
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week is a significant period in the Christian calendar, observed during the last week of Lent and leading up to Easter Sunday. It commemorates the final days of Jesus Christ's life, his passion, and his resurrection. The week culminates in Easter Sunday, a joyous celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death. These special services invite us to reflect on the saving act of The Cross for humanity. All services will take place at 3373 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA
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Palm Sunday - April 13 | 10:30AM-12PM
Palm Sunday is a significant Christian observance that marks the beginning of Holy Week. Celebrated on the Sunday before Easter, it commemorates Jesus Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, where crowds greeted Him with palm branches and shouts of praise. This tradition symbolizes not only the respect and acknowledgement of Jesus as the Messiah but also serves as a reminder of His upcoming sacrifice. In churches around the world, congregants participate in processions and the waving of palms, reflecting on themes of hope, humility, and the journey of faith as believers prepare for the solemn observance of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday.
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Maundy Thursday - April 17 | 7-8PM
Maundy Thursday marks the commemoration of the Last Supper and the institution of Communion, a profound tradition within the Christian faith. This year, we invite you to join us at 7 PM where we will hold a service to honor this meaningful occasion with the act of foot washing, to remember Christ’s washing of the disciple’s feet.
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Stations of The Cross - April 18 |12-2PM
The Stations of the Cross, also known as the Via Crucis, holds profound significance in the Western Christian tradition. This station-led devotion reflects on the final hours of Jesus Christ as He journeyed towards crucifixion. Each station represents a specific event from His suffering, offering a pathway for the faithful to meditate on the depth of His sacrifice.
Engaging with the Stations of the Cross allows us to connect with the Passion of Christ on a personal level. Through this meditation, one can reflect on the themes of sacrifice, love, and redemption that are central to the Christian faith. As participants move from station to station, they are invited to contemplate their own struggles and the unyielding love Christ demonstrated in His suffering.
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Good Friday - April 18 | 2-3PM
A Good Friday service is a solemn gathering that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It typically includes readings from Scripture that recount the events leading up to the crucifixion, prayers of reflection, and the singing of hymns that reflect on sacrifice and redemption. Many services incorporate a time of silence or meditation, allowing attendees to contemplate the significance of Jesus' suffering and death.
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Holy Saturday - April 19 | 10-11AM
A Holy Saturday service is a solemn observance that takes place on the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. This service typically includes the reading of Scripture, reflecting on the significance of Christ's burial and the waiting for His resurrection. The service holds perfectly the tension between Christ’s death and his resurrection the following day.
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Easter Sunday - April 20 | 10:30AM-12PM
Easter Sunday is the pinnacle of the Christian year, marking the culmination of Holy Week and the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This day reflects the core belief in the victory of life over death, symbolizing hope and renewal through Christ’s act on the cross. During the Easter Sunday service, congregants engage in vibrant worship that often includes the singing of hymns, the reading of Scripture, and the sharing of Communion. The liturgy is rich with symbols of resurrection, such as the use of white vestments and the decoration of the church with fresh flowers, emphasizing joy and new beginnings.
NOTE: We will be providing Child care for infants up to young elementary ages.
