“So it is written that Christ would suffer and on the third day rise from the dead.” Luke 24:46
REDLANDS – Holy Week at First Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA) will mark the end of Lent, leading up to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday, April 20.
Known by Lutherans, Anglicans and Catholics as the Triduum – or the three days – the first service is Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m. on April 17 at the sanctuary, 1207 W. Cypress Ave.
Choral music will be featured as those attending hear the story of Christ’s betrayal and partake of Holy Communion, the sacrament instituted by Christ on the Jewish Passover.
At the close of the service, the altar will be stripped in preparation for the next day – Good Friday. The Tenebrae (Service of Darkness) begins at 7 p.m. April 18. It features a cantata by the First Lutheran choir directed by Susan Wade, accompanied by organist/pianist Kim Amin. The service commemorates the final hours of Jesus’ life on earth as he suffered death upon the cross.
Saturday, April 19, is considered the third day, commonly called the Easter Vigil, as Christians set aside time for reflection on Christ’s life, his death on a cross and burial.
Two services will celebrate Christ’s resurrection on Easter, April 20. A traditional liturgical service with chancel choir and brass accompaniment starts at 8:30 a.m. with Holy Communion celebrated. The service concludes with a sing-along of the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s Messiah. The second service at 10:45 a.m., features the First Lutheran Praise Band directed by Larry Long. Holy Communion will be celebrated at this service as well.
“By just coming to church on Easter Sunday, people miss the full impact of Holy Week,” said First Lutheran Pastor Kim Eifert Krogstad. “You can’t have Easter without His death. It’s like a play with three acts. You miss the message if you don’t see the first two acts.”
A continental breakfast will be served in the Parish Hall between services, starting at 9:30 a.m.
