The Lenten season through Easter is a special time in church. The time is punctuated by moving music, sacrifice, and ham. (It doesn’t have to be ham; feel free to substitute bacon!) It was very different last year when the stay-at-home order was in place, and the continuing pandemic means normal hasn’t fully resurfaced yet either. This has probably cured many of us of the idea of “normal”, but finding and maintaining connections has been strengthened during this. We’re better and more intentional about connecting with our friends and family. We’re also more savvy about utilizing technology to do so. Although it isn’t the same, it is the best way to connect and still maintain our identify with Wesley’s rule to “do no harm”. Here’s what to expect over the next several weeks.
Palm Sunday
March 28, 2021
This online service will be at the normal time: 10:30 AM. However, palms will be available for pick-up at the church the day before, Saturday, March 27, 2021. You can snag a couple of palm fronds from the front porch at church. They’ll be there in a bucket of water near the wooden doors waiting for your arrival! In preparation of the service, please read John 19:30.
Maundy Thursday
April 1, 2021
Much like Christmas Eve, this service has a life expectancy. You can watch the Maundy Thursday service online from 6 PM until midnight. After that, it will expire. This service includes Communion, and there are two times when you can pick up Communion elements for those wishing to take part in this service.
- March 30 from 4 PM to 6 PM
- March 31 from 10 AM to 5 PM
Easter Sunday
April 4, 2021
The Ministerial Alliance will host a sunrise service at Peaceful Ridge Cemetery. The service will begin at 6 AM.
St. Andrew’s UMC will host two services on Easter Sunday. First, a 9 AM service in the parking lot is planned. You’ll be able to sit in your vehicle with your radio on to listen to the service or, weather permitting, bring a lawn chair and sit next to your vehicle. This service will be broadcast to your FM radio and give you the chance to see one another and fellowship while maintaining social distancing guidelines. This service will offer Communion.
Our second Easter Sunday service will be online at 10:30 AM on Easter Sunday. This service will feature some wonderful music and allow you to worship and celebrate the season in your home. Drive-thru Communion will be offered from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM for those enjoying the online service. Both the 9 AM and 10:30 AM service will utilize Luke 23:44-49.