The Gloria Dei community gathers for special worship services on Ash Wednesday, every Wednesday evening during Lent, and during Holy Week. The schedule for this year’s Lent and Easter worship can be found on the Worship website.
In addition to these worship services, here are some ways to talk to your children at home about Lent and Holy Week.
Lent
Lent is the 40-day period of repentance and renewal preceding Easter. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with the Easter service. Lent is a special time for confession and prayer, a time to renew and strengthen our faith as we reflect on Jesus’ journey to the cross and victory over death.
Ash Wednesday
At home, children and families can confess what they have done to hurt others, or what they have not done to help others. Ask for God’s forgiveness for not loving God with our whole heart, and not loving others as ourselves. Then come to Worship that night and receive ashes in the sign of the cross on their foreheads and intentionally enter into Lent, the season of repentance and renewal.
Holy Week
Holy Week is the time we remember Jesus’ last week on earth, beginning with Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and ending with Jesus’ resurrection on Easter. This is the heart of Lent, the time of Jesus’ movement to the cross where he showed his love is stronger than death. And finally after 40 days we rejoice in the glorious new dawn of Easter. Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the city where five days later he was crucified. People lined the way, waving palm branches and shouting, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest heaven!”
- Congregational Palm Sunday Procession in the Neighborhood, pick up from Sunday School at 9:50 a.m., returning by 10:30 a.m. to process directly into worship. Children and families are invited to join the entire congregation as we carry palms and signs to share the message of Jesus with our nearest neighbors. We process several blocks down Snelling Avenue proclaiming that the Kingdom of God is here, justice and mercy, peace and love really do win! This counter-cultural message brings hope and calls us to work for God’s will on earth as in heaven! Bring strollers for the youngest ones!
Maundy Thursday
On Maundy Thursday we remember Jesus’ last meal with his disciples. At this meal Jesus washed the feet of his dearest friends to show them that the life of his followers was one of humble service. Then he shared bread and wine, telling them this was his body and blood, given for forgiveness of sins. Come to Worship and participate in these sacred rituals.
Good Friday
On Good Friday we remember the day that Jesus was arrested, condemned to death, and died on the cross. We gather at the foot of the cross to wonder at the depth of Jesus’ love!
Holy Saturday
On Holy Saturday we remember the time that Jesus lay in the tomb, when his dearest friends thought Jesus was dead and all was lost. This is the time that all the earth waits breathlessly for God’s great surprise!
Easter Day
On Easter Day we celebrate the risen Jesus! Christ is risen! Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
- Easter Morning Festival Worship, 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 a.m. The entire congregation comes together to celebrate all the glory of Easter with flowers, trumpets, choir music, and lots of shouting to show the joy we feel in our hearts!