Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week. We remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem as a humble king who conquered his enemies by surrendering himself into their hands. Our Palm Sunday service includes a procession with palm fronds.

On Holy Thursday, Jesus gathered with his disciples to celebrate the Passover meal. During this so-called “Last Supper,” he instituted a new meal for his people: Holy Communion. Our Holy Thursday service focuses on the meaning and the blessings of the Lord’s Supper. It concludes with the solemn stripping of the altar in preparation for Good Friday.

Good Friday is the day on which Jesus, the Lamb of God, offered his life as the full and final sacrifice for sins. The Good Friday service is unique in its somber tone and content. During the service seven candles are extinguished and the sanctuary lights are dimmed to symbolize Jesus’ life ebbing away on the cross. The service ends on a note of clear and real hope as we anticipate the celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday.

This Easter Sunrise follows the historic Easter Vigil service. The service begins in the darkness and quiet of Good Friday. Worshippers gather outside the sanctuary with lit candles. The service builds as we enter the sanctuary with our first, triumphant proclamations of Jesus’ resurrection. This service also celebrates how we are made participants in Jesus’ resurrection through his Word and Sacraments by including a focus on baptism and Holy Communion.

Easter Sunday is the most important and joyous day of the year as we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection and the significance it has for us now and eternally. So we pull out all the stops, singing our biggest songs and raising our most jubilant shouts of victory. There will be breakfast at both locations. 8:30am in AVL & 10:45am in HVL. There will be egg hunt fun for kids in both locations.