HOLY WEEK

AT 

THE HILLS CHURCH

After years spent considering the mystery of Easter, Dietrich Bonhoeffer proposed that we consider the events of Holy Week “God’s new commandment.” “This,” he wrote, “is God’s new commandment, that we should look at him in Holy Week: how in death he creates life, how on the cross he creates resurrection.”

The week that leads us to the resurrection is full of despair, celebration, mystery, and the greatest joy known to humanity. In order for us to experience the height of Easter exultation, it is essential that we plumb the depths of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. For it is in death that God creates life and through the cross that God creates resurrection.

On Sunday, March 28th, at 10:00 a.m. we celebrate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and wrestle with the implications of his death at our Palm and Passion Sunday service. Come wave a palm, sing hosannas, and listen with all your heart as the story of Holy Week is read.

On Maundy Thursday, April 1st, at 8:00 at we will honor the Last Supper and the mystery of the cross with a service of Eucharist and Tennebrae in the Sanctuary. This is one of the most intense and powerful worship services of the year. Each year, more and more church members change their schedules in order to attend.
On Good Friday, April 2nd, we continue to contemplate the difficult wonder of the cross with an Easter Vigil from 12:00 to 3:00 in the afternoon in the Sanctuary. From 12:00 to 1:00, we worship together. From 1:00 to 2:45, the church is open to those who would like to sit in silent prayer and meditation for all or part of that time. At 2:45, we meet again for a brief closing service.

Our Easter Sunday will be full of joy and celebration! Indeed, more than any other Sunday, Easter lifts up the heart and the meaning of the Christian life.

We will celebrate Christ’s resurrection with two wonderful worship services. Our first service is at 9:00 a.m. and features soaring trumpets, an uplifting sermon, and moving, beautiful hymns and anthems. Bring a friend to Easter worship! Our second service will be held at 11:00 a.m. and features all of these same elements as well as a joyful celebration of the Eucharist. Childcare will be available at both services.

I simply cannot wait to join all of you as we celebrate our Holy Week together. Along with Bonnie, Jim, Pash, John, and Lauren, I sincerely hope that you will join our church family for the most important and exhilarating week of the year.

With great gladness, Matt