We will post worship videos for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Here’s what you need to know:

Maundy Thursday

Because we cannot gather at one table, we encourage you to partake of the Sacrament of Communion wherever you are as you watch the worship video. These steps will help you to prepare:

• First: Take bread. Dinner rolls, tortillas, crackers are all fine. Have enough for everyone to receive a healthy morsel.
• Next: Prepare a cup. Wine, grape juice, water… whatever you prefer. Maybe milk for the little ones.
• Then: Set the table. Dim the lights or light a candle, then take a seat.
• Finally: Open your heart. Forgive anyone with whom you have a quarrel. The Good Book instructs us to come to the table with reconciled hearts.

The Maundy Thursday video will be available by 6:30 pm on April 9. 

Good Friday

In place of our traditional, three-hour service of sacred music and reflection, Executive Pastor Charlene Han Powell and Ryan Jackson, director of music, have prepared three short videos for your Good Friday observance.

We will publish all three of these 15-minute videos at 12 pm on April 10. You may watch them in succession at any time. Or, as Charlene recommends, you might view one video at the start of each hour, spending the rest of the time in prayer and quiet contemplation.

Easter

If you have ever yearned for an Easter sunrise service, this is your year. Sunrise on Easter morning is expected at 6:21 am. Our worship video will be online by 6. If you choose, welcome the Risen Christ as the sun breaks over the eastern horizon!

If you are a subscriber to our emails, you will receive an email notification when these services are available online. Or simply check back on our homepage or our YouTube playlist.

We promised you that our classes on Lenten spiritual practices would not be canceled, and we have delivered! Each of these practices is valuable to the Christian journey of faith at any time of year, but particularly during Holy Week.

We encourage you to explore these videos on your own, or with family members, friends, and members of your Community Group.

The Spiritual Practice of Chanting

Ryan Jackson, director of Music & Fine Arts Ministries, guides us through this ancient tradition.

The Stations of the Cross

Drawing on the rich visual imagery of the artists Laura Fissinger and Laura James, this online liturgical resource leads you (at your own pace) along the Way of the Cross with words of Scripture, prayer and reflection. This is an excellent exercise for Good Friday. 

Meditation with Charlene

Executive Pastor Charlene Han Powell leads this guided meditation that is suitable for all, whether you are a beginner or a longtime practitioner of meditation.

Writing to God

Associate Pastor Kate Dunn has kept a journal throughout most of her life. She explains how journaling can be an effective way of opening our hearts to God and hearing God’s voice in our own words.

Morgan King, director of engagement, and Jaime Staehle, director of Christian education, will host a final Zoom discussion on spiritual practice at 4 pm Tuesday, April 14. Email Morgan ([email protected]) to sign up.

Brahms’ Requiem: The Lenten Concert

This splendid performance by the Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church Chamber Choir and the Shelest Piano Duo was recorded in Kirkland Chapel on April 11, 2019. It is now available to enjoy online, with English subtitles for the German text.

Johannes Brahms’ A German Requiem was composed between 1865 and 1868 for full orchestra and symphonic chorus. But Brahms also arranged the original orchestral accompaniment for piano duet: four hands on one piano. This is the Requiem we present. Learn more about Brahms’ Requiem from our music director, Ryan Jackson, and make this hour of sacred music part of your preparation for Easter.