550 Ridgewood Rd, Maplewood, NJ
St. George's Episcopal Church will celebrate Holy Week with the following:
Sunday, April 1:
Palm Sunday -Three services 8, 9:15 and 10:15 a.m., with a four-legged guest at the 9:15 a.m. Family Service
Wednesday, April 4:
A Tenebrae Service will be held at 8 p.m. on Wednesday of Holy Week. "Tenebrae" is a Latin term meaning "shadows." The Tenebrae service is a powerful collection of psalms and readings marking the themes of despair and darkness just before Jesus' ultimate victory over death.
Thursday, April 5:
A Choral Eucharist & Liturgy of Maundy Thursday will be held at 8 p.m.. This commemoration of the Last Supper includes the re-enactment of Jesus' washing the disciples' feet as a sign of service and humility, and ends with the stripping of the altar creating the austere atmosphere for Good Friday.
An all-night vigil in the church begins immediately after the service, ending with Morning Prayer at 7 a.m. Friday.
Friday, April 6:
This most solemn day of the Christian year is observed with a 4 p.m. Children's Service designed to help them understand the crucifixion through the Stations of the Cross, and at the 8 p.m. Choral Liturgy of Good Friday, which includes Veneration of the Cross, and Communion from reserve Sacrament.
Saturday, April 7:
The Great Vigil of Easter, beginning with the blessing of the Paschal Fire in front of the church doors at 8 p.m., is the most ancient form of Easter worship proclaiming Jesus' resurrection. Through lessons recalling salvation history and the joyous ringing of bells leading to the celebration of the resurrection and the Eucharist, the Great Vigil of Easter ushers in the triumphal feast day of Easter. Everyone is invited to bring small bells to ring!
Sunday, April 8:
Easter Sunday -Three services provide a variety of joyful worship experiences for all St. Georgians and all who wish to join us, capturing the joy of this wonderful day.
A service of Holy Eucharist will be held at 8 a.m.
At the Family Eucharist we will meet in front of the main doors of the church at 9 a.m. sharp for the "Search for Jesus." We will interview a Roman centurion at the cross, and visit the tomb where Jesus was buried.
The service is designed for younger children and will incorporate a simple Eucharist, along with Easter music and a children's homily. An Egg Hunt will follow, outdoors if possible or indoors in case of inclement weather. All are welcome and urged to invite friends!
The 10:30 a.m. Choral Festival Eucharist features the Choir of St. George's and the Saint George Singers children's choir, joined by organ and instruments. Everyone is invited to bring small bells to ring!
At St. George's it is a tradition that at the conclusion of the Easter service, members of the congregation are invited to come up and join the choir in singing Handel's Hallelujah Chorus. Musical scores will be provided.
Our celebration of Easter will conclude with an elegant reception in the parish hall.
