Worship and Events in Late Lent, Holy Week, and Easter
In Northern Michigan, we experience the resurrection of Easter in a very special way, transitioning from the gray tomb of late winter into a vibrant springtime in one of the most beautiful places in God’s creation. We believe our worship and discipleship during this holy time reflects the awe and gratitude with which we respond to these seasonal rhythms. Please join us for Holy Week and Easter!
| Event | Day | Date | Time | Description | |||
| Lenten Healing Service | Saturday | | | March 18 | at | 5:00 PM | A time of worship to acknowledge and confront the pains we all carry | |
| Palm Sunday | Saturday | | | April 1 | at | 5:00 PM | We witness the turn from a triumphant arrival into the holy city, to the passion and cross | |
| Palm Sunday | Sunday | | | April 2 | at | 10:00 AM | ||
Tenebrae at St. Paul’s Elk Rapids | Wednesday | | | April 5 | at | 5:00 PM | We will join the congregation at St. Paul’s, Elk Rapids, for a profound service of songs and psalms in twilight and shadow taken from monastic tradition | |
| Maundy Thursday | Thursday | | | April 6 | at | 6:30 PM | Foot washing, communion, and stripping the altar, mark this dramatic and poignant service | |
| Gethsemane Vigil | Thursday | | | April 6 | at | 7:30 PM – 6:30 AM | We reflect on our brokenness and belovedness, taking turns keeping prayerful watch and waiting with Christ in our sanctuary – SIGN UP | |
| Good Friday noon service | Friday | | | April 7 | at | 12:00 PM | A brief, solemn, spoken service for Good Friday over the lunch hour | |
Good Friday Community Service at Central UMC | Friday | | | April 7 | at | 12:15 PM | Central United Methodist hosts a community Good Friday service in which clergy from a variety of traditions preach on “The Seven Last Words” of Christ | |
| Stations of the Cross | Friday | | | April 7 | at | 9 AM to 6:30 PM | We will make the sanctuary available with materials for self-guided stations of the cross throughout the day | |
| Good Friday evening service | Friday | | | April 7 | at | 6:30 PM | We read John’s account of the Passion gospel, and recite the solemn collects (dating from ancient Rome) with beautiful choral music and chant | |
| Holy Saturday | Saturday | | | April 8 | at | 10:00 AM | A gathering of prayer and fellowship as we prepare our sanctuary for Easter celebrations | |
| Great Vigil of Easter | Saturday | | | April 8 | at | 8:00 PM | Members of St. Paul’s, Elk Rapids, will join us at Grace as we reignite the holy fire and recount God’s saving love in this moving and ancient service that engages all the senses with candles, bells, and amazing music | |
| Easter Sunday | Sunday | | | April 9 | at | 10:00 AM | Celebrate Christ’s resurrection and the promise of new life and renewal for all of creation with experiences to delight all ages |
