The Three Days (Maundy Thursday evening through Easter evening) are drawing near. Preparations are being made. Anticipation is growing. We have passed the spring equinox and winter seems past and gone! Next Thursday there will be a full moon which means our Easter celebration is near.

We are mindful of Jews beginning their celebration of Passover next Thursday evening. In the Lakeview community we stand with Anshe Emet synagogue which experienced anti-Semitic graffiti  on their property this past week. At the same time, in light of the shooting of Trayvon Martin, ELCA Presiding Bishop, Mark Hanson calls our church to the work of "reconciling communities, pursuing justice and peace no matter how long the journey or how wide the chasm. 

We celebrate The Three Days amid the particularities of our lives and world this year, 2012. This special e-mail will prepare you for each Holy Week liturgy with some background details. There are table prayers, and scripture readings to deepen your observance of each day in Holy Week, especially the great Three Days. I urge you to consider these Three Days your annual spiritual retreat with the community at Holy Trinity, and with Christians around the world. 

As the Three Days begin next Thursday, slow down your pace. Notice your breath. Observe signs of spring. Spend time in solitude and silence. And come to each liturgy hungry and thirsty to be refreshed by the life-giving grace of these days.

May Christ bring us from death to life,
~Pr. Craig M. Mueller

O God, you are life,
fire in the night,
honey in the comb,
the marriage of earth and heaven,
the new creation
pathway across the sea,
flesh on dead bones,
water on parched earth,
bread and wine for a hungry world.
Give us your Spirit of life,
life as the empty tomb of your Son,
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.
Amen.
- Gail Ramshaw

Schedule of Services

Headline Announcements

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. Mark.

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 there will be a procession through the worship space as we vigorously wave our palms and sing "All Glory, Laud and Honor." The Passion according to St. Mark will be presented dramatically by six members of the congregation.

TWO PASSION ACCOUNTS IN HOLY WEEK
On the Sunday of the Passion, we proclaim the arrest, trial, sufferings, and death of Jesus as told by the synoptic gospels: Matthew in year A, Mark in year B (this year), and Luke in year C. The synoptic accounts stress the humanity of Jesus, and each tells in its unique way about his sufferings. Yet, paradoxically, we read of his sufferings on a Sunday, the same day in which we celebrate the resurrection. On Good Friday, we proclaim the trial as crucifixion as told by John. John's gospel stresses that Jesus is the incarnate God who goes willingly to reign from the cross. Again, paradoxically, on the Friday of Jesus' death, we proclaim the gospel that boldly announces the divinity of Christ.

Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus Christ is fully human and fully divine, and year we strengthen this faith by listening to the passion in both a synoptic gospel and John. We hear the more sorrowful story on Sunday, the more triumphant on Good Friday. Usually hymn texts, artistic depictions of the passion and crucifixion, children's Bibles, plays, novels, and feature films about Jesus emphasize only one aspect of Christ's suffering and death. By receiving both the synoptic and Johannine narratives, our understanding of the meaning of Christ's suffering and death is made as wide and deep as possible.
- from Sourcebook for Lent and the Three Days 

READ MORE about the passions, including Mark'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. 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 or spend some moments in meditation. This year, rather than being ushered, there will be an open time and space to move to the cross in an unhurried way. 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. We hope to offer limited parking behind Brixen Ivy Community Center, one block west of Holy Trinity.

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. This year we will have a water basin/tank large enough to immerse an adult as John Richardson is baptized! 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. On this night we affirm our baptism and we dip our hands, splash, and cross ourselves with 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.

There is a Cubs home game this Easter and the McDonald's parking lot is not available for our use. Particularly at 11:00 a.m. 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 4)
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 5, 6, 7)
[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 8 - May 20)
[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 

READINGS FOR THE WEEK

Click for a printable version of the table prayers above and the below readings.

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.

READINGS 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
Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
Acts 10:34-43
Mark 16:1-8

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.