In the midst of business shutdowns, school closures, and a global pandemic that is affecting every country and corner of the world, we are about to enter Passion Week. We have always taken time on Good Friday for a reflective service, followed by a joyful Easter Sunday service. A few times I have led or participated in an Easter morning sunrise gathering. But I am not sure that I have ever taken the time to follow the traditional church calendar and acknowledge the significance of Passion Week leading up to Resurrection Sunday.
Why not? The only answer I have is that we are typically all too busy with spring break plans, sporting events for our kids, springtime outdoor activities and tulip festivals. Well, it appears those things are not happening this year. So this year, Passion Week 2020, we will dedicate time each evening to read about the events leading up to the crucifixion, reflect on their meaning, and remember what Christ has done. From Palm Sunday, April 5, to April 11, join us online each evening at 7 p.m. for a brief gathering (about 10 minutes), with scripture reading and a reminder of the day’s significance in the full story of God’s redemption of mankind. Then join us twice on Resurrection Sunday, April 12, first for a sunrise reflection at 6:45 a.m. and then for worship and celebration at 10 a.m.
Follow the online Passion Week schedule below. Suggested daily Bible readings are included.
Sunday, April 5 at 7 p.m. – Palm Sunday, the day Jesus arrives in Jerusalem with the cheers of the crowd (Luke 19:28-44)
Monday, April 6 at 7 p.m. – Jesus clears the Temple (Matthew 21:12-17)
Tuesday, April 7 at 7 p.m. (Matthew 21:18-22 & Mark 13:1-31)
Wednesday, April 8 at 7 p.m. – A day in Bethany (John 12:1-8)
Thursday, April 9 at 7 p.m. – Maundy Thursday, the last supper, Passover reflection (Luke 22:1-71)
Friday, April 10 at 7 p.m. – Good Friday, the crucifixion (Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, John 18-19)
Saturday, April 11 at 7 p.m. (Matthew 27:62-66)
Sunday, April 12 at 6:45 a.m. — Sunrise reflection (Matthew 28:1-10)
Sunday, April 12 at 10 a.m. – Easter Sunday worship and celebration (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20-21)
This year, during the global crisis that is erupting all around us and disrupting our normal life, let’s take this golden opportunity to dive into the REAL top news for the world:
For God loved the world so much, that even while we were trying to make sense of this broken world, filling our lives with anything and everything that might bring meaning and purpose—yet always reaching a dead end (Romans 3:23)—this same God sent His own Son into the world to rescue us from death (John 3:16-17), bring us real, purposeful life (John 10:10) and eternal life (Romans 6:23), the way God intended from the beginning.
Let’s reflect, learn, and grow in our faith in a new way during Passion Week 2020—the story of all stories, bigger than any event in all history: the greatest headline of ALL TIME.
Love you all,
