Hi Friends at Lowville United Church,
For the first time in many years, we are celebrating Holy Week at Lowville United Church! We are doing this because a closer walk with Jesus, in the final week of his ministry, is absolutely essential in our dismal and troubling times. In Jesus’s ministry he acknowledged that there is trouble in this world and through his teachings, his death on a cross and resurrection, he has overcome this world and he advises us “to take heart”. In sharing the journey with Christ, we realize that he weeps with us, he knows the pain of rejection and injustice and that God works out hope for the church and the world through Resurrection’s power. I know that this journey can be transformative for you. I hope that you are able to participate in all or some of these events
Palm Sunday (March 29th) marks the beginning of Holy week. Jesus is welcomed as the true King (King David’s descendant) who fulfills prophecy, by riding in humbly on a young donkey. At Lowville United Church, we are providing you with an opportunity to reflect on Jesus’s triumphal entry in Jerusalem, and experience the shift in tone and mood that happens mid-week, when Jesus comes face to face, with religious and political leadership. God, through Jesus, chooses the path of non-violence. Weather-permitting, we will have a short palm parade, recalling the crowd that waved palm branches, over two thousand years ago, as Jesus entered Jerusalem. Viewing this Palm Sunday video, The Triumphal Entry Chosen Season 5 Episode 1 may help you to prepare for the service https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKtyXlMPuWA
Our Annual Congregational Meeting will immediately follow our Palm Sunday Service. Please plan to attend.
DRAFT COPY OF ANNUAL REPORT
On Maundy Thursday, at 12:15 pm. We will share a meal together and engage in communion at table, recalling Christ’s demonstration of servant leadership. We will recall as he washed the feet of his disciples, as we engage in hand-washing, and share in communion while seated at a common table in the Zimmerman Room. Jesus also gave the great commandment that we should love one another, and in this way, make his joy complete on this Holy Thursday.
For the first time in many years, we will be having a Good Friday Service, 10:00 am, where we will participate in a contemplative service of readings, songs and meditative music. Our Good Friday Service is consistent with the Taize` tradition. The service will provide a unique opportunity, in silence, to name the hard things and leave them at the foot of the cross, trusting in God’s resurrection. Kindly observe Holy Saturday in a manner that is meaningful for you. Rev. Roni can provide options for personal reflection and prayer.
On Easter Sunday morning, 9:15 am we will be hosting an early gathering in the Zimmerman Room,. with contemplative videos and a light Hot Cross Bun Breakfast, followed by a traditional Easter Celebration Communion Service at 10:00 am. Resurrection was, and is, God’s plan. Jesus predicted, three times, that he would be crucified and rise again on the third day. Many Christians have experienced endings and new beginnings on their respective journey of faith. Rev. Roni will be preaching on the Easter Miracle and will share in-part her own faith journey! It will be a joyful and powerful celebration of Easter Hope!
Please share the attached flyer below with family members and friends. Holy Week and Easter are the most important events in the Christian Calendar.
Below you will find some Historic Holy Week Traditions:
Traditional Schedule and Significance of Holy Week (Western Tradition)
Date Observance Key Meaning & Events
March 29. Palm Sunday. Commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
March 30. Holy Monday. Traditionally recalls the cleansing of the Temple or the anointing of Jesus at Bethany.
March 31. Holy Tuesday. Commemorates Jesus teaching in the Temple and foretelling his betrayal and Peter's denial.
April 1. Spy Wednesday. Recalls Judas Iscariot's decision to betray Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.
April 2. Maundy Thursday Commemorates the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the washing of the feet.
April 3. Good Friday. A solemn day of mourning marking Jesus' crucifixion and death.
April 4. Holy Saturday. A day of quiet reflection as Jesus' body lay in the tomb; the Easter Vigil begins after sundown.
April 5. Easter Sunday. The joyful celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
LENTEN/EASTER SERVICES
Mar 29th. Palm Sunday with Palm Parade (10am)
April 2nd – Maundy Thursday, (12 pm), Breaking Bread, Drinking from the Cup, with light soup lunch.
April 3rd – Good Friday (10 AM).
April 5th – Easter Sunday (10 AM)
UPDATES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Interested i Contemplative Prayer based on John Mark Comer’s
“Practicing the Way”. Please chat with Rev. Roni for further information.
ANNUAL MEETING TODAY following service. Everyone Welcome!
ANNUAL REPORTS DRAFT copies are available in the Zimmerman Room. You may also click on the link. DRAFT
UCW meeting Wed Apr 8 (11:30am) Zimmerman Rm. Bring your lunch.
SAVE THE DATE Sat May 9 (3pm) Lowville United Church. Come listen to The Major 7th Band and hear songs of Gordon Lightfoot With some by his Canadian contemporaries, Please see attached flyer.
REV RONI`S OFFICE HOURS at our Church are Mon, Tues & Wed (10am - 3pm) Contact Info: [email protected] or Cell (416) 271- 531 (text, email or phone for appointment).
REFRESHMENTS Choose a Sunday to bring “after Worship” refreshments. Sign-up Sheet is on the Zimmerman Rm Bulletin Board (south/east wall).
LOWVILLE CARES Place your Local Food Bank Donations in Zimmerman Room Baskets located under the Guelph Line window near the Sanctuary door.
ONLINE CALENDAR Did you know that Lowville has an online calendar??? Go check it out at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca/calendar. It’s updated with all the happenings.
DONATIONS to Lowville United Church can now be made online by scanning the following QR code with your phone or by clicking the Donation link at www.lowvilleunitedchurch.ca
