Maundy Thursday...April 17th @ 6:30pm: "Maundy" is an English derivative of the Latin word mandatum (commandment), referring to Jesus' words on this night recorded in John 13:34:  I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.  As young and old sit in our Chisholm Hall "Upper Room," we reflect on this commandment of Jesus while we taste 1st century-era snacks, follow his servant example by washing one another's feet and then move to the nave of the church to share in the Eucharist, the sacred meal our Lord instituted on this holy night.  

 

Want to help with this event?  Contact Della Stearns.

 

Following the Eucharist, we strip the altar and all decorations from the worship space. The altar is cleaned with a mixture of vinegar and water, reminding us of the gall given to Jesus as he hung on the cross.   In our tradition, the altar is the place where Christ makes his presence available to us each week through his Body and Blood.  By stripping it bare, we remember the eventual abandonment of Jesus by his disciples.

 

Opportunity is then given to follow Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane where he asked his disciples, "Can you not watch with me for one hour?"  From 9pm on 4/17 until 11am the next morning, the Blessed Sacrament will be present in our Garden, providing any and all an opportunity to pray with Jesus during this time of waiting and trial before his crucifixion.  A security guard will be on duty until daylight.  Those who don't drive at night are encouraged to watch during daylight hours.

 

Want to help with this event?  Contact Donna Vick.

 

Sign up in Chisholm Hall for both these opportunities to aid in our preparations.   

 

----------------------------------

 

   

Good Friday...April 18th @ 12 noon & 6:30pm: The Good Friday Celebration is the second part of the Liturgy for the Holy Triduum.  Using scripture, ancient prayers and song, we walk the journey with Jesus to the cross.  A large wooden cross is brought into the worship space with opportunity for any and all to come forward to touch and experience the awesome love of our God through a loving sacrifice that truly makes this day "good."  Finally, the Blessed Sacrament is brought into the worship space from the Watch, and Jesus' Body and Blood is offered as strength for our journey to Easter.  The worship space will remain open for silent prayer following the noon liturgy until 3pm.

 

Good Friday is a fast day; those who are physically able are encouraged to abstain from food.  (Remember that children and those with other physical needs can observe a medically appropriate modified fast.)

 

-------------------------------------

 

Holy Saturday/Resurrection night...April 19th at 9:30am on Saturday morning, a brief liturgy helps us observe how Jesus' body lay dead in the tomb.  How empty our world would be without the presence of the risen Jesus!  During this service, those preparing for baptism will recite the Apostles' Creed in anticipation of their evening baptism.  Following worship, any and all who would like to help for about two hours to prepare our worship space and parish hall for our Easter celebrations are invited to participate!

 

According to the Gospel accounts, the resurrection of Jesus occurred "on the third day" (which begins at sunset on Saturday night).  At sunset (after 7:43pm) we begin the third part of the Liturgy of the Holy Triduum with the Great Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter, the most ancient feast of Christianity that celebrates with all our senses the central truth of the Christian faith: that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.  Bring a bell or noisemaker to use as we proclaim the Lord's resurrection.  We begin outside with the lighting of the new fire of Easter and process by candlelight into the worship space.  We hear the story of God's salvation, renew our baptismal vows and feast on the risen Jesus' Body and Blood. 

 

For those who love a great party, this worship and the festive reception that follows, is a not-to-miss opportunity!  St. John's will supply champagne and non-alcoholic punch, beef tenderloin, shrimp and wedding cake (celebrating that we, the church, are the bride of Christ).

 

Here's where the wonderful cooks of St. John's come in:  bring your favorite, elegant hors d'oeuvres (appetizers) on a special, beautiful plate or tray to share on this night to complete our feast!  Please sign up in Chisholm Hall and let us know what you will be bringing!  If you have any questions about the logistics of this request, please contact the Parish Office.

 

Want to help with this reception?  Contact Carolyn Colon.

 

You'll find us at 424 Washington Street, Portsmouth, VA 23704 or by phone at 757.399.4967

Our office hours are 10:00am - 1:00pm M-F. We look forward to seeing you!