Holy Week and Easter Worship
Follow the story of Jesus, from the rabble-rousing palm parade as he entered Jerusalem through to the empty tomb of Easter morning, with special worship opportunities.
This year, we are sharing Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services with two of our neighboring churches, Falcon Heights UCC and St. Anthony Park UCC. Macalester Plymouth members are invited to attend either FHUCC or SAPUCC's Maundy Thursday services. We will welcome members from both churches to our Good Friday service.
Palm Sunday, March 24
Macalester Plymouth United Church, 10:00am
Join the palm parade and follow Jesus into Jerusalem. The Chapel Choir, Handbell Choir and Chancel Choir lead us. A potluck luncheon follows worship. Last names: A - H: please bring a dessert, I - Q: main dish/entree, R - Z: salad and fixings.
Maundy Thursday, March 28
"Maundy" is from the Latin word for "command" and refers to Jesus' commandment to the disciples to "love one another as I have loved you." (John 13:34-35).
St. Anthony Park UCC, 7:00pm
This quiet and contemplative worship service will include scripture readings that tell this part of the story of Holy Week, prayers, and congregational singing. Worshippers will also be invited to participate in the rituals of communion and hand-washing. Please make the most of this Holy Week experience. The service will be held at St. Anthony Park UCC is located at 2129 Commonwealth Avenue, St. Paul. www.sapucc.org
Falcon Heights UCC, 7:00pm
This service recalls both the institution of the Lord’s Supper, Jesus’ arrest and trial, as well as the disciples’ betrayal and denial of him. Join Falcon Heights Church – UCC’s choir and readers for a Maundy Thursday Service of Communion and Tenebrae. Falcon Heights is located at 1795 Holton Street at Garden Avenue in Falcon Heights. www.falconheightsucc.org
Good Friday, March 29
Macalester Plymouth United Church
6:00pm Bread and Soup Supper, 7:00pm Worship Service
Why do we call this night "good"? The death of Jesus is hard to bear and calls to mind so much needless suffering in our world. And yet, through Jesus, we are reminded that God is present to us in it all, bearing us up and inviting transformation. This contemplative service features a candlelight ritual, prayer, and singing followed by the Tenebrae, a gradual extinguishing of candles as we read through the last words of Jesus. The Chancel Choir will sing the Responsories for the Offices of Tenebrae by Healey Willan. Bring your concerns for the world as we continue to walk through Holy Week together.
Easter Sunday, March 31
Macalester Plymouth United Church, 10:00am
The sanctuary will be filled with beautiful flowers as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Featuring special music by the St. Paul Festival Brass Ensemble and Chancel Choir led by Dr. Brad Bradshaw, and Dr. Kathy Romey directing the Hallelujah Chorus sing-a-long. A fabulous Easter Eggstravaganza (egg hunt) will follow worship. Come experience and celebrate God's abundance!