The Sacred Triduum
Dear Trinity,
The high point of the Church’s liturgical year is the Sacred Triduum—the three holy days stretching from the evening of Holy Thursday to the morning of Easter Sunday. These days stand at the heart of our worship and are the most sacred of the entire year.
Here is what you can expect over these three days.
Maundy Thursday - “This is my body, given for you.”
Thursday, April 2 at 6:30pm
We will gather to commemorate the institution of the Lord's Supper, hear Jesus' mandate ("maundy") to love one another, have an optional time for families and friends to wash each others feet, and a time of prayer. You are invited to wear shoes/you can take off easily.
Even as we rejoice in the gift of the Lord’s Supper, this service ends in solemn stillness. The altar is stripped, and we depart in silence. No blessing is spoken, for the liturgy has not ended—it continues as one great act of worship across three days, finding its completion in the celebration of the Resurrection.
Good Friday (Tenebrae) - “It is finished.”
Friday, April 3 at 6:30pm
Good Friday marks the day which Jesus was crucified, making atonement for the sins of the world. In this memorable and solemn service we will reflect on the seven last words of Christ as he hung on the cross. The service is marked by Scripture, short meditations, song, and increasing darkness. It concludes in darkness and our departure in silence meditating on our Lord's death and burial.
The Great Easter Vigil -“The Light of Christ”
Saturday, April 4 at 8:30pm
A nighttime service that moves from darkness to light, tracing God’s saving work through Scripture and culminating in celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
More about this service: This year I'm excited to add the Great Easter Vigil service to our Holy Week observances. It is a beautiful service marked by the blessing of the new Paschal Candle outside by a bonfire, a selection of OT readings (traditionally 12 but we'll do half that), service of holy baptism/renewal of vows, and Holy Communion. Given this is our first year, we will celebrate our baptisms for the morning service, as well as Holy Communion. Service starts at 8:30 (in the dark) and will run 75-85 minutes (which is much shorter than the traditional 3 hours!). There will be no child care. I fully reconize this is a late service for our young families so encourage you to not feel a burden to join for it, and if you do, bring your older children or just opt to have one spouse attend. More on it's history.
See the service Bulletin.
Easter Morning - “He is not here; he is risen!”
Sunday, April 5 at 9:45 / 10:30am
We gather to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and his conquering of sin, death, and the devil.
Everyone is invited to bring a breakfast treat to share at 9:45am.
Everyone is invited to bring white lilies from HEB to decorate the sanctuary.
Bring any bells or noise makers from home as we celebration of Christ's resurrection at the beginning of the service during the Easter acclimation!
Children are invited to bring their easter baskets for the easter egg hunt after.
How to Enter These Holy Days
These three days are not just services we attend—they are a single act of worship we are invited to enter with our whole lives. If this is new for you, here are a few simple ways to participate more fully:
1. Be present for the journey
Each service builds on the last. Come to as many as you are able, and experience the movement from the table, to the cross, to the empty tomb. Consider clearing your calendar as much as possible to give yourself the emotional space to enter this sacred three days.
2. Carry the silence with you
On Thursday and Friday, we leave in silence. Try to keep that spirit as you go home—limit distractions, turn off music or media, and let the weight of these moments stay with you.
3. Read the story at home
Thursday: John 13–17
Friday: John 18–19
Saturday: Sit in the stillness, or read Psalm 22
4. Simplify and slow down
Consider fasting on Friday (or a meal or two) or setting aside extra time for prayer. These days are an invitation to step out of the noise and draw near to Christ.
5. Don’t rush to Easter
Let Good Friday feel heavy. Let Holy Saturday feel quiet. The joy of Easter will be all the greater when we have walked the whole way with Jesus.
In Christ,
Pr. Matthew+
Take a few moments to review the Holy Week page.