New Philadelphia News Recapturing the Reverence in the Resurrection Service Traditionally, the Resurrection Service, which takes place after Easter Worship in the sanctuary, began with the pastor reading the Easter Morning Liturgy from the balcony that overlooks the front entrance to the Church. At the conclusion of that portion of the liturgy, the pastor came down, and followed the band to God’s Acre. All worshipers, including the choir, followed the pastor, and all non-essential communication was kept to a minimum. A Silent Procession was the goal. Of course, that was before we built so many buildings, and created so many different ways of leaving the church, and entering the graveyard. Over the years, the movement to the graveyard lost all form. People were understandably eager to take up a position near the graves of their loved ones, and they moved quickly to do so. It was still a great service; but many of us felt it was once even better, more reverent, more moving, a conscious deliberate act of corporate worship. This year we would like to recreate the experience of years in the not too distant past. This year our Ushers will try to channel all worshipers into this procession to pass through the main entrance to God’s Acre: Band, Pastor, Choir, and then the Congregation. We would like to give the band time to process to the graveyard, and start playing antiphonaly, and we would like to have the pastor who is conducting the service lead everyone except the band through the Main Gate of God’s Acre. People who have special needs, especially those in wheel chairs will be admitted through the other gates, and once the band, pastor, and choir is in place, the other gates will be opened to everyone. We will need extra ushers to accomplish our goal. If you are willing to help, please contact Fred Flynt (fflynt@triad.rr.com), or Dick Rodden (richardrodden@hotmail.com). So, too, if you attend Easter Worship, and are not
staying for the Resurrection Service, it would help if you park in the east lot (on the Preschool/Office Wing side of the church), or off campus, in one of the adjacent office parking lots. Otherwise, you may be asked to sit in your car until the processional passes. We think this return to a more structured and orderly Resurrection Service will add immensely to this wonderful act of corporate worship. We trust it is not an inconvenience to the congregation; but a blessing, and we hope that everyone who reads this will understand and appreciate our effort.
Holy Week Services Nursery available for All Services
Palm Sunday Sunday, March 20, 9 AM & 11:10 AM Holy Week Readings Monday, March 21, 7 PM Tuesday, March 22, 7 PM Maundy Thursday Communion & Readings Thursday, March 24, 7 PM Good Friday Communion Friday, March 25, 3 PM Good Friday Lovefeast Friday, March 25, 7 PM Easter Worship Sunday, March 27, 10:30 AM (no Sunday School) Parents are asked to gather their children from the nursery prior to the Easter Liturgy so we may all worship together as a complete congregation. Easter Morning Liturgy Sunday, March 27, 11:30 AM (Begins at the front of the church and processes to God’s Acre.) Remember to bring fresh flowers and greenery on Easter morning. A large wooden cross, wrapped in wire, will be in the sanctuary. Come early and arrange your natural spring bouquet on the cross before worship.