Holy Week Worship News
From Worship Ministries Team Co-Lead Nick Pegelow:
As we continue our Lenten pilgrimage, we anticipate the solemnity of the events that mark Holy Week and await the joyous Resurrection. In a year that has felt very much like a perpetual Lent, we could all use some good news. Well, here it is! Because of the recent favorable downward trend of COVID-19 cases and associated metrics, as well as increases in vaccinations, we have received approval from the Executive Team to resume outdoor in-person worship services. Worship Ministries is planning to offer a hybrid of virtual* and in-person worship opportunities for Holy Week and Easter Sunday.
Virtual Worship
Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Sunday (Recorded services available on YouTube. Worship bulletins sent out in advance.)
In-Person Outdoor Worship
Palm Sunday (multiple services) and Easter Sunday (multiple services)
Details around service times will be forthcoming. To simplify things, we will be adding a feature to RSVP directly on our website. (Don't worry you can still call the office.) Also, if you forget to RSVP, have a last-minute change of heart, or decide to bring a friend, just sign-in when you get there. No worries! We are trying to make participation as simple as possible.
You all know the drill:
Masks + Sanitizer + Social Distancing
When you arrive, stop at the hospitality table to collect items needed for worship, and find a seat.
To make in-person worship happen, we need volunteers to assist with the following:
Communion Prep: All those little plastic containers take time to fill up in advance of the services. This can be done at anytime in the week prior to a service.
Hospitality Hosts: We need smiling eyes and a warm heart to greet everyone as they return to in-person worship, and their guests. These people will be responsible for checking folks in and distributing worship materials like bulletins and palm fronds.
Worship Space Set-up: We need able bodied folks to arrive prior to the first service and others to stay after the last service to set-up/prepare and put away all things used for worship: chairs, sound system, altar ware, etc.
Worship Assistants: Variety adds interest! We would love to have a full worship party for these special services: Crucifer, Lector, Cantor, etc.
Decorations: In advance of Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday we will need to prepare the courtyard for each celebration. If you can assist in decorating or lend a flowering plant, it would be greatly appreciated. Stay tuned for decoration and flower collection times.
*Virtual Worship will continue indefinitely on our YouTube channel for those who are unable or uncomfortable with attending in-person worship. We are also looking for volunteers to record, edit, and upload these services. Training will be provided. (Nick needs a break)
