Schedule of Services

PALM SUNDAY / SUNDAY OF THE PASSION - 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

At the 8:30 a.m. service we gather at the back of the church for the blessing of palms and procession. There will also be a reading of the Passion according to St. Matthew.

At 9:30 a.m. there will be a Stations of the Cross observance for families with children. We will gather in the sanctuary to look briefly at each of the 14 stations and share a prayer. In Passavant Hall the children will be able to meet with Holy Trinity's own artist, Richard Bough, who painted the various stations. Richard will lead the children in an their own art project related to the cross.

At 10:30 a.m. we will meet on the west side of the church for the blessing of palms and procession into the church. Once in the sanctuary the choir, worship leaders, banner and incense bearer, children and families will process through the worship space as we vigorously wave our palms and sing "All Glory, Laud and Honor." The Passion according to St. Matthew will be presented dramatically by six members of the congregation.

MATTHEW'S PASSION ACCOUNT
Each year we hear two versions of the passion of Jesus Christ read in worship. On Sunday of the Passion/ Palm Sunday we hear the passion according to one of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark or Luke)-this year it will be Matthew's account. On Good Friday the passion according to St. John is read. Though all four passion accounts tell the story of Jesus' passion and death, they are very different from each other and reflect the theological lens of the author and the unique situation of the community to which he is writing. Each of the gospel writers tells the passion story from their own theological perspective.

Matthew writes with post-resurrection faith, addressing his gospel to a specific community (probably in Syria) in the years 70 to 80 C.E. Matthew has a particular interest in showing how Jesus fulfils prophesy, and also portrays Jesus as the ultimate teacher. Even in the passion account Jesus is the exalted Son of God who is in control of the events that happen to him. Jesus is the central actor, while the other characters respond as Jesus fulfills the plan of his Father. Matthew contrasts two way of perceiving Jesus: he is either the Son of God and the fulfillment of God's promise, or a sham to be mocked and killed. Thus, Matthew uses irony when a sign over Jesus' head proclaims him King of the Jews, while most of the onlookers do not grasp this truth.

The scenes following Jesus' death are significant. A Roman centurion confesses Jesus as the Messiah. Through Jesus' death God has established something new. Jesus will later command his followers to make disciples of all nations. The tombs that open following Jesus' death foreshadow his own resurrection. For Matthew, these cataclysmic events surrounding Jesus' death are the high point of the passion account, and reveal the reign of God breaking in among us through this pivotal point in history.

READ MORE about the passions, including Matthew's account  here
This wonderful website is devoted to the passion narrative and commentary, history, archeology, and devotion.

MAUNDY THURSDAY - 7:30 p.m.

383 neighborhood parking permits will be provided for those who drive.

As nightfall comes, Lent ends and the Three Days(the paschal/Easter triduum) begins. The 7:30 p.m. liturgy begins with praise as we glory in the cross of Christ-our salvation, our life, our resurrection.

We hear Jesus' new commandment to love one another. As a sign of our baptismal vocation, those who desire share in the footwashing ritual, first by getting your feet washed and then washing the feet of another person. This act is a reminder of our baptismal call to be servants in the manner Christ modeled for us. There will be four stations for footwashing for those who choose to participate. Please remember to wear appropriate footwear. Jesus' servanthood becomes the model for us as we seek to care for the most vulnerable in our society.

It is traditional that the offering on Maundy Thursday be designated for the poor and those in need. On this night we hear Jesus' call to be servants and to love one another. Holy Trinity's offering will be designated for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. If you are not able to make that service you can also place a check to Holy Trinity in the offering at any of the Easter weekend services and mark it "ELCA World Hunger Appeal."

We share the holy meal: becoming what we eat and drink, the body of Christ, offering ourselves in love for the life of the world. As the liturgy ends, the chancel is stripped of its furnishings, recalling that Jesus was abandoned by his followers. (The liturgy lasts approximately 70 minutes)

GOOD FRIDAY - 7:30 p.m.

383 neighborhood parking permits will be provided for those who drive.

The liturgy of the Three Days continues as we gather at 7:30 p.m. to celebrate our Lord's passion. We hear the Passion according to John, following an ancient tradition of having the gospel chanted by three singers. John proclaims Jesus as a triumphant king who reigns from the cross.

On this solemn day we use the ancient Bidding Prayer, offering petitions for the whole world for which Christ died.

Then a large wooden cross is carried high among us. Following an ancient Christian tradition, those who desire may come forward and honor the cross with a non-verbal sign of devotion such as pausing, bowing, or touching the wood of the cross. In this moving ritual we touch the heart of our Christian faith: that resurrection and new life is born out of suffering and death. (The liturgy lasts approximately 75 minutes)

JOHN'S PASSION ACCOUNT
Each gospel writer tells the passion story while writing to a particular community and reflecting a unique theological perspective. The Gospel of John was most likely written at the end of the first century, and the author is concerned with passing on the tradition about Jesus in a period when there are diminishing links to the historical Jesus.

Whereas the other gospels present a more human Jesus abandoned by his followers and who dies alone, John presents a Jesus who has come down from heaven and whose whole purpose is to willingly give his life. Throughout the narrative Jesus remains in control of his fate. Even at Jesus' trial it appears that Pilate is the one on trial to see whether Pilate is of the truth.

In John's passion, Jesus is a triumphant king who has overcome the world, and who reigns from the cross. He does not die alone, but gathered near the cross are followers who become a new community of believers. Unlike in Matthew and Mark, Jesus' final words are not filled with desolation, but victory: "It is finished." Earlier in John, Jesus speaks of being lifted up that he might draw all people to himself. Reflecting the symbolism throughout John's gospel, at Jesus' death he dispenses life as water flows from his side, representing the giving of the Spirit at his glorification. His burial is not unprepared as in the other gospels; rather he is buried amid 100 pounds of spices as befits a king.

For John, Jesus' death is the moment of his glorification. The passion is presented with such faith that the victim has become the conqueror. It is John's passion narrative that has made Good Friday "good," and forms the basis of a Good Friday liturgy that celebrates the victory of the cross.

Though the gospel of John was written at a time when there was a growing conflict between Jews and Christians, today it is important to make clear that Jews not be rejected or cursed for the death of Christ as if this follows from scripture. Jesus and his apostles were all faithful Jews. Through the cross God's love is revealed for all nations and all people. To make this point, the word "Jews" is often replaced with "Judeans" in the version of the passion used in this liturgy.

READ MORE about the passions, including John's account here
This wonderful website is devoted to the passion narrative and commentary, history, archeology, and devotion.

THE GREAT VIGIL OF EASTER - 7:30 p.m.

Parking may be difficult. Consider carpooling, walking, or taking public transportation. 383 neighborhood parking permits will be available for those who drive. The McDonald's parking lot (Addison and Clark) is available for $10 beginning at 7:00 p.m.

This is the night of nights. The service is the most ancient and dramatic of all Christian liturgies. Though it lasts several hours there is a sense that time stops and we enter eternity. There will be fire and candles; word and silence; processions with banners and incense; water, bread and wine; spring flowers in abundance; choir, trumpet and organ. This liturgy is the pinnacle of the year at Holy Trinity-you will not want to miss it! It is both a celebration and a renewal of your faith!

Like ancient prehistoric peoples we gather after the spring equinox with a nearly full moon, when the hours of light and darkness are more or less balanced. At 7:30 p.m. we will gather outside around a new fire, a primal symbol that announces the new creation in Christ's death and resurrection. We carry a large candle into the darkened church, even as a pillar of fire led the Israelites to freedom.

Like the ancient Israelites, we mark Passover. Even as they walked through the sea and were delivered from bondage, we proclaim that sin, death and evil are drowned through the resurrection. In baptism we walk through the waters and land on the safe side of the sea. We huddle in the darkness to ponder life in the midst of death. It's one thing to sing with sunshine, flowers and our Easter finery; it's another to be in the tomb of darkness and sing of the light.

We tell some of the great stories of our faith, including the story of the creation of the world. God creates light out of darkness, and from a watery chaos life comes forth ... sounds like baptism! We tell the story of the exodus and we are bold to say that God is the liberator from all forms of oppression, sin and death... another picture of Easter and baptism! We tell the story of the three men in the fiery furnace and we know that even in the midst of life's most terrifying moments and at the moment of our death, we are not alone. In baptism God brings life out of death.

On this night thousands will be baptized all around the world. We gather at the font as Forrest Stewart is confirmed and he affirms his baptism. Baptism is another profound picture of Easter: this water both drowns and saves as new life comes forth. Resurrection is made present among as Christ's new body takes on flesh and blood. With Forrest we affirm our baptism and we are sprinkled with the new, fresh Easter water from our font!

Finally we share the great and promised feast. The risen Christ feeds us with the life that will never die. The feast continues as we gather break the Lenten fast with a champagne reception in Passavant Hall. (This liturgy lasts approximately two hours) 

EASTER DAY - 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. (note change in times)

There is a Cubs home game this Easter and the McDonald's parking lot is not available for our use. Please consider walking, taking public transportation, or carpooling. If you drive, leave additional time and consider parking west of Southport and walking, if necessary.

Both the 9:00 and 11:00 liturgies will include festive processions, brass quartet and choir! A nursery will be available; please enter through the garden on Addison Street.

TABLE PRAYERS

Lent (through April 20)
Blessed are you, O Lord our God, maker of all things.
Through your goodness you have blessed us with the gifts of this table.
Turn our hearts toward you and all those in need.
May our Lenten journey bring us to the rebirth of Easter,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Three Days (April 21, 22, 23)
[We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.
By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.]
Blessed are you, O Lord our God.
With food strengthen us on our journey from death to life.
We glory in the cross of Christ.
Raise us, with him, to the joy of the resurrection,
through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Easter Day and season (April 24 - June 11)
[Alleluia. Christ is risen.
Christ is risen, indeed. Alleluia.]
Blessed are you, O Lord our God.
Through the resurrection of Christ you have brought us to the promised land.
We praise you for the gifts of this table and for the feast of Easter joy.
Breathe your Spirit into us and all creation,
and renew the whole earth with your love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR HOLY WEEK

Even if you can't attend each service, you can join with Holy Trinity and others around the world, by reading the appointed scriptures for each day. Or use these readings to prepare for each liturgy this week.  

  STATIONS OF THE CROSS
  FOR YOUR MEDITATION AND PRAYER AT HOME

  Brief readings and prayers as used at Holy Trinity
  Visual internet stations to used with the above 

Sunday of the Passion
Matthew 21:1-11 Procession with Palms
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Matthew 26:14-27:66

Prayer of the Day
Everlasting God, in your endless love for the human race you sent our Lord Jesus Christ to take on our nature and to suffer death on the cross. In your mercy enable us to share in his obedience to your will and in the glorious victory of his resurrection, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday in Holy Week
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 36:5-11
Hebrews 9:11-15
John 12:1-11

Prayer of the Day
O God, your Son chose the path that led to pain before joy and to the cross before glory. Plant his cross in our hearts, so that in its power and love we may come at last to joy and glory, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Tuesday in Holy Week
Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 71:1-14
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
John 12:20-36

Prayer of the Day
Lord Jesus, you have called us to follow you. Grant that our love may not grow cold in your service, and that we may not fail or deny you in the time of trial, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Wednesday in Holy Week
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 70
Hebrews 12:1-3
John 13:21-32

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, your Son our Savior suffered at human hands and endured the shame of the cross. Grant that we may walk in the way of his cross and find it the way of life and peace, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

READING TO PONDER DURING THE THREE DAYS ( in addition to those appointed below)
Exodus 5 - 12; Deuteronomy 32; Isaiah 5; Isaiah 38; Song of Songs 3, 5, 7; Lamentations; Jonah; Hosea 6, 11; Joel; John 14 - 17; Hebrews.

Maundy Thursday
Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14
Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Prayer of the Day
Holy God, source of all love, on the night of his betrayal, Jesus gave us a new commandment, to love one another as he loves us. Write this commandment in our hearts, and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

In addition, Thursday night through Good Friday dawn:
John 14 - 17, Psalm 17
Good Friday morning: Mark 15:16-32, Psalm 22
Good Friday noon: Isaiah 38:10-20, Psalm 102

Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Psalm 22
Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9
John 18:1-19:42

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, look with loving mercy on your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, to be given over to the hands of sinners, and to suffer death on the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

In addition, Friday evening: Job 7:1-21, Psalm 88
Friday night through Saturday dawn: Lamentations (entire book), Psalm 130

Saturday morning: Habakkuk 3:2-19, Psalm 69
Saturday noon: Hosea 6:1-3, Psalm 90
Saturday afternoon: Song of Songs 5:1-8, Psalm 102
Saturday evening: Jonah 3:1-10, Psalm 44

Great Vigil of Easter
 * - readings used at Holy Trinity this year

*Creation
First Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Response: Psalm 136:1-9, 23-26

*Flood
Second Reading: Genesis 7:1-5, 11-18, 8:6-18, 9:8-13
Response: Psalm 46

Testing of Abraham
Third Reading: Genesis 22:1-18
Response: Psalm 16

*Deliverance at the Red Sea
Fourth Reading: Exodus 14:10-31; 15:20-21
Response: Exodus 15:1b-13, 17-18

Salvation Freely Offered to All
Fifth Reading: Isaiah 55:1-11
Response: Isaiah 12:2-6

The Wisdom of God
Sixth Reading: Proverbs 8:1-8, 19-21; 9:4b-6 or Baruch 3:9-15, 32-4:4
Response: Psalm 19

A New Heart and a New Spirit
Seventh Reading: Ezekiel 36:24-28
Response: Psalms 42 and 43

Valley of the Dry Bones
Eighth Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Response: Psalm 143

*Gathering of God's People
Ninth Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Response: Psalm 98

*Call of Jonah
Tenth Reading: Jonah 1:1-2:1
Response: Jonah 2:2-3 [4-6] 7-9

Clothed in the Garments of Salvation
Eleventh Reading: Isaiah 61:1-4, 9-11
Response: Deuteronomy 32:1-4, 7, 36a, 43a

*Deliverance from the Fiery Furnace
Twelfth Reading: Daniel 3:1-29
Response: Song of the Three Young Men 35-65

*New Testament Reading
Romans 6:3-11

*Gospel
John 20:1-18

Prayer of the Day
Eternal giver of life and light, this holy night shines with the radiance of the risen Christ. Renew your church with the Spirit given us in baptism, that we may worship you in sincerity and truth and may shine as a light in the world, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Easter Day
Jeremiah 31:1-6
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 28:1-10

Prayer of the Day
O God, you gave your only Son to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, and by his glorious resurrection you delivered us from the power of death. Make us die every day to sin, that we may live with him forever in the joy of the resurrection, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.