Lent & Easter
Lent is a time of reflection on the sacrifices that God made so that we could be reconciled with our creator. Easter is the celebration that it was enough. We come together in praise and worship and leave a people of filled with hope and grace. Service Times
Adult Book Group – Wednesdays in Lent @ 7 PM
“Will You? A Lenten Study of the Baptismal Covenant
Every time someone is baptized we are asked, “Will You…”
- Will you come to worship, encourage each other, and pray?
- Will you try to do what’s right?
- Will you share with others the gifts God has given you?
- Will you serve others, loving your neighbor as yourself?
- Will you strive for justice, peace, and respect for all people?
Most of us respond “We will, with God’s help.” But what are we really committing to? Who are we committing to? Did someone do this for us? It is relevant or just a nice thought? Let’s talk about it!
Contact Amy Simons for a copy of the book, more details, or timely reminders!
Worship Schedule
Ash Wednesday
February 14 @ Noon & 7 PM – The first of the forty days of Lent and named for the custom of placing blessed ashes on the foreheads of worshipers. The ashes are a sign of penitence and a reminder of our mortality. It’s a time to focus on what really matters, get rid of the clutter, and rededicate ourselves to God.
Compline
Each Evening in Lent @ 9 PM (Online Only) – Compline is a simple office including a confession of sins, a short reading from scripture, the Lord’s Prayer, and collects which ask for God’s protection during the night to come
Palm Sunday
March 24 @ 10 AM – Palm Sunday commemorates the entrance of the Messiah into Jerusalem. The service begins in the Community Room with the Blessing of the Palms and the reading of the Gospel’s account of how Jesus humbly rode on a donkey and His people honored him by laying the palms under His feet. Then the congregation processes together into the church for mass to begin. The mass itself includes the Passion story of Jesus’ capture, suffering, and death.
Maundy Thursday
March 28 @ 7 PM – Maundy Thursday begins the detailed story of Holy Week where we walk with Jesus on “the night he was betrayed.” In this special service, we share the gift of Holy Communion and remember Jesus humbly washing the feet of his disciples. These deeply moving actions give us a real experience of how powerful servant ministry can be. The service concludes with the stripping of the altar and all the decorative furnishings of the church as a symbolic representation of that final night.
Good Friday
March 29 @ Noon – On Good Friday, the church mourns for Christ’s death and marvels at His life for His obedience until death. The altar remains completely bare and it’s customary to empty the holy water from the font in preparation for the blessing of the water at the Easter Vigil. It is a solemn reminder of exactly why Easter is such a joyful occasion.
Easter Vigil
March 30 @ 8 PM – The Great Vigil of Easter is the link between the grief of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Day. The service begins in darkness at sundown and slowly moves into the light of the resurrection. Through this powerful liturgy, we recover the ancient practice of keeping the Easter feast. The Vigil is where all our Lenten preparation leads us. The congregation gathers in darkness, with the new fire, which represents the light of salvation, lights the Paschal candle. The Paschal candle is used throughout the Easter season and at baptisms and funerals throughout the year. We then process into the church to be among the first to sing our “Alleluias” with organ and brass sounding salvation during this glorious feast and to welcome our newly baptized! New this year, this service will use incense! If you find heavy fragrances a distraction to your worship, consider attending the Easter Day services which will not use incense.
Easter Day
March 31 @ 10 AM – Easter Day, which immediately follows Holy Week, is the great feast day where the Resurrection of Jesus Christ is celebrated! Come and sing “Christ, Our Lord is Risen Today” with organ and brass, renew your baptismal vows and celebrate our salvation with Christ!
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take communion at St. John’s?
Communion at St. John’s is open to all baptized Christians, no matter where you were baptized. If you would like begin one of our formation classes to become baptized, please contact our parish office to make an appointment with the Rector.
Is your church handicap accessible?
St. John’s underwent an extensive restructuring project in 2010 to make our sanctuary accessible while maintaining the historical integrity of the building. We now have lifts and ramps that will accommodate many mobility solutions. If you are unable to come to the altar but would like to receive Holy Communion, please inform an usher so that the priest can come to you.
What is worship like at St. John’s?
During a typical worship service we will read from scripture, hear the priest give a sermon, and participate in Holy Communion. The organist and choir lead the congregation in singing hymns, chanting the Psalm, and they offer special music and anthems. Members of the parish function as readers and servers in the altar party.
What do Episcopalians Believe?
We believe in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, the early Christian statements of faith. We believe in the Bible as the Word of God, which contains everything necessary for salvation. We believe in God the creator who is made known to the world as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And we believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. For more detailed information please view the Our Beliefs page.