Palm Sunday
It’s the name given to the week beginning on Palm Sunday and ending on Easter Sunday.
On Palm Sunday Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to crowds and cheers. His triumphant entry into Jerusalem has been celebrated on the Sunday before Easter since the first centuries of Christianity.
The next day the great crowd that had come to the festival heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord— the King of Israel!” John 12:12-13
The crowds waved palm branches and covered his path with them. Churches remember this with crosses made from palm leaves and hold processions like the one that Jesus experienced – sometimes with a donkey, too! The four Brislington parish churches will be walking in procession to St Cuthbert’s, Sandy Park, for a joint Palm Sunday service. Join them on the way!
There will also be a national online service and many local churches are holding onsite or online Palm Sunday services and events. Search all local events.
Learn more:
Walking the Way of the Cross, a podcast series written and recorded by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, Dr Paula Gooder and Bishop Philip North, is now available that will take people on the Holy Week journey by exploring and reflecting on the fifteen biblical Stations of the Cross.
‘Women of Holy Week’, written by Paula Gooder, explores Holy Week through the eyes of nine female characters she imagines accompanying Jesus during these momentous days, with artwork by Ally Barrett. Available as a book or e-book to purchase, or free audio.
Maundy Thursday is the day when we remember Jesus sharing the Last Supper with his disciples before his death and which we re-live at every Holy Communion service. Jesus said:
“Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Luke 22:19-20
Maundy Thursday gets its name from the Latin word mandare meaning to command. We remember Jesus’ command: ‘Love one another as I have loved you’.
At the Last Supper Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. Some churches recreate this act of service at special services and events. This is not only an important reminder of the nature of Jesus, who we serve, but also the kind of service we are meant to demonstrate in our love for one another.
Father, on this the night he was betrayed,
your Son Jesus Christ washed his disciples’ feet.
We commit ourselves to follow his example of love and service.
Good Friday is the day when Christians remember the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. It is a sombre day. Usually, churches meet, pray and reflect on the sacrifice Jesus willingly paid for all our sins.
Good Friday
This year, many churches will be streaming their Good Friday services as well as meeting in person. Find an online or onsite service to join.
Many churches take part in a Walk of Witness. Churches gather (often with other local Christian denominations) to walk through the streets of their locality together. They do this to remember that Jesus had to carry his cross publicly through the streets of Jerusalem. It is a public statement of their faith, a retelling of the crucifixion story and a reminder of Jesus’ words in Matthew 16 verse 24: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.’
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.John 3.16
Easter Vigil
The Easter Vigil is the first service of Easter and begins sometime on the evening of Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Day). It begins with a symbolic expectant waiting (usually outdoors around a fire) for the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning, and this is represented visually by a large Easter candle, which is lit from the fire and brought into a darkened church. This depiction of new life and light represents Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter morning. The congregation then light their own candles from the Easter candle, representing their own new life as followers of Jesus. The service will contain a number of readings from the Bible, and also an opportunity for all the participants to renew the promises made at their baptism. The Easter Vigil is usually a quiet and thoughtful service, but one full of joy.
Easter Sunday.
Churches across England will celebrate because Jesus died for our sins and then rose again.
On the third day after being crucified, Jesus’ tomb was found to be empty. He had risen from the dead. Life triumphs over death! The joy of resurrection is possible only because Christ endured death and conquered it.
Some churches celebrate Jesus’ bringing life from death by making and blessing an Easter garden. Could you make an Easter garden with your family at home?
Brislington Community News 