First Lutheran announces Holy Week services
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PARKERSBURG -- Holy Week services at First Lutheran Church, 1701 19th St., will begin Palm Sunday, April 2, according to the Rev. Ian B. Reid, senior pastor at First Lutheran.
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem will be celebrated with a worship service at 8:30 a.m., Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and the traditional worship service at 10:45 a.m.
Holy Week will continue with Maundy Thursday services at noon and 7 p.m. April 6. Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services. This year's class of First Communicants and their families will participate in the 7 p.m. service. A reception in the new Gathering Space will follow.
Good Friday evening Tenebrae service will begin at 7 p.m. The service is especially meaningful and moving for Christians. Worshipers will have the opportunity to literally nail their confession or requests to the wooden cross in the Sanctuary.
The Vigil of Easter Service will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 8. Assisting Reid will be invited area pastors including: Pastor Thomas Darr, Christ Lutheran Church, Vienna; Pastor Carolyn Mash, Elizabeth United Methodist Church; and Pastor Shauna Hyde, Christ United Methodist Church, Lauckport.
Following the Saturday Vigil the wooden cross in front of the church at the entrance to the sanctuary will be decorated with flowers. This is a long-standing tradition which invites all to bring fresh flowers and participate in the decorating of the cross.
The flower-bedecked cross will stand in front of the church to celebrate Christ's victory on Easter morning.
Easter morning breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 a.m. The breakfast is open to everyone. Donations will be accepted and will go to support the summer Vacation Bible School.
The Traditional Easter Sunday celebration worship service on April 9 will be a combined service beginning at 10 a.m. No 8:30 a.m. service or Sunday school are scheduled. The joyful celebration will include the traditional procession of the paraments that are returned to the Altar. Special music presentations will include the Festival Choir, and in keeping with tradition, "The Eastlawn Brass" will also participate in this special service.
The Sanctuary will be decorated with greenery and Easter lilies, memorials for past members, honoring present members, and celebrating the Risen Lord and our release from the barren 40 days of Lent.
Everyone is invited to come and share in the joyful celebration that "He Is Risen." Call the church office (304/428-6174) for further information on any of these services and events. There is ample parking adjacent to the Church. First Lutheran is handicap accessible and also has the hearing LOOP system in the Sanctuary for those needing hearing assistance.