On Maundy Thursday, April 1, beginning at 9 p.m. in the Church, hear Dante's Inferno read the way he originally intended. Inspired by the tradition of St. John the Divine in New York City, this dramatic literary event had its debut at St. Philip's last year and returns by popular acclaim. Selected Cantos will be read by parishioners, distinguished poets, eminent translators, visiting scholars, and honored guests. Each half-hour segment will begin with the tolling of the tower bells and will include silent meditation, atmospheric music, and the reading of one Canto. The reading will continue until 10 a.m. on Good Friday. Attendees are welcome to stay for as much of the reading as they would like or to arrive or depart at any time. Other areas of the Church and Columbarium garden are available for prayer and to keep watch throughout the night. There will be security on site. Dante's epic poem the Divine Comedy is an allegorical account of Dante's journey through the three realms of the dead, during the last three days of Holy Week in 1300. The portion entitled the Inferno tells of the journey through Hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil.

The Good Friday service on April 2, from noon to 3 p.m., is in three 1-hour blocks to accommodate those who wish to participate for an hour or for the entire service. It includes prayers, veneration of the cross, communion during the third hour, and meditative flute music played by Gwen Powell.

At 5:45 p.m. in the Church, special Good Friday music will be Pergolesi's Stabat Mater ("the sorrowing mother stood"), presented by the Evensong Choir with with soloists Kay Wiley and Julie Harman and string orchestra.

Come participate in preparing the Church for Easter, "the Springing of the Church," beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 3, in the Murphey Gallery. To sign up, call the office at 299-6421. No flower-arranging proficiency is required. If you have them, bring wire cutters, gloves, small pruners, or garden scissors. Of course, wear gardening-type clothes or an apron. Bouquet-making will be directed by St. Philip's J2A youth group under the leadership of Linda Rosenfield. A light lunch will be provided by the Parish Life Ministry.

 

The Great Vigil of Easter is held on Easter Even, April 3, at 7 p.m. The service begins with the Service of Light (lighting and blessing the New Fire and Paschal Candle and candlelit procession, with allergen-free incense), the Vigil recounting the history of our salvation (through readings, and chanting with soprano saxophone and synthesizer), Holy Baptism and sprinkling of holy water, and the first proclamation of Easter with fanfare and noisemakers, culminating in the celebration of the Holy Eucharist, with music by Palestrina and Delibes sung by the Evensong Choir. The service will be followed by a potluck reception: participants are invited to bring their favorite sparkling beverage and chocolate, in addition to noisemakers for the Easter Proclamation.

Easter Day, April 4, will begin at St. Philip's with a sunrise service at 6 a.m. in the Columbarium Garden, which includes hymns with keyboard and trumpet.

At 7:45 a.m., there will be a Festival Eucharist Rite I, including hymns, with organ and trumpet.

At 9:15 a.m., the All-Generations Eucharist and Baptism in the Children's Center Courtyard will include flowering the Easter cross and liberating the "alleluias" that were packed away before Lent. Music is provided by the Girl and Boy choirs, bell choir, and brass.

Also at 9:15 a.m., the Festival Choral Eucharist and Baptism in the Church will begin with handbell music by the Jubilate Ringers. Service music will be Mozart's Regina Coeli, K. 276, presented by the St. Philip's Singers, soloist Elena Todd, and St. Philip's chamber orchestra.

At 11:15 a.m., the Festival Choral Eucharist will include incense. Service music will be Mozart's Regina Coeli, K. 276, presented by the Canterbury Choir, soloist Elena Todd, and St. Philip's chamber orchestra.

At 4 p.m. in the Music Center, there will be a "Come and See" Eucharist for those who are looking for a reinterpretation of traditional theology.

At 5:30 p.m. in the Church, there is an Evening Eucharist, including hymns.

Reminder: The Church, Office, and Campus will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, April 5 and 6. We will reopen on Wednesday, April 7, at 8:30 a.m.