prayerful attention and affection to Jesus and linger with him.
God’s Grace to you in the midst of these deep and significant days
– Pastor Gregg