Take Advantage of THIS Week

Dr. John Tamilio III, Pastor

We have officially stepped into Holy Week. Yesterday was Palm Sunday. That was the day that we commemorated Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem as the King of kings and Lord of lords. This event was foretold by the great Hebrew prophets. There is a reference to it in Isaiah, but Zechariah 9:9 is the primary text.

But Palm Sunday is only the start. The Gospels are full of details regarding what Jesus did when he entered Jerusalem, including the cleansing of the Temple, the teaching of numerous parables, and the destruction of the Temple foretold — along with Jesus speaking of the signs of the end times. We will be holding four services this week.

Maundy Thursday (April 14 at 7:00 pm)

This is the night that Jesus gathered with his disciples in the Upper Room in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover festival. It is at this Last Supper that he instituted the sacrament of Holy Communion. It is important to keep in mind that when they shared this celebratory meal, Jesus knew what was about to happen. He knew that he would be crucified in a few short hours. This being on his mind highlights the intensity of this sacred event. Our choir will help us commemorate this night by singing the cantata The Dark Hours. If you like our Christmas Eve services, you will love Maundy Thursday.

Good Friday (April 15 at 7:00 pm)

Of course, Good Friday is the day that Jesus was crucified. We will gather in our sanctuary at 7:00 pm to reflect upon the seven last words of Christ. These are not single words, as the previous sentence suggests, but, rather, the seven last statements Jesus uttered while on the cross. Each one is unique and has profound significance about what was achieved through the sacrifice of Christ. It is a somber yet poignant service.

Easter Sunrise (April 17 at 6:00 am)

The Congregational Church of Canton has a “spot” on top of Blue Hills, a stone’s throw from the weather observatory. People will meet in the parking lot at 5:45 am to begin the trek up the hill. This is a glorious opportunity to greet Easter morning by literally seeing the sun pierce the horizon (if the cloud cover cooperates).

Easter Worship (April 17 at 10:00 am)

The real joy erupts at 10:00 am. The service on the hill is jubilant but subdued. The celebration boils over at 10:00 am when we gather in our sanctuary, surrounded by the scent of lilies and tulips and the sounds of hymns such as “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today.” Commemorate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with us at the 10:00 am service. This is a great opportunity to introduce a friend to our church!