Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday on March 25, 2018 with our regular service times of 8:15 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.
On March 29, Maundy Thursday, at 6:45 p.m. this worship service begins the three days of Christ’s Passion. Holy Communion will be offered in memory of the Last Supper. The altar will be stripped in honor of Christ’s death and at the end of service; the sanctuary will be left in the dark.
On Good Friday, March 30 at 6:45 p.m. there will be a Tenebrae Service. The word “Tenebrae” comes from the Latin meaning “darkness.” The Tenebrae is an ancient Christian Good Friday service that makes use of gradually diminishing light through the extinguishing of candles. The flames of these candles are extinguished one by one as Scripture readings are shared to tell the story of Holy Week. This gradual descent into gloom is a representation of Jesus’ increasing sorrow as the events of Passion Week unfolded. After the last verse is read, the last candle is put out, and the room is plunged into darkness. The service ends, and the participants are traditionally expected to leave in contemplative silence.
On Saturday, March 31 at 10:00 a.m. there will be an Easter Egg Hunt in Hope Field, at the church, for the local children.
The joy of Easter Sunday, April 1, begins with a 6:30 a.m. service outside in the Memorial Gardens (weather permitting). The following services this Easter day will be held in the sanctuary at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The church will be decorated with lilies and the Bell and Vocal Choirs will offer praises at these services.
All are welcome to attend these services.
Joy Evangelical Lutheran Church is located on SW State Road 200 at 83rd Place, Ocala. For further information contact the church office at 352-854-4509 ext.2.
