Life and Religion

On Good Friday, the pulpit at St. Peters Episcopal Church will feature meditations on the seven last words of Jesus by five lay and ordained ministers.

The Rev. Rodney S. Sadler of Union Presbyterian Seminary and Sardis Baptist Church, St. Peters member Elizabeth Richardson and the Revs. Joslyn Ogden Schaefer, L. Murdock Smith, and Ollie V. Rencher will preach during the three-hour service on April 3. St. Peters, established in 1834, is located at 115 W. Seventh St. at in Center City.

Officiated by the Rev. Jonathan E. Soyars, the 12- 3 p.m. Good Friday service will include chanting of the Passion narrative, intentional silence, exceptional music for choir and organ, hymns, and the solemn act of venerating the cross.

This dramatic service reflects one of many ways for our parish church to boldly proclaim the spectacular story about the unconditional love, justice, and reconciling power of Jesus, said Father Ollie Rencher, Rector of St. Peters. It will be a gift to hear brief sermons about the Crucifixion from a variety of voices before we celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Day.

The Good Friday service is a core aspect of Christians observance of Holy Week, beginning with Palm Sunday on March 29. Palm Sunday services typically include the Procession of Palms and reading of the Passion Gospel. St. Peters will offer several services between Holy Week and Eastertide.

Sunday of the Passion, March 29 8 a.m., 10:45 a.m. Procession of Palms, Passion Reading, Holy Communion with music 5 p.m. Agape meal featuring traditional Mediterranean cuisine 6:15 p.m. Passion Reading and Holy Communion with Music

March 30-31, April 1 7:30 a.m. Prayer (30 minute service) 12 p.m. Holy Communion (30 minute service) 5:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross (Monday only)

Maundy Thursday, April 2 7:30 a.m. Prayer (30-minute service) 12 p.m., 7 p.m. Holy Communion, stripping of the altar and foot washing (optional) 8:30 p.m.-7:30 a.m. Prayer vigil in the chapel

Good Friday, April 3 7:30 a.m. Holy Communion from the Reserved Sacrament (30 minute service) 12-3 p.m. Hourly meditations, prayers, hymns, music for organ, and choir 4-5 p.m. Childrens version of Stations of the Cross. All ages are welcome.

Holy Saturday, April 4 8 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter Day: First Fire of Easter, Incense, baptisms, Holy Communion with music

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Life and Religion