Holy Week at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Route 64 in Hayesville provides an opportunity to use our bodies, our imaginations and spirits to accompany Jesus in the journey from Palm Sunday to Easter. The community is cordially invited to participate in any and all of these activities. For information about Good Shepherd visit www.goodshepherdhayesville.org.
Palm Sunday
The journey begins on Palm Sunday, March 24, at 10a.m. The Chancel Choir will present “Once Upon a Tree” by Pepper Choplin as part of the worship service. This beautiful and moving cantata recounts Jesus' last days told through the words of Luke the Physician.
Generational Healing Eucharist
On Tuesday at 11 a.m. we offer a healing service in which we will bring all our family generations into the cleansing work of Holy Week. Participants will be given a family tree form on which to list the wounds, diseases, addictions, etc. found in our family histories so that, by repenting on our family's behalf, we may interrupt the destructive cycle. Our trees will be offered on the altar at Communion for God's blessing and healing. A light lunch will be offered following the service by the Good Shepherd Healing Ministry.
Maundy Thursday
At the Passover Meal, Jesus gave the new commandment (mande) that we should love one another as he first loved us. We begin at 7p.m. with a simple meal followed by the demonstration of self-giving in the washing of one another's feet. Following Eucharist in the sanctuary, the church is stripped of all decoration just as Jesus was stripped of his garments before his crucifixion. All candles and lamps are extinguished, symbolizing the darkness of the world without God.
Maundy Thursday Vigil
At the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus agonized in prayer and asked his disciples, “Could you not watch with me one hour?” From 9p.m. to 7a.m. we are invited to come to “the garden” for quiet prayer and meditation in preparation for the events of Good Friday.
Friday Stations of the Cross
The official watch ends with Stations of the Cross at 7a.m. Good Friday morning. In this brief service participants physically follow the cross as it moves toward the crucifixion with each reading.
Good Friday
At noon on Friday we hear the account in Holy Scripture of the Lord’s trial, suffering, and death. A large cross is borne into the center of the church where we each have an opportunity to pray before the cross and add our nail at its foot. Following Holy Communion (from the Sacrament consecrated Thursday night), we leave the church in silence.
Saturday Liturgy of the New Fire
At 7pm on Holy Saturday we celebrate new life with the relighting of the Paschal candle using a spark generated the Native American way by Darry Wood. This is followed by the first Holy Eucharist of Easter.
Easter Sunday Services and Brunch
Holy Week culminates in Easter services at 9am and 11am (Second service with music). The Easter celebration of resurrected life is made all the more glorious because it represents our resurrection as well after walking through the week with Jesus. Naturally, it includes sharing a bountiful potluck brunch at noon, taking pictures in our finery, and watching the children hunt for Easter eggs. The Lord is Risen! Hallelujah!