Sunday, April 8, 2001
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Sunday, April 8, 2001 |
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Churches to join for series of Easter services In Christian churches throughout the world, Jesus' last meal with his disciples, followed by his trial and crucifixion, will be remembered during Holy Week. The week's solemn observances lead up to the joy of the Resurrection celebrated Easter morning. This year for the first time, two Peachtree City congregations Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran and First Presbyterian will join for worship on Maundy Thursday, April 12, in the Lutheran sanctuary. The 7 p.m. service of the Lord's Supper will be preceded by a reception in the church fellowship hall at 6:30 p.m. At the end of the service, which concludes in silence, the altar and chancel will be stripped. On Good Friday, April 13, community congregations will worship together at First Presbyterian, 206 Willowbend Road, with meditations on the Seven Last Words of Christ offered by members of the local clergy. That service begins at noon and lasts until about 1:30. Participants are encouraged to come and go as their midday schedules allow. At 4:30 the afternoon of Good Friday, members of the Lutheran congregation will carry the cross from the church to Picnic Park behind the library, in commemoration of Christ's journey to Calvary. That evening at 8, Christ Our Shepherd's Tenebrae service a "service of shadows" will include special music and end in tomb-like darkness, to give a sense of the day of the crucifixion. Choirmaster and organist David Beecher will lead the choir in anthems from the "St. John Passion" by John Ferguson, as well as music from Händel's "Messiah." An Easter Vigil will begin Saturday at 7 p.m. at Christ Our Shepherd, recounting the work of God with his people throughout history. The liturgy is filled with Scripture, hymns and psalms. Rejoicing in the Easter Resurrection, Christ Our Shepherd will conduct four services of worship Sunday, April 15, at 7, 8:30, 10 and 11:30 a.m. Special music by the choirs and instrumentalists will underscore the joy of Easter morning. Each service will include the celebration of Holy Communion. Child care will be available at all except the first. According to pastors the Rev. John Weber and the Rev. Miriam Beecher, the public is warmly invited to participate in these services of preparation for Easter, and to join in the celebration of Christ's Resurrection on Easter morning. The Lutheran church is at the intersection of Ga. Highway 54 and Peachtree Parkway. Phone 770-487-8717.
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