“Worship the Lord with gladness; come before God with joyful songs.” – Psalm 100:2
Worship at Christ Church creates a joyful space where we can encounter the presence of God – whether we are worshipping in the beauty of our historic church, or at home on Zoom or Facebook Live. Through songs and readings, serons and prayers, we celebrate the great story of God’s amazing love. At the heart of that story is mystery, so we leave room for that too, most especially in the sacrament of Holy Eucharist (also called Communion), where we are made whole again as the body of Christ. Like a good restaurant, our “menu” features different flavors, styles and priorities – all of them are centered on the Good News of our belovedness in Christ
SEE OUR HOLY WEEK LINE-UP HERE:
If you are unable to get to church this Holy Week, you can download a Stations of the Cross program to do in your own time.
MAUNDY THURSDAY April 14, 6 pm Supper and Service at Christ Church Wayside
We will gather in person for one of the most moving services of Holy Week: supper and worship on Maundy Thursday. The worship flows out of the meal as we gather at table to hear the stories of Jesus’ last supper – our first eucharist. We end by processing into the church in silence for the stripping of the altar, ready for the solemnity of Good Friday. Please register here so we can plan food and set-up.
GOOD FRIDAY April 15
Stations of the Cross – Noon
We will mark this solemn holy day with an interactive Stations of the Cross at noon (in person at both churches) – come when you can and stay as long as you like.
Liturgy for Good Friday 7 pmThat evening at 7 pm we will share the Liturgy for Good Friday at Christ Church in La Plata (in person and online – link is here.
THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER
April 16, 8 pm, La Plata & online
It’s not a vigil – it’s joyful worship that takes us to the brink of the Easter moment – and then zings us across it with lights and bells and those first Alleluias. We start outside with the New Fire, from which we light the Easter Candle. Processing inside, we sit in candlelight, hearing some of the great parts in our Sacred Story. We renew our baptismal vows and tiptoe to the empty tomb… and what will we find? Come and see! Bring bells!
EASTER SUNDAY! April 17, 11 am
Easter Sunday dawns and the Alleluias flow. Join your church family to celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection with joyful hymns and proclamation of the great Good News of freedom in Christ. And keep an eye out for newcomers – this is our best welcoming Sunday. After the service, we will enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt open to all – please invite neighborhood families.
OPTIONS FOR WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY
All online services are accessed at this Zoom link.
9 am – In-person eucharist at Christ Church Wayside (13050 Rock Point Road, Newburg) Covid safety protocols recommended
10:10 am – Learning Hour on Zoom – click here. “Kids Forum” for children and adults.
11 am – Holy Eucharist In-person at Christ Church in La Plata, and on Zoom and Facebook Live. Click here to connect online. First time using Zoom? Watch this 1-minute tutorial. If you don’t have a computer or smart phone you can call in: +1 646 558 8656; Meeting ID: 609 359 4889 Our password is LPWay.
Protocols for sanitizing spaces and maintaining healthy practices can be reviewed here: La Plata-Wayside Regathering Plan- 7-15-20.
Night Prayers is at 8 pm each evening, Monday – Thursday. That can be accessed at this link; pw: LPWay
WHAT TO EXPECT IN WORSHIP AT CHRIST CHURCH
Expect to be accepted as you are – there is no dress code. Our worship follows the pattern in the Book of Common Prayer, which is the prayer book of the Episcopal Church. We sing, pray, listen, move; we stand, sit or kneel, depending on the part of the service – feel free to do what is comfortable for you. Everything you need to know for worship is printed in the worship bulletin each week. Our greeters will give you a bulletin when you arrive, and are available to answer any questions you may have.