Palm Sunday - 8:00 & 10:30am
Both the 8:00 and 10:30 am services begin with the blessing and distribution of palms – the plant from which the day gets its name. At the later service, we’ll begin the liturgy just outside the front door of Trinity on Third Street and process into the church singing “All Glroy, Laud and Honor” – the English translation of the Latin hymn, Gloria, laus et honor, written in the ninth century. St. Matthew’s story of the Passion will be read dramatically at both services, as the mood of the worship shifts from the joyous celebration of a parade to the somber contemplation of the Cross. In a sense, the Palm Sunday service contains all the events Holy Week in a single service.

Tenebrae - Wednesday at 6:30pm

The name Tenebrae (the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows”) has for centuries been applied to the ancient monastic night and early morning services (Matins and Lauds) of the last three days of Holy Week, which in medieval times came to be celebrated on the preceding evenings.

As we meditate on Christ’s journey to the cross in poem, prose, prayer and song led by Bill McKown on the piano, one by one the candles and other lights in the church will be extinguished until only a single candle, considered a symbol of our Lord, remains. Toward the end of the service this candle is hidden, suggesting the apparent victory of the forces of evil. At the very end, a loud noise is made (symbolizing the earthquake at the time of the Resurrection— Matthew 28:2), the hidden candle is restored to its place, and by its light all depart in silence. 

Maundy Thursday - 6:30pm
The liturgy of Maundy Thursday, observed on the Thursday in Holy Week, is the first service of the Triduum, the three holy days leading up to Easter. The word “maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, referring to the “new commandment” Jesus gave to his disciples on the night he was betrayed. The Gospel of John also describes, on that same night, Jesus’ institution of the Holy Eucharist and his washing of the disciples’ feet. The Maundy Thursday service begins much more like a Sunday Eucharist in Ordinary Time, before the ceremonial hand washing, a light supper, and stripping of the altar. As the liturgy concludes, the people and the church itself are prepared for the stark solemnity of Good Friday, closing with 33 tolls of the Trinity bells.

Good Trouble Friday - Noon
Stations of Love & Justice

An ecumenical Stations of the Cross procession around the Ohio Statehouse. Trinity will join with leaders from across Christian denominations as we remember those who suffer in our day as we tell the story of Christ's journey to the cross, and publicly pray for justice, peace and the dignity of every human being.

Good Friday – 6:30 pm - At St. John's United Church of Christ

Since the beginning of the year, Trinity has deepened our relationship with St. John’s United Church of Christ. We take another step with our siblings in faith on Good Friday evening, when we join them for their service. THE SERVICE WILL BE HELD AT ST. JOHN’S, 59 E. Mound St. (Note - this is a change in venue from what was previously announced!) Plenty of FREE parking is available in the Franklin County Parking Garage, to the west side of the church.  

The service will include readings by several lectors of St. John’s Passion – the traditional Gospel for Good Friday. Between sections of the Passion, music and prayers will be offered and, slowly, candles will be extinguished until only the Light of Christ is left. The service promises to be beautiful and deeply moving as we commemorate the death of Jesus of Nazareth and live into his prayer for his followers, “may they all be one.”

Easter Sunday
Festival Eucharist | With triumphant choir, we’ll lift our voices in songs of praise for Christ’s victory over the grave at two identical family friendly services at 8:00 & 10:30 am! 

Easter Brunch
Please plan to come for a pot-luck Easter breakfast to be held between the 8:00 and 10:30 am services. We’ll plan to set up food and beverages upstairs in the chapel and be ready to go by 9:15 am. 

The Wardens and Vestry will be the hosts for this year’s event. They’ll provide coffee, juice, and paper plates, cups, and napkins. Parishioners with last names beginning with A-M are invited to bring a savory dish (think breakfast casserole), and parishioners with last names beginning with N-Z are invited to bring fruit or pastry (think sweet treats). 

If you’d like to help be part of the clean-up crew before the 10:30 am service, you assistance would be most welcome! 

For more information, please contact the parish office at (614) 221-5351.