Holy Week at Abiding Grace

In Holy Week, we see Jesus suffer and die for our sins and for the sins of the world. And we see him rise triumphantly on Easter morning to assure us that our salvation is complete, the victory is won. Prior to the fourth century, Easter Day itself included all three emphases — Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. But the early Church fathers decided that it might be wise to spread three emphases out over three days. Thus, the “Triduum” (Latin for “three days”) was born.

April 2nd at 7:30pm Holy Thursday - “Rethinking Our Appetites”

The first service of the Triduum. This service commemorates the beginning of Christ’s humble suffering, as he gathers in the upper room, washes his disciples’ feet, institutes the Lord’s Supper, then proceeds to the Garden of Gethsemane for prayer, betrayal & arrest. This service concludes with the stripping of the altar. The altar, which symbolizes Christ, is stripped to represent Jesus’ abandonment by his disciples and betrayal by his friend.

April 3rd at 7:30pm Good Friday - The Seven Words - “Rethinking Sacrifice”

The middle of the Triduum is Good Friday. On this day, darkness blanketed the earth from noon until 3:00PM, as our Savior endured the pains of hell, hanging from a cross. But Christ’s suffering means our salvation. In this worship service, we use the ancient custom of tenebrae, Latin for “darkness.” Throughout the service, as we meditate upon our Savior’s passion, lights are dimmed and candles snuffed. This symbolizes the ebbing of Christ’s life. The somberness of this service serves as a foil, making the joy of Easter Sunday that much brighter. Come join us online for this experience in God’s Word and music.

April 5th at 7:00am Easter Sunrise Service

Celebrate the rising of the Son as we witness the rising of the sun. This Easter Festival Service will be outdoor, weather permitting. The WLS Chorus will sing 4 pieces in this service. Celebrate Easter with us!

April 5th at 10:30am Easter Sunday Festival Worship

This Sunday we celebrate the high festival of the Christian Year and the conclusion of this Triduum. Join us and invite your friends, neighbors and families to have a chance to remember what it is all about. The WLS Chorus will sing twelve pieces replacing some of the parts of the liturgy with song in this service. Join us at 10:20 to sing some of your favorite Easter hymns as we gather for worship. Then stick around after the service for our annual Easter Egg Hunt and brunch. Bring your families. The kids will love it!