Special Services and Holiday Events

 

Christmas

Christmas Eve - Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Special services at 5:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm and 11:00pm to celebrate the birth of Christ.

The 5:00pm and 7:00pm services include special functions for familes with small children. 

 

Holy Week

PALM SUNDAY – April 5, 2009
8:00, 9:30, and 11:00am

These services include a procession of palm branches as we celebrate on this day the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.  Almost immediately thereafter, we begin the solemn contemplation of the Passion.

 

MAUNDY THURSDAY – April 9, 2009
7:15 pm

“Maundy” is an English form of the Latin word for commandment.The overarching theme of the day is Jesus’ new commandment to “love one another even as I have loved you”—a love sharply focused by the contrast of the betrayal which followed.Jesus’ love is demonstrated in his example of servanthood as re-enacted in the washing of feet and in his gift of himself as demonstrated in Holy Communion.  The service concludes with a “Stripping of the Altar”. 

 

STATIONS OF THE CROSS -- FRIDAY, April 10, 2009
12:00 noon

The history of the Stations of the Cross dates back to the very early days of Christianity.For followers who were not able to re-enact the stops Jesus made along the way to the Cross at the original sites in Jerusalem, “stations” were set up in local communities to allow others to “make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem” in spirit. 

 

This event, sponsored by the Greater Kirkland Ecumenical Parish, traditionally begins with a Good Friday Ecumenical Service at noon at St. John’s Episcopal Church (105 State Street, Kirkland).  Both clergy and community participate in this service that culminates in a procession through the streets of downtown Kirkland that ends at the Pavilion at Marina Park.  A wooden cross is carried to lead the way and representations of nine stations of the Cross will be emphasized along the journey.

 

Plan to share in this very moving experience.

 

SERVICE OF TENEBRAE/GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE – April 10, 2009
7:15 pm

We have regularly held a Tenebrae Service on Good Friday. The Service of Tenebrae goes back in tradition to at least the eighth century, and perhaps even earlier. The literal translation of the Latin word tenebrae is "shadows", and this service is presented as a ceremony that progresses from light to darkness. As each candle on the altar is extinguished, and the lights in the sanctuary are gradually dimmed, it symbolizes the gradual death of Jesus on the cross.

 

EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE – April 12, 2009
6:30 am (Juanita Beach Park)

As a new day breaks over the horizon, it is with anticipation that we gather together as Christians to hear that "Christ is risen!"

This special communion service is held at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland and begins at 6:30am. Coffee, hot chocolate and breakfast rolls are provided afterwards.

 

EASTER WORSHIP SERVICES – April 12, 2009
8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 am

Easter, the day we celebrate Christ's resurrection from death, is the highest Holy Day of the Church. On Easter morning, three communion worship services are offered at Holy Spirit -- 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 am.