Our Maundy Thursday service on April 2 was handled differently this year. The crowd was small at 15 so that we could hold the first part of the service outside on a beautiful spring evening. Footwashing, homily, Liturgy of the Word, Communion were outside. After this we went inside for hymns – “What wonderous love is this”, “As in that upper room”, ” Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love” and “In remembrance of me” and the stripping of the altar singing “Stay with Me” continuously. A full moon greeted us through the windows of St. Peter’s as we departed in silence.
Holy Week
Tenebrae, April 1, 2015
We had 18 at Tenebrae which was a good turnout, though two less than last year. This is an unusual service with its own Liturgy. There is only music – the readings carry the service. And it is not from the traditional Gospel readings. The readings range from Lamentations in the Old Testament to commentary from St Augustine, and at last a reading from Hebrews, in which the theology of Gods saving grace through Jesus Christ our great high priest is presented for our consideration. The Psalms dominate the service.
Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015
Our Palm Sunday weather in 2015 was not spring-like except for the sun which was glorious. The temperature was in the high 40’s, reached the low 50’s but was windy|We had 47 but a smaller number for the Litany of the Palms. This year we had various noise makers including a cymbal to increase and highlight the fanfare.|Catherine’s opening homily focused on the concept of love in Holy week despite the tragedy – the annointing at Bethany, the Last Supper, Jesus toward God and the Centurion. Each forgot their own needs and served the other.
Sunrise Service, March 31, 2013 – 7am
The day started out early for some of us at the Long’s for the 7am Sunrise service. Unfortunately, while the son came up briefly it was soon hidden by the advancing cloud cover.|St. Peter’s was well represented in scripture and song. Nancy and Helmut performed twice on “Because He Lives” and “Victory in Jesus.” Catherine provided the opening prayer and Gospel reading. Both Memorial Baptist and Shiloh were represented. Rev Joe Dobbin of Shiloh presented the sermon on “First 7 Words After Resurrection.”|The Longs offered a wonderful reception with various egg, sausage casseroles, doughnut, hash browns.
The “Best” of Holy Week and Easter
Here are 50 images of the period from Palm Sunday to Easter, 2013. From Palm Sunday to Easter, we held 5 services with 166 in attendance. We also participated in the Port Royal Sunrise service on Sunday morning. On Sat. we held our 7th community dinner for 80-120 children feeding them lunch and holding an Easter egg hunt. Yes, we did walk with Jesus in his suffering and hardships and then sharing and proclaiming the resurrection.
Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 11am
At 11am, we had 54 for Easter on an increasingly cloudy and by service time some light rain. Most of all it was just cold and damp. Not Easter like! Some additions to the service this year – a set of wind chimes Catherine carried in procession. Also, with abundant children we had a children’s sermon before the main one. The metaphor of a flower bulb that rises is a wonderful metaphor for the risen Christ.As with last year we lit the paschal fire, symbolizing the new light from Christ this Easter.
Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2013
Maundy Thursday is remembered for the “Last Supper” meeting with the disciples with the footwashing, the foreshadowing of Judas betrayal and the movement into Gethsemane. We had a traditional Seder supper at 5pm. The 7pm service featured the washing and anointing of hands. By the end of the service the altar is stripped in preparation for Good Friday.