Presbyterian Church Invites all to Lent, Holy Week services

CHATHAM - Experience a meaningful Lenten Season with The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township (PCCT). All are welcome to attend the program offerings and worship services to reflect on and prepare for one of the most meaningful times of the Christian year - Holy Week and Easter. There is something for everyone and all are welcome at these events at 240 Southern Boulevard.

Prayer as a Spiritual Practice- Sunday, March 17, 11:15 a.m., Halldorson Hall

The time of Lent is when Christians traditionally renew a focus on their inner life and relationship with God. One of the spiritual disciplines is daily prayer. On Sunday, March 17, the Rev. Mary Anne Collins-Stauffer will offer a presentation on the practice of daily prayer, how it fits into our lives, especially as presented in the book “Celtic Prayers from Iona.” This book was written by J. Philip Newell during the time he led the religious community of Iona Abbey in the western isles of Scotland. Everyone will receive a copy of the book to take home.

Palm Sunday – Sunday, March 24, 10:00 a.m.

A highlight of Palm Sunday is watching the children parade into worship holding palm branches, a reminder of what Jesus encountered when He arrived in Jerusalem. Pastor Emeritus Ed Halldorson will lead worship.

Maundy Thursday – Thursday, March 28, 7:30 p.m.

Maundy Thursday is a special service to share in communion together while remembering that, according to the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus celebrated the Last Supper the night before He died. All are invited to participate in communion.

Tenebrae Service on Good Friday – Friday, March 29, 7:30 p.m.

Tenebrae, a Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows,” is a service that moves from full light in a sanctuary and ends in total darkness, signifying the death of Jesus, the Light of the World, on Good Friday. When seven candles – representing the seven last words of Christ spoken while on the cross – are extinguished, the sanctuary becomes progressively darker. Only the Christ Candle remains lit. Then it too is extinguished as the congregation departs in darkness and silence.

Easter – Sunday, March 31, 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

Two Easter worship services will be offered to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ through music, scriptures, and sermon. Brass and timpany will accompany our Chancel Choir for musical selections including the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah where everyone is invited to join in.

Directly following the 11:00 a.m. service, the much-anticipated annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on the front lawn (weather permitting). Over 500 Easter Eggs dot the grassy field ready for children to collect. Bring a basket and a camera for this fun-filled family event.