Holy Week Services
April 13-20
We are excited to invite you to participate in all of our Holy Week Services. This is our most important week together as a church family, and each service is unique and meaningful. These services offer a wonderful opportunity to enter the final week of Jesus' life and be powerfully reminded of and changed by Jesus' death and resurrection. Carefully plan your week so you can be with us as much as possible, and please invite family and friends.
Palm Sunday - April 13
Holy Week begins with this celebration of Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We start the service outside (or downstairs if the weather doesn’t cooperate) with the Blessing of the Palms and then process together into the sanctuary. Arrive a few minutes earlier than usual to find your place.
Maundy Thursday - April 17
In this service, we celebrate Christ’s last night with his disciples through scripture, music, prayers, a sermon, optional foot-washing, and the celebration of the Eucharist. (View the service bulletin.)
All-Night Prayer Watch | 9:00 pm - 9:00 am
An all-night Prayer Watch will be kept after this service in the church sanctuary until 9:00 am on Good Friday. Click here to sign up for an hour-long prayer time slot in the sanctuary. (You may also sign up in the Gathering Space.) A brief service of morning prayer at 9:00 am will conclude the prayer watch.
Click here for a Prayer Guide for the All-Night Prayer Watch. (link coming soon)
Good Friday - April 18
Morning Prayer | 9:00 am
The Maundy Thursday Prayer Watch concludes with this brief service of Scripture readings and prayer.
Stations of the Cross Service | 12:00 pm (Noon)
In our traditional service of prayer and reflection, we meditate upon the chief scenes of Jesus’ sufferings and death, moving throughout the sanctuary, pausing at each station and cross. You may proceed through the stations by yourself at any time between 1pm and 5pm, or join with others at Noon.
Stations of the Cross (self-guided, interactive) | until 6:30 pm
In addition to our traditional Stations of the Cross Service, we have more hands-on Stations of the Cross designed for the whole church family. Reflective text and corresponding artwork are available for both adults/youth. Additionally, there is an abridged version for families with smaller children. Many of the stations have a hands-on element. You can work through these stations in the Great Hall at your own pace any time, starting after the Maundy Thursday service until 6:30pm on Good Friday.
Clergy Prayer Appointments | 2-4 pm
Clergy will be available to pray with members of the congregation in person on Good Friday. This can be for a time of confidential confession (which is traditionally done on Good Friday) or for any other prayer needs.
The Good Friday service focuses on Christ’s passion and death for us on the cross. It is a somber service, but also one of hope as we remember what Jesus accomplished for us. It includes readings, prayers, music, and a reflection on the cross of Christ. (View the service bulletin.)
Good Friday Offering | Give Online (coming soon)
Each year, Church of the Cross designates a Good Friday offering during Lent as we look toward Easter. This offering is a special one taken on and around Good Friday as a way of giving particular support to one mission or cause close to our hearts. This year, our Good Friday offering will go to Steve and Jodi Swanson and their non-governmental organization, Institute for Child Healthcare Africa (ICHA). Steve and Jodi have lived in Arusha, Tanzania, for nearly 12 years. Their work focuses on developing low-tech, low-cost solutions for the care of critically ill and premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and clinical care of pediatric patients and children with severe malnutrition. Importantly, they are also focused on training African doctors and nurses in neonatology/pediatric best practices and improving hospital systems across Africa. Steve and Jodi are long-time members at Church of the Cross, and we are privileged to partner with them in this important work.
Holy Saturday - April 19
Easter Carnival & Egg Hunt | 9:30 am - 11 am
Join us for an unforgettable Easter Carnival & Egg Hunt at Church of the Cross (201 9th Ave N). Kids of all ages are welcome to attend this free, community-wide event with their parents or guardian. You’ll have a blast with your kids playing games, meeting the neighbors, and enjoying complimentary coffee and breakfast treats on us. Several carnival games will be available in the parking lot for kids of all ages. The egg hunt is for children ages five and younger, taking place on the front lawn from 10 to 10:30am.
Click "Going" on our Facebook Event if you plan to come, and tell your friends to tag along with their kids. This event is an annual favorite for many families in and around Hopkins–and this year, it’s getting a level up. You won’t want to miss it. (Note: This event is weather permitting and may be canceled due to inclement weather.)
Since the first centuries of the Church, the Vigil has marked the beginning of Easter with baptisms, renewal of baptismal vows, and celebration of the Eucharist. But first, the Vigil powerfully retells the story of salvation history beginning with creation, continuing with God’s covenant with the Israelites, and reaching a climax in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. In this service, we remember God’s past work and eternal faithfulness. For the first time since Lent began, we proclaim Alleluia together as a congregation–a moment that is marked by the ringing of bells, keys, etc. (Please bring bells.) (View the service bulletin.)
The 4:30pm service will be shorter than the 7:00 pm service, and is a great service for families with young children, or just for those who can’t stay up quite so late the night before Easter. This service will include the dramatic readings, songs, and a sermon, but will not include baptisms or the Eucharist.
Easter Sunday - April 20
On this, our most important holiday, we celebrate Christ’s resurrection and the new life it brings to us. This joyful service includes singing, readings, a sermon, and the celebration of the Eucharist. Bring Bells! No regular Children's ministry, so children and guests will worship all together with their families. Nursery care will be offered during services. (View the service bulletin.)
Nursery Care for Holy Week Services (April 13-20)
The nursery will be open for children ages 3 years and under during the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services, and also during the 4:30pm Easter Vigil service. If you need nursery care you will need to sign your children up online or contact Andrea Pope. Nurseries will be staffed based on the sign-up, and priority will be given to visitors and to children on the list. (The nursery will be available as usual on Easter Sunday.)