Celebrate Lent & Holy Week with St. Matthew’s
Sunday Worship - 9:30 AM
Children’s Sunday School - 9:30 AM
There will be now Sunday School on Easter Sunday - 4/20
Palm Sunday - 4/13
Maundy Thursday - 4/17
Good Friday - 4/18
Easter Sunday - 4/20
Jesus enters Jerusalem - Luke 19:29-40
Jesus doesn’t instigate his own parade. Instead, just his quiet presence alone inspires the multitude to shout out and praise God. When the religious leaders try to silence the crowd, Jesus tells them that the noise level isn’t the point—even the stones would cry out if they were silent. It takes wisdom to know when our voice is needed and when it’s just noise.
Last Supper - Luke 22:1-27
In his final hours, Jesus redefines power through acts of humility, including sharing a final meal with his closest friends and those who will soon betray him. After breaking bread, the disciples argue about who is the greatest, but Jesus tells them that the greatest must be the least and the leader must be the servant, turning their hierarchy on its head. According to Jesus, humility is powerful, and real power is shown through humility.
Jesus dies alongside a penitent thief - Luke 23:32-49
As Jesus dies on the cross, one thief resists him and the other accepts him as Messiah. Jesus resists the empire but accepts his fate. We also are called to resist systems of power and oppression, and yet we ultimately have to accept that Jesus dies—and one day we will too. We have to discern what to accept as given and what to resist, what is “God’s will” and what is the result of our own unquestioned systems.
The women grieve and Peter runs to the tomb - Luke 24:1-12
Grief is a healthy response to Jesus’ death and a valid way to enter worship on Easter morning. And yet, the women at the empty tomb are given hope amidst their mourning. The other disciples don’t believe the women’s message, but Peter, living in the in-between of grief and hope, runs to the tomb to see for himself. Grieving doesn’t have to make us hopeless. Hope can compel us to take action when we are deep in grief.
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Holy Week & Easter Schedule
Palm Sunday: 4/13 - 9:30 AM
Holy Thursday: 4/17 - 7 PM
Stations of the Cross: 4/18 - 12 - 4 PM
Good Friday Tenebrae: 4/18 - 7 PM
Children’s Egg Hunt: 4/19 - 11 AM
Easter Sunrise Service: 4/20 - 6:10 AM
Valley Forge Park
Easter Sunday: 4/20 - 9:30 AM
40 HOUR FAST
Fasting is defined as a willing abstinence, usually regarding food, but it does not have to be. One could fast from words that pollute – feast on words that purify. One could fast from speaking – spending the time in silent meditation and reflection.
This year, St. Matthew’s is offering an opportunity for people to participate in a 40-hour fast that begins at 6 pm Thursday, April 17th before the Maundy Thursday service. Those interested will meet in the Activities Room to reflect on the value of fasting and be guided by words of counsel and encouragement by Pastor John. Materials regarding how to fast will be distributed. The group will then meet on Saturday, April 19th at noon at a local restaurant to break the fast. We will share our experiences with one another.
Fasting is a spiritual discipline that draws the participants into a time of attentiveness and compassion. When fasting with fellow Christians, a connectedness binds and lifts those involved. There are no ‘hard and fast’ rules to this practice and individuals may adapt the fast to meet individual needs, medical or otherwise. So please consider joining us on this journey.
Any questions, contact Jennifer Vastardis (484-274-0284).
