There are a few days in the Christian calendar that are considered even greater feasts than our typical Sundays together, and they are often referred to as Holy Days. These Holy Days are reason for great celebration and include variations on our usual liturgy. St. John’s has many long standing traditions on Holy Days, as well as a few new ones that are sparking renewed excitement and participation.
ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI DAY (Blessing of the Animals)
On or around October 4th
@ 5:00 p.m. Service in the St. John’s Memorial Garden
The annual feast in honor of St. Francis of Assisi when all our four-legged friends attend a special worship service held in the St. John’s Memorial Garden and receive their annual blessing. This is a spirited celebration for the entire parish family, and has been known to attract a few neighborhood pets as well.
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT AND HOLY EUCHARIST
@ 10:00 a.m.
The story of events leading up to and the birth of our savior Jesus Christ is one we begin knowing from our childhood, so who better to tell than those for whom it is still fresh? Each year on Christmas Eve our children and youth present the Christmas Eve Pageant as a gift to the St. John’s worshipping community in this beloved Christmas tradition. Come and see this special dramatic portrayal of the story of the birth of our savior, Jesus the Christ.
CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVAL EUCHARIST
@12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., & 10 p.m.
The highlight of our Christmas Season, this glorious service presents the mystery of Emmanuel (God among us) through the gifts of music provided by our Parish Choir as well as several guest musicians, spectacular floral arrangements offered by our flower guild, and a service of Holy Eucharist. All of these gifts and more combine to make this service one of the most beautiful and meaningful liturgies of our church year! No childcare provided.
CHRISTMAS DAY EUCHARIST
@ 10:00 a.m.
After all of the presents have been unwrapped and before your family enjoys a wonderful Christmas dinner together, we hope you will join us for a simple, yet joyful celebration of Christmas day complete with the singing of plenty of traditional Christmas Carols.
ASH WEDNESDAY
@ 9:30 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.
The Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist service marks the beginning of our Lenten pilgrimage. Ashes are imposed on the foreheads of all those who choose to come forward, in symbolism of mourning and penitence; tenants of the introspective nature of the Lenten season. This service is a wonderful way to firmly set our perspectives on the spirit of Lent, so that we may celebrate Easter in a whole new way. The Parish Choir will sing at the 7:00 p.m. service only.
ST. PATRICK’S CELTIC EUCHARIST & DINNER
The Sunday before or after St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th)
@ 5:30 p.m.
A Wee Bit O’ the Irish
Our St. Patrick’s Day Celtic celebration is coming again!
Our annual Celtic Eucharist that includes festive Celtic music. Then we will gather in Field Hall to enjoy a Celtic feast with traditional Irish food. There is no cost, but please make your reservation by calling Dale in the church office; 245-4065.
PALM SUNDAY
The Sunday before Easter Sunday.
@ 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.
The day we remember Jesus Christ’s triumphant ride off the mount of olives and his entrance into the Holy city of Jerusalem, where he was met by great crowds waving palm fronds along the way. The Liturgy of the Palms for the 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. services will begin outside in the Memorial Garden (weather permitting), we then process together into the church as we ‘walk with Jesus into Jerusalem’.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
The Thursday before Easter Sunday.
@ 7:00 p.m.
The Holy Eucharist with Foot washing is one of the most moving services of the Christian year, this service begins the passion of the Great Three Days, also known as the Triduum. All in attendance are invited to participate in the washing of one another’s feet, following the example of Jesus and his ‘Mandate’ that they love one another as he has loved them. At the end of the service, the stripping of the altar is followed by an all night prayer vigil. A poster to sign up for the Vigil is available in Field Hall two weeks prior to Maundy Thursday.
GOOD FRIDAY
The Friday before Easter Sunday.
@ 12:00 noon
The Way of the Cross is a traditional devotion in honor of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Known also as Stations of the Cross, Via Crucis, and Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross had its origins in the Holy Land.
@ 7:00 p.m.
Good Friday Service is a solemn service in special remembrance of Jesus’ perfect sacrifice, once and for all, upon the cross. This year we return to our traditional Episcopal liturgy to commemorate this extremely important day in Holy Week, and to recognize what it means in our overall faith experience as Christians.
THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER
The Saturday before Easter Sunday following sundown.
@ 7:30 a.m.
The Great Vigil of Easter with Baptism is the centerpiece of our Easter celebration together and THE most significant and meaningful service of the entire Christian year. This incredibly moving liturgy will begin outside with the kindling of the new fire. Following a candlelight procession into the church, the service continues with Old Testament readings of the history of humanity’s salvation. After renewing our Baptismal Covenant we turn on the lights inside, Easter is officially proclaimed, the Gloria is sung, and our Lenten observance ends. with a service of Holy Eucharist. This moving service is sure to be an experience of Easter you do not want to miss!
EASTER SUNDAY: THE RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD
@ 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Easter Day Festival Holy Eucharist services include amazing music featuring our Parish Choir, guest musicians, and vocal soloists…as well as amazing displays of the vibrant and beautiful flowers of Spring meticulously arranged by our Flower Guild.