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Palm
Sunday (March 16)
8:30
& 11:00 a.m.: Parade of Palms during worship
On Palm Sunday, we re-enact Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and
begin a week of reflection on the Passion Story, in preparation
for our Easter journey. New Members will be joining the church.
2:30 p.m.:
Palm Sunday Procession for Peace
The Palm Sunday Procession for Peace is on Sunday, March 16, organized by the Des Moines
Area Ecumenical Committee for Peace. The procession begins at Trinity United Methodist
Church (8th & College), where participants will gather at 2:30 pm and be given palms to carry.
At 3 pm we will process to St. Ambrose Cathedral (6th & High) where a prayer service will be
held at 3:45, Featuring Bishop Alan Scarfe, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa. Urbandale United
Church of Christ is one of over 40 churches and organizations sponsoring this event. Contact
Elsie Naylor, elsie.naylor@urbucc.org, for more information.
The church will be open from 9-3 Monday-Friday of Holy Week
for you to come and pray. At noontime, there will be a brief series
of meditations.
For four days we will explore “the cleansing of the
Temple” and seek to “set free” each of the characters
that live in our own hearts and minds.
Holy
Monday (March 17)
Noon Meditation
Holy
Tuesday (March 18)
Noon Meditation
Holy
Wednesday (March 19)
Noon Meditation
Maundy
Thursday (March 20)
Noon Meditation
7:00 p.m.:
Service of Foot/Hand Washing, Prayers for Wholeness, and Communion (Bulletin, PDF 239KB)
“Maundy Thursday” comes from the Latin “mandatum
novum,” meaning “new commandment.” On this night,
we remember the story of the Upper Room where Jesus gave the disciples
a new commandment, that “you love one another.” During
this story, two events occurred: Jesus washed the disciples’
feet and he shared the Last Supper. During this service, you will
be invited to share in each at your own choosing. They will happen
simultaneously, so no one who chooses not to participate will feel
exposed or left out. Foot or hand washing can be done as an act
of forgiveness, service, or whatever spiritual purpose you find
meaningful. You may want to plan ahead by not wearing socks or hose
and wearing shoes that are easily removed. You may come alone or
plan to come with a partner. More instructions will be given on
that evening, but every effort will be made to create a “safe”
environment for an act of spiritual vulnerability. A station for
Prayers for Wholeness will also be offered.
Good
Friday (March 21)
Noon: Meditation:
Stations of the Cross
7:00 p.m.:
Service of Tenebrae (Bulletin, PDF 244KB)
A Service of Tenebrae, sometimes called a Service of Shadows, is
a service of “Darkness.” The service includes a series
of readings from the Last Supper and the crucifixion of Jesus. As
the story is told, candles are extinguished and the sanctuary will
be stripped of its ornamentation as the congregation is left in
darkness.
Holy
Saturday (March 22)
7:00 p.m.:
Easter Vigil (Bulletin, PDF 572KB)
During this ancient liturgy of the church, we remember God’s
history of liberation among us. God’s pillar of fire will be
relit outside and we will bring the light back to the sanctuary.
The service will include the remembrance of our baptism and will
conclude with a celebrative feast.
Easter
Sunday (March 23)
8:30 &
11:00 a.m.: Worship with Communion
(Bulletin, PDF 212KB)
9:15 a.m.: Easter breakfast
Church School classes will not meet on Easter morning, but
childcare will be provided for children up to age 7.
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