Family Ministries at Epiphany:

Holy Week

Upcoming for Families at Epiphany

Palm Sunday Reception with Hot Cross Buns: Sunday, March 24 at 9am
Palm Sunday Procession: Begins in Hadley Hall at 10am
Church School: Sunday, March 24 (all ages in Upper Parish: we will leave from the sanctuary)
Maundy Thursday Supper & Service: Thursday, March 28 at 6:15pm
Good Friday Services: March 29 at 7:30am, 12:00pm, and 7:00pm
Easter Vigil Service: Saturday, March 30 at 7:00pm

Map Making in Storymakers: Understanding Jerusalem and the steps Jesus took during Holy Week

Dear Families,

Holy Week is upon us. This most special week of the Christian calendar invites you and your children--yes, even the littlest ones--into the central heart of Christianity. We hope you will avail yourselves of the many times to worship, learn, and break bread together over the next ten days.

Below you can find a Family Guide to Holy Week at the Parish of the Epiphany. I'd like to highlight a few things for you:

On Palm Sunday (this coming Sunday) we enjoy time together and refreshments before the 10am service, not after (there is no fellowship hour at 11am). This allows our whole church (the 8am-ers and the 10am-ers) to come together. There will be our traditional hot cross buns, other snacks, coffee, and some projects for the children.
Then, the 10am worship services actually begins in Hadley Hall, at the end of the reception. We move together from Hadley to the sanctuary, remembering Jesus entering Jerusalem. As we process into the sanctuary, the children are invited to follow me and their teachers as we all go to Upper Parish Hall for a special, hands (and feet-) on story and Palm Sunday experience.
Also, I highly recommend your entire family come to the Maundy Thursday supper and service on Thursday. It begins at 6:15pm in Hadley Hall. This is probably my favorite event of the year. Many years ago, I brought my preschoolers and they loved it. It is a unique and special way to mark these holy days with breaking bread and communion.
Finally, for Easter morning services (which are at the unusual times of 9 and 11:15am), we will have drop-off care in the nursery and you may sign up your registered baby/toddler ahead of time. Usually we have a first-come, first-served policy in the nursery, but due to expected crowds if your child is already registered in our nursery, you may secure a slot at one of the services now.

Blessed Holy Week,

Bryn

Building going on for Palm Sunday in Upper Parish Hall.

Holy Week & Easter

Family Guide

Palm Sunday: March 22

We remember Jesus's entry into Jerusalem. This is the start of Holy Week.

9am: Annual Hot Cross Buns receptions in Hadley Hall.

10am: Palm Sunday Procession from Hadley Hall to the Sanctuary.

Children in preschool through 5th grade will then follow their teachers to Upper Parish Hall for a special Palm Sunday story and experience.

Maundy Thursday: March 28

We remember Jesus's last supper with his disciples by sharing a meal, celebrating communion, foot washing, and striping the altar as we look into Good Friday.

6:15pm: Supper and Service

This supper and service is a wonderful experience for all ages. The hands-on nature of the evening is very special and impactful for children and teens. Please join us for a homecooked meal in Hadley Hall. As we eat together, our service begins. After eating, we partake of communion, and process into the sanctuary where you (if you choose) have your feet washed and wash another's feet. The service ends in silence as we depart, with our eyes and hearts on Good Friday and the crucifixion. If you are only able to come for part of this experience, please do (often families with very young children head home for bedtime after the meal).

Good Friday: March 29

We remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

These somber services are offered at 7:30am (Chapel), 12pm (Sanctuary), and 7:00pm (Sanctuary). The 7pm will be live streamed on YouTube.

Holy Saturday: March 30

We prayerfully wait.

9:00am: Simple Holy Saturday service followed by altar and flower preparations.

If your flower-centric child would like to come help set up the many flowers, please join us.

7:30pm: Great Vigil of Easter

This beautiful service (which goes until around 9pm) begins in darkness as we hear lessons and music, light the Paschal candle, renew our baptismal vows, and share communion while welcoming the coming of Easter. It will be livestreamed on YouTube.

Easter Sunday: March 31

Celebrate the Day of Jesus's Resurrection! There are two (identical) services offered on Easter morning. In between the services, there is a festive reception for all in Hadley Hall, with food and fellowship, and an Easter Egg Hunt for the children.

9:00am or 11:15am: Easter Festival Eucharist

These are joyful worship services with special music and lots of alleluias. The nursery will be available for babies and young toddlers during both services. (Nursery sign-up.)