Holy Week encompasses the final tumultuous days in the earthly life and ministry of Jesus Christ. If was a momentous week in which Jesus not only challenged the religious authorities in Jerusalem, but also threatened the occupying Roman government by his very presence. It was a harsh week during which he endured confrontation and injustice, the abandonment of friends and then a cruel death. But that's not the way the week started. Holy week began with people waving palm fronds and calling "Hosanna! Hosanna!"
PALM-PASSION SUNDAY, March 16th at 11:00 a.m.
On the first day of Holy Week, we remember how the people joyfully hailed Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. We also consider how the cheering crowd was to dissipate into a jeering mob, and the royal branches eroded into the criminal's cross.
MAUNDY THURSDAY, March 20th at 7:00 p.m.
On Maundy Thursday we recall the events of that night when Jesus and the disciples shared the Passover feast. Following the meal, Jesus used the bread and wine to symbolize the breaking of his body and the shedding of his blood yet to come. By instituting this sacrament, Jesus showed his disciples, then and now, how to recall his passion and death and at the same time celebrate his empowering presence in their lives. Our worship on this evening includes the Lord's Supper. "Maundy" comes from a Latin word, mandatum, meaning "to command" and refers to Jesus.
Exhortation in John 13: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another." These words stand in sharp contrast to the subsequent betrayal of Jesus that night.
GOOD FRIDAY, March 21st at Noon
This ancient service of shadows and darkness is an appropriate setting in which to mourn Jesus' crucifixion. As lighted candles are extinguished, we are reminded of the ultimate sacrifice of the Lamb of God for our sakes. Our Good Friday service includes the participation of all of Rocky Mount's Presbyterian congregations. Worship this year will be held at Bethlehem Presbyterian Church at 1460 Bethlehem Road.
