At Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Peachtree City, Holy Week begins with the triumphant waving of palm branches and closes in silent contemplation.
Next week, a Maundy Thursday service will take place in the sanctuary at 12:15 p.m. Thursday, with readings and art related to the Stations of the Cross, as well as special music and Holy Communion.
That evening, for the sixth year, members of the Lutheran church will gather with those of Peachtree City Presbyterian Church, at their church on Willowbend Road. Light snacks and fellowship will be served at 6:30 p.m., and the service will begin at 7 p.m. Worship will focus on the Last Supper, interpreted in Holy Communion, and ending with the arrest of Jesus, the stripping of the altar and leaving in darkness and silence.
Good Friday begins with a noon community service at First Baptist Church on Willowbend Rd., when seven Peachtree City pastors will offer reflections on the seven last words that Jesus spoke from the cross.
At 4:30 Friday afternoon, worshippers will gather in the parking lot of Christ Our Shepherd and begin carrying a cross from the church to Picnic Park behind City Hall. At the park, a brief devotional will be held as Christians remember the walk Jesus made carrying his cross.
Good Friday worship will take place at Christ Our Shepherd’s sanctuary at 8 p.m. The adult choir will present special music adorned with cello, wind instruments, organ and bells. The liturgy is a Service of Darkness, known as Tenebrae.
 An Easter Vigil, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 15, will begin with a procession of light to break through the darkness of the previous two days. It focuses on various stories of God’s dramatic grace throughout history and in human lives.