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Holy Week This Year

by Fr. Bill Van Oss

The services of Holy Week will have a special significance this year. After 2 years of virtual and modified services, we will celebrate Holy Week fully this year. This weekend, Palm Sunday services will include the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, blessing of palms and the reading of the passion according to Luke.


The Maundy Thursday service (5:00 pm) tells the story of Jesus washing his disciples’ feet and commanding them to “do to others as I have done to you,” to love and serve others in his name. We wash feet at this service in remembrance of what Jesus did. The altar is stripped at the end of the service, and an altar of repose is set up in the Angel Chapel. You are welcome to visit the chapel to reflect and pray anytime Thursday night or Friday morning.


The Good Friday service (noon) is simple, yet profound. It features the passion Gospel according to John and solemn collects and anthems.


The Easter Vigil service (7:00 pm Saturday, April 16th) begins with the lighting of a fire, singing of the Exsultet (the proclamation of Easter), and scripture readings that tell the story of God’s mighty acts through salvation history. We reaffirm our baptismal covenant, sing our alleluias and celebrate the Eucharist. Please note there is no 5:00 pm service on the 16th.


Easter Sunday services will be at 7:30, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. I get excited just thinking about singing “Jesus Christ is Risen Today” in full churches after the last 2 years. 


Holy Week is our opportunity to walk with Jesus from his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the last supper table and then to cross and, finally, the empty tomb. It’s about life, death and resurrection, the foundation of our faith. I hope to see you at the services of Holy Week!


Peace,

Bill+

Moving Forward Updates from Fr. Bill

Hope Rising Update #72

By Fr. Bill Van Oss • 20 Dec, 2023
Today's Excitement Dear Friends, Today was a day to celebrate! LCEC trucks arrived to install the new meter and energize it so the new HVAC system in the sanctuary can be started up! Then a couple hours later, we passed the City of Sanibel final inspection and we were given the Certificate of Completion; the final step in our permit process which started last May. We are very grateful to Councilwoman Holly Smith, City Manager Dana Souza and all the city and LCEC employees who assisted in these final steps and of course to all the FP workers and their subs for all their hard work these past several months and the Property Restoration Team; the working group was there to receive the good news today. We are very busy getting the spaces ready for opening weekend starting with our 4th Advent services this Saturday at 5pm and Sunday at 8am and 10:30am (livestreamed). Then we will have 3 Christmas Services at 4pm, 8pm (livestreamed) and 10:30am. Thanks to the volunteer teams who have been washing dishes in the kitchen, putting books on the bookshelf, hanging wreaths and a 100 other details. It is a stunningly beautiful space and we can't wait for all to experience it again for the first time in 15 months! Bill +

Hope Rising Update #71

By Fr. Bill Van Oss • 13 Dec, 2023
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