News from Hope Lutheran Church - Holy Week invitations, devotions, and videos

Holy Week Schedule
various dates/times; all same zoom link; some outdoors
March 28-April 4

Under more typical circumstances, church leaders would prepare the worship space for these special services. This year, you are invited to prepare your home for each service with the notes and resources listed below.

Worship link and password
All worship services will be at our usual worship link:
https://zoom.us/j/338100220
or by calling: 301-715-8592; Meeting ID #338 100 220
password: 214341

Maundy Thursday; Agape Meal, April 1
6:30pm dinner church, foot-washing and clearing the table by zoom

This is the service that requires the most preparation. To prepare your home for the service, please do the following –

1. Prepare a simple meatless meal to share in your home that is fitting with your own dietary requirements and Lenten fast. A Mediterranean style meal is often chosen for Agape Meals, but any foods are fine as long as they are simple. Salads, soups, simple meatless proteins, fruits and nuts, and simple grains or pastas can all be fine. Include a bit of bread and wine or juice, according to what is in keeping with your dietary requirements.

2. Set your space for your meal, with a laptop, tablet, cell phone, or internet-connected screen in the room where it can be visible to everyone during the meal.

3. Make sure your device is connected to the internet, and ready to run Zoom. Or if you prefer, have a phone and the call-in number for worship.

4. Optional: Set up what you need to wash each other’s feet. A wash basin, a pitcher with warm water, and a few towels are sufficient. If you wish to use a bit of soap, feel free. Set a foot-washing space in the room, just a bit away from the table. Or if you prefer, a hand-washing space to wash each other's hands. After the communal washing, have what you need for good washing and drying of hands at a nearby sink.

5. Set your table with your meal, and bring a Bible to the table with you. If you wish, you may light a couple of candles.

6. Be prepared to clear your table completely at the conclusion of the service.

7. At 6:30pm, link up to the shared online service for the beginning of this Maundy Thursday and Agape Meal liturgy. Then take your places at your table to partake in the meal and to participate as you are able in the hearing of the Word, the optional washing of one another’s feet, the remembering of Jesus Christ’s sharing of himself in the first Holy Eucharist, and readying ourselves to follow Jesus to the Cross.

Good Friday, April 2

11:15am Stations of the Cross - outdoors at St Andrew's Episcopal Church

12:00 noon Adoration of the Cross and Solemn Collects - outdoors at St Andrews Episcopal Church

7:30pm worship with scripture, poetry and music by zoom
This is a simple service. You may want to light a candle or have a simple cross with you.

Holy Saturday, April 3

8am-5pm St Andrew's Episcopal Church open for individual prayer and reflection

5pm Easter Vigil worship outdoors at St Andrews Episcopal Church
This service includes the baptism of Ann, for whom we have been praying throughout Lent.

Easter Sunday, April 4
9am Prayer and Holy Communion outdoors at Hope Lutheran Church and Student Center
Please wear masks and maintain social distance from those not in your pod/household; if you are sick, please stay home.

10am sign-on; 10:30am Festive Easter Worship by zoom
While it is sad to be distant at this celebratory Easter Sunday, we know that God is with us wherever we are. You are encouraged to light a candle for this service, bring a bowl of water to remember your baptism, bring any rhythm instruments or bells to make music more festive, bring flowers to your worship space, and dress for Easter, even though you’re worshiping from the comfort of your home.