Holy Week at Pearl Church
/Sunday, March 24 to Sunday, March 31
This upcoming week marks Holy Week—the pinnacle of the Christian Calendar. Beginning with Palm Sunday and continuing through Easter Sunday, we follow along with the events leading up to the crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus. For many Christians this week is a time of special observance, creating space for us to meditate on the presence of Divine Love with us in our many experiences of suffering, loss, death—and in our many experiences of new life, rising again, restoration and hope.
Palm Sunday, March 24, 10:00am service
This Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, when the crowds acclaimed him as their expected Messiah, the one who would bring restoration and peace. We mark this week with palm fronds, which are folded into crosses and held as a reminder until the following year, when they are made into the ashes for Ash Wednesday.
Maundy Thursday, March 28
Recalling the events of the Last Supper, when Jesus gathered around a table and broke bread and wine with his disciples, “Maundy Thursday” invites us to meditate on Jesus’ last command (in Latin, mandatum)—to love one another. While we will not have any events this year, many people like to celebrate this day by gathering for a meal with loved ones and friends.
Good Friday, March 29, 7:00pm service
Throughout the ages, mystics and theologians have pointed to the image of Christ crucified and declared: This is the image of God. The Divine suffering, the Divine broken, the Divine self-giving, the Divine with us in our deaths. You are invited to join us for this special service as we ponder this God who is known most truly in vulnerability and solidarity. This special service will follow a tenebrae format, as we slowly extinguish candles while descending with Jesus into the darkness of Good Friday. Childcare will be offered for children through 5th grade; youth are encouraged to attend the service with their families.
Holy Saturday, March 30
Recalling the silence and sorrow of the disciples as Jesus lay in the tomb, many choose to observe this day with a period of silence, solitude, fasting and prayer.
Easter Sunday, March 31, services at 9:15am and 10:45am
He is risen, indeed! As the highest point of the Christian calendar, Easter celebrates Resurrection—new life bursting forth out of death. All are welcome to join us for services on Easter Sunday! Starting Easter, March 31, we will be offering two services at 9:15am and 10:45am. The two services will be identical, but kids and youth programs will be offered only at the 9:15am service. (We will continue on a two-service schedule through May 19, the weekend before Memorial Day.)
Flowering the Cross—March 31, both services
As you arrive for Easter on Sunday, March 31, there will be a flowering cross located outside the entrance doors on the west side of the building (next to Hot Lips). We invite you to bring freshly cut flowers to place on this cross but we’ll have extra flowers in case you’re unable. The contrast between the barren altar that you have observed throughout Lent and the living flowering cross that you will see as you enter into church for worship will be a welcome sight that helps to prepare our hearts for celebrating new and abundant life in Christ.
Kid’s Easter Egg Hunt—March 31, between services
Join us Easter Sunday, March 31, at Pearl Church for an all-ages Easter egg hunt between the two services. We will begin as soon as the first service ends, around 10:20am. We’re so excited to have you join us for some Easter fun!