As the season of Lent draws to a close, Nativity gathers for worship in some of our most distinctive services of the year, all of which are meant to draw us nearer to the holy mysteries of Christ’s death and resurrection. Join your brothers and sisters in Christ this Holy Week and Easter as we pray our way to the empty tomb.
Palm Sunday, April 14 – At both services, our worship recalls Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem by blessing palm branches at both 8 and 10:30 church. 10:30 church begins on the small Howard Street patio and continues with a procession into church. Our gospel for the day is Luke’s account of Jesus’ betrayal, trial, and arrest. Church members should contact the church office if they’d like to read a part in this drama.
Morning Prayer – As we have all Lent, a group of Nativity members will continue to pray together Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 7:15am.
Holy Wednesday, April 17 – We will gather at 10am for our normal midweek Eucharist, but in lieu of a sermon, we’ll instead take five minutes of silent prayer together.
Maundy Thursday, April 18 – At 5:30pm, our worship recalls the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples and the two gifts he gave the night before he died. First, we recall Jesus’ example of humble service in washing his disciples’ feet. Second, we celebrate the gift of Holy Communion that Jesus gave during this meal. The service concludes with the ornamentation of the church being stripped in advance of Good Friday. Childcare is available during this service, and like previous years, Peter will be assisted by the youth group in putting on this service.
Overnight Prayer Vigil – We recall in our prayers Jesus pleading with his disciples to watch, wait, and pray with him in the Garden as he prepared for his arrest. Beginning at 6:30pm on Thursday night and continuing until 7:15am on Friday morning, individuals or small groups of Nativity members can sign up to pray in the Hamilton foyer near the reserved sacrament. A sign up sheet is available in the office.
Good Friday, April 19 – At noon, our worship recalls the hour at which Jesus was nailed to the cross. Worship includes a reading of St. John’s account of the crucifixion, as well as an opportunity to contem- plate our own rugged cross. On this solemn day, we do not celebrate communion, but this service does include distribution of reserved sacrament. After the service, the rest of the sacrament is consumed, and the church is empty of Christ’s presence until Easter. At 1pm, a service of Stations of the Cross prayer- fully recalls Jesus’ trial, death, and burial. Childcare is available during the noon service.
Easter Sunday, April 21 – Our worship this morning recalls the stunning miracle that makes all the difference in the world and all the difference in our lives. At 6am, our sunrise service begins in the dark- ness and ends in light. We hear extra scripture readings that tell the story of God’s salvation across the centuries, culminating in the empty tomb. At 8 and 10:30am, we hear the good news of women who went to anoint the body of a dead Savior and were astonished to find the living God instead! Baptisms and the renewal of baptismal vows will be a part of this service. Childcare is available at 8 and 10:30 as usual, but not at 6am.