Holy Week Worship Service Details
The services at FVUMC during Holy Week are powerful and sensory-rich worship experiences. Come, make this journey with Jesus.
Palms to Passion Sunday - April 13
We remember Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem with the traditional palm branches and children's processional, but Palm Sunday is also Passion Sunday. In contrast to the celebratory palms, the Passion scripture leads us into the darkness and suffering of Holy Week. All three worship services will be live-streamed from the centrum this week so that everyone has the opportunity to walk with Jesus from the palms to the cross as we tell the full story through scripture and music. *** If you have kids in 5th grade and younger, be sure to check out our special Family Holy Week event happening from 3-5pm Sunday afternoon!
Maundy Thursday - April 17, 7pm
Our worship embodies the night before Jesus was betrayed and the new commandment he gives in John 13:34 to “love one another.” Just as Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and told them to eat the bread and drink the cup in remembrance of him, our service includes an optional foot or hand washing time as an opportunity to express our own servant hearts and also includes our remembrance of that last supper through Communion. At the close of worship is the “stripping of the church” where all candles, banners, paraments, and other items are removed to signify the desolate time ahead. (Childcare available)
Good Friday Tenebrae - April 18, 7pm
Beginning with candles burning on the altar, this deeply moving service uses scripture readings from John 18 and 19 to move step-by-painful-step as Jesus walks toward the cross. As passages are read, candles are extinguished, symbolizing Jesus' journey toward darkness. This is where the service gets its name — tenebrae is the Latin word for ‘shadows’ or ‘darkness’. All depart in silence as we begin our wait for the coming hope of the resurrection. (Childcare available)
Easter Sunday - April 20
On Easter, we invite you to participate in the following worship services and be sure to stop by the front lawn for free donuts, games, and fellowship!
- 6:15am – Outdoor Easter Sunrise service, a collaboration with First UMC, is being hosted here at FVUMC this year. Join us near the fountain (weather permitting) and enjoy donuts and coffee after the service.
- 9:00am - In-person Contemporary worship* OR Online worship with The Venue
- 10:00am - In-person & livestream Contemporary worship*
- 11:15am - In-person & livestream Traditional worship*
* For children age birth through 5th grade, we have nursery care and children’s Sunday School during our Easter services at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:15am
Many Ways to Serve During Holy Week and Easter
There are lots of opportunities for you to serve and share God during Holy Week and Easter. Interested in helping out? We'd love for you to get involved with worship set up and/or clean up on Thursday night and Friday night, hosting online worship, serving as an usher or greeter, hosting activities on the front lawn, handing out coffee and donuts on Easter morning, and much more!
Bring Flowers for the Resurrection Cross
You're also invited to donate flowers for the Resurrection Cross that is set up near the fountain on Easter Morning. Please plan to bring flowers on Saturday, March 30 and place them in the water-filled bins at the main/lobby entrance. These flowers can be cut from your yard or store-bought. You can drop them off on Friday or Saturday or just add them to the cross on Easter Sunday morning. The cross is always a favorite backdrop for photos. Thanks for your help making it beautiful!