A cross is decorated with flowers to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ at a past First Lutheran Church Holy Week service. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — Holy Week observances will begin Sunday at First Lutheran Church on 19th Street.

Sunday will be Palm Sunday, marking the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday will be celebrated with worship at 8:30 am; Sunday school at 9:40 and the traditional worship service at 10:45. Palms will be distributed to everyone attending.

At noon and 7 p.m. Thursday, the church will observe Maundy Thursday with communion celebrated at both services.

A Good Friday Tenebrae service will take place at 7 p.m. Friday with the confirmation class assisting. Worshippers will have the opportunity to nail their confession or requests to the wooden cross in the sanctuary.

The observances will continue at 7 p.m. Saturday with the Vigil of Easter. Following tradition, after the services the cross in front of the church at the sanctuary entrance will be decorated with flowers. Those attending are asked to bring fresh flowers and help with the decorating. Worshippers will be greeted by the flower-bedecked cross to celebrate Christ’s victory on Easter morning.

An Easter morning breakfast will be served beginning at 8:30 a.m. and is open to everyone. Donations will be accepted and will go to support summer Camp Luther scholarships.

The traditional Easter Sunday celebration worship service April 5 will be a combined service beginning at 10 a.m. There will be no 8:30 a.m. service or Sunday school.

The celebration will include the traditional procession of the paraments as they are returned to the altar. Music presentations will include the Festival Choir and special instrumentalists.

Everyone is invited to come and share in the celebration. More information is available by calling the church office at 304-428-6174.

There is parking adjacent to the Church. First Lutheran is handicap accessible and has the hearing LOOP system in the sanctuary for those needing hearing assistance.