Holy Week Services 2023
Join us in person or watch the live-stream via our YouTube channel - "Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Chicago"
Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion
April 2 at 10:00 a.m.
On this day, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid it all we are invited into this paradoxical promise of life through Christ’s broken body and outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.
Maundy Thursday
April 6 at 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
With this liturgy our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.
Good Friday
April 7 at 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.
The Three Days for Children
Saturday, April 8 at 10:00 a.m.
This brief liturgy embodies the essence of the Three Days (Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil) for younger children in a format that is interactive and acknowledges that challenges that can come with having younger children in services three days in a row. All ages are welcome!
The Great Vigil of Easter
Saturday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m.
This is the night of salvation! At the Vigil of Easter, we gather around fire, word, water, bread, and wine, proclaiming through story and song that ours is a God who continuously brings life out of death. On this night we experience again the heart of God’s baptismal promise and the center of our faith: we are claimed and cleansed, renewed in the death and resurrection of Christ. We gather with all the saints of every time and place to celebrate the good news: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Celebrate the Resurrection!
Join us in the café following the Easter Vigil worship service for a reception with treats.
Easter Sunday - April 9
Alleluia! Christ is Risen!
Enjoy fellowship and a light continental breakfast on Easter Sunday, April 9th from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in the café.
10:00 a.m. (Festival Liturgy with Choir)
This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.