Holy Week at IBC
The season of Lent culminates in Holy Week when Christians all over the world enter into a time of contemplation and remembrance of the last week of Jesus’ life. The great celebration that takes place at the end of this week is, of course, Easter, but to fully appreciate the feast of Easter, we must first work through the hard realities of Jesus’ last days.
Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday worship – April 2nd at 10:30am – we begin Holy Week with a remembrance of the triumphal entry into Jerusalem with a procession of palm leaves and singing “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” The children lead us as they walk the palms down the aisle while the choir sings. After worship on this day we will have a brief business meeting to affirm incoming church officers and new deacons.
Maundy Thursday – April 6th – church supper takes place at 5pm in the Fellowship Hall followed by a service for all ages in the Chapel at 6pm. Maundy Thursday is when we remember (and re-enact) Jesus’ last meal with his disciples by taking communion together. In the gospel of John, the observance of the last supper includes Jesus washing the disciples’ feet. In this same spirit, we invite you to participate in a ritual of handwashing. Hand wipes will be provided so that you may exchange this symbolic act with your neighbors.
Good Friday – April 7th at 6pm – we will meet at the columbarium for an outdoor service. Bring your lawn chairs and/or blankets. In the case of rain, the service will be canceled.This service is a chance to remember the last day of Jesus’ life and to reflect on the nature of human sin and frailty, suffering and death.
Easter Sunday worship – April 9th at 10:30am – we return with joy to welcome our risen Savior! Bring your flowers to adorn the flower cross in front of the doors to the sanctuary facing Belle Meade Boulevard. The choir will lead us in music and we will say once again in unison, Christ is Risen; Christ is Risen Indeed! At the end of worship, we will recess out to the flowering cross for our benediction. At the conclusion of worship, you are welcome to take photos with friends and loved ones at the cross. Be careful when exiting the parking lot as the children will be embarking on their Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn (grades K – 6) and in the colonnade courtyard (preschoolers). We look forward to the blossoming of spring as we proceed along this holy route in the footsteps of Jesus with all its heartbreak and triumph. Come experience all that Holy Week has to offer at Immanuel this April!
