In Christian tradition dating back to the late 3rd century, “Holy Week” consists of the seven days before Easter. It begins with Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ triumphal ride into Jerusalem, accompanied by crowds shouting “Hosanna” and “Alleluia.” Within hours, he had overturned the tables of the money-changers in the temple, and within days, alienated the religious leaders by a series of statements which questioned their authority and sincerity. At this time, they made the decision to have him killed.
“Maundy Thursday” is a term which means “mandate,” referring to Jesus’ command to his disciples to love one another. On this night, Jesus instituted the practice we know as the “Lord’s Supper” or “Eucharist,” sharing the bread and the wine in remembrance of him. On this night, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus to the Jewish leaders, who had him arrested by the Romans and taken to trial for blasphemy against God and rebellion against the Roman overlords.
The following day, “Good Friday,” is the day of the crucifixion of Jesus. Death on the cross was a particular cruel form of Roman execution, and was widely used to intimidate the local population. Jesus was nailed to the cross Friday at noon and was dead and buried by sundown.
“Holy Saturday” is usually marked with a late vigil in anticipation of Easter Sunday. These three days from Thursday to Saturday constitute what is called the “triduum.”
Easter celebrates the risen Christ.
Easter Services
Clearlake Oaks United Methodist Church
Sunday, 11 a.m. Easter Service and Egg Hunt. A new journey begins on Easter Sunday at Clearlake Oaks UMC, followed by coffee/eats and an Easter egg hunt for the kids at 1 p.m. at the Clearlake Oaks Park, across from the church. Come celebrate the Risen Christ and a new beginning.
All are welcome, please join us! Clearlake Oaks United Methodist Church, 12487 The Plaza, Clearlake Oaks, off the 20 near the Red & White market. (707) 998-9435.
United Christian Parish
Easter Sunday: Sunrise Service: 6:30 a.m. at the Gazebo in Library Park: Celebrate the joyous news of Jesus’ resurrection. Following the service please come to UCP for breakfast provided by the Men’s Bible study group.
Traditional Service: 10 a.m. at UCP. Explore what it means for us that Christ has risen, and what it means for our everyday lives. Chancel choir provides music.
United Christian Parish is located at 745 N Brush St., Lakeport,
First Lutheran Church
On Easter Sunday, we conclude our sermon series on “Law vs. Gospel” and we dig deep into the reality of the resurrection of Jesus. The Law says “no way”, the Gospel says, “everyday” meaning that we need to live the reality of Easter everyday of our lives.
Jesus’ resurrection is not just a miracle, it is, “THE MIRACLE”. That miracle assures those who believe that Jesus died for our sinfulness on Good Friday and rose on the third day, Easter, are guarantee eternal salvation by the Grace of God.
We invite all people to join us on Easter Sunday at 11 a.m. for a service of celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. We will share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion during the service and offer a community lunch immediately following the service.
Come one, come all to the most joyous event of the church year. Christ has Risen, He has Risen indeed.
First Lutheran Church is located at 3863 Country Club Dr, Lucerne
Galilee Lutheran Church
Easter Sunday … what can you say? We sing in the Resurrection of our Lord at 6 a.m. at the Buckingham clubhouse on the shores of Clear Lake. Breakfast is served at the Galilee Community Center from 7:30-9:30 a.m., with an Easter Egg hunt included. At 10 a.m., in the sanctuary, we celebrate with our Easter Festival Service and Holy Communion.
After the somber services and meditations of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, it is good to raise the “halleluias” and “hosannas” once again, bounce around a little and hear the message of life reborn and born again. We invite everyone to join us!
Galilee Lutheran is located at 8860 Soda Bay Road in the Kelseyville Rivieras. Tuesday night Bible Study is at 7 p.m. As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, we remind ourselves that ALL of us are ministers of the Gospel, constantly being re-formed, refreshed, and revitalized.
UPPER LAKE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
On Easter Sunday, April 16 we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. The SONrise service is scheduled to start at 6 a.m. Breakfast will be served after the service. We return again at 11 a.m. for our regular Easter Day service and the flowering of the cross.
Learn to love the Bible and Jesus through Pastor Bob’s inspirational sermons whose thoughts, actions and messages to the congregation always come from the heart.
All are welcome to attend any of the Holy week services or our regular Sunday worship service at 11:00 am. The United Methodist Church motto is “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors”, “Passion for Christ, Compassion for all”.
Upper Lake Community United Methodist Church, 604 Clover Valley Road in the town of Upper Lake
St. Joseph Catholic Church, Middletown
Our Lady of the Lake, Loch Lomond
April 15, Holy Saturday
Mass at 4 p.m. at Our Lady of the Lake, Loch Lomond
6 p.m. at St. Joseph, Middletown
April 16, Easter Sunday
Mass at 10:30 a.m., St. Joseph
6 p.m., St. Joseph (Spanish)
St. Joseph is located at 21396 Hwy 175, Middletown. Our Lady of the Lake is located at 12836 Hwy 175, Loch Lomond.
