HOLY WEEK AT ST. ANDREW’S BY THE LAKE
HOLY WEEK
AT
ST. ANDREW’S BY THE
Ask people around the world what they think is the biggest day of the year for Christians. Most will say “Christmas”. That’s what our society has achieved: a romantic mid-winter festival (though we don’t actually know what time of the year Jesus was born) from which most of the things that really matter (the danger, the politics) are carefully excluded. The true answer is Easter. This is the moment of new creation. If it hadn’t been for Easter, nobody would ever have dreamed of celebrating Christmas. This is the first day of God’s new week. The darkness has gone, and the sun is shining. Easter is so important that’s it’s not just a day (and neither is Christmas) - but it’s a whole season, eight weeks long!
We know the story of Jesus - about his life, death and resurrection. Just the same, each year it’s important to participate in Lent and Holy Week so we can prepare ourselves to truly celebrate the resurrection of Christ - in our lives and in the world. Life is not a matter of moving from triumph to triumph. Rather - the Cross always stands between us and Resurrection. You can’t get to Easter without going through the Cross. Yes - we are an Easter people, but it is often said we live in a Good Friday world.
The liturgies of Holy Week will take you deeper and wider in your walk with Christ - I can guarantee you that. I encourage you to participate in some or all of the Holy Week liturgies.
Maundy Thursday - Agape Dinner and the Stripping of the Altar - 5:45 p.m. This is the night Jesus ate with his disciples, the night they shared bread and wine - the night Jesus washed his disciples feet. We will watch a Rob Bell DVD (10 minutes), called “Riches” and reflect on how we serve others. We will share Eucharist (in the Mission Hall), then have a meal (meatless potluck)Afterwards, we move into the church for the stripping of the altar - and then leave a darkened, bare, empty church - quietly. Good Friday awaits.
Good Friday - 7 p.m. - He Will Walk
In the midst of the Good Friday liturgy, we’ll hear short reflections about following Jesus, along with visuals and music for reflection.
The Great Vigil of Easter - 7 p.m.
This is one of the most awesome liturgies of the church. We begin in the dusky church and hear the stories of creation, the flood, the exodus, dry bones — all done with creativity so perhaps we can hear them anew. The Renewal of Baptismal Vows is followed by the ringing of bells, the Easter Acclamations — Alleluia!! — the lights come on - and we move into our celebration of Easter. After Eucharist we have the first party of Easter - in the Mission Hall. Bring an appetizer to share - or something sweet. It’s time to eat and celebrate! There will be Ukranian Eggs for the children to design.
Easter Sunday - 9:45 a.m.
A festive Eucharist with special music (trumpet, violin, voice). During the first part of the liturgy, children ages 5 through 9 will have special activities in the Mission Hall - then will join their parents for Communion. After worship there will be an Easter Egg hunt for children.
ON INCENSE
The use of incense in Christian worship dates back to the earliest days. The Church, meeting in a wide variety of places, used incense for fumigatory purposes (no one used deodorant!), as well as for giving special honor to certain parts of the liturgy on festive occasion.
In the late middle ages wide (and wild) allegorical interpretations became attached to it - and its use became very prescribed and fussy. Contemporary use in worship has attempted to return to its freer and simpler past. Incense is put in a swinging container called a ‘thurible’. The acolyte who carries the container is called a ‘thurifer’. Incense at a Eucharist is appropriately used for the Processional, at the reading of the Gospel, and at the Offertory. Some communities use it at the Recessional.
At St. Andrew’s by the
center aisle or the front near the altar.
In the same manner that special traditions or old customs highlight the meaning of family gatherings or civil celebrations, so we include candles, flowers, special music, incense, etc., when we gather to prepare ourselves for Easter, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and to celebrate the lives of all the saints.
Join then all of you in our Master’s rejoicing
You who were first to come, you who came after
come now and collect your wages.
Rich and poor, sing and dance together.
You that are hard on yourselves, you that are easy,
celebrate this day. You that have fasted
and you that have not, make merry today.
Christ has turned all our sunsets into dawns.
The meal is ready; come and enjoy it.
Blessed be God!
(Hippolytus, Easter Homily)
