This week is Holy Week, the time we reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. Many times we skip from the "parade" of Palm Sunday to the celebration of Easter without taking time to reflect on the last week of Jesus' life. Take some time this week to reflect on the powerful last days of Christ's life. First United Methodist Church in Grapevine will be holding special services to help facilitate this time of reflection and worship. All are invited to join us as we experience Holy Week together.
Maundy Thursday, April 17
Worship at 7:00 PM (English in the Sanctuary | Spanish in Founders Chapel)
Maundy Thursday is an alternate name for Holy Thursday, the first of the three days of solemn remembrance of the events leading up to and immediately following the crucifixion of Jesus. The English word "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum, which means "commandment." As recorded in John's gospel, on his last night before his betrayal and arrest, Jesus washed the feet of his disciples and then gave them a new commandment to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34). Services on this night generally include the washing of feet or other acts of physical care as an integral part of the celebration. Each of the Maundy Thursday services will include the service Holy Communion. All are invited to participate in Communion, whether you are a member of this church or any church.
Good Friday, April 18
Tenebrae Service at 7:00 PM (English in the Sanctuary | Spanish in Founders Chapel)
The Tenebrae is an ancient Christian Good Friday service that makes use of gradually diminishing light through the extinguishing of candles to symbolize the events of that week from the triumphant Palm Sunday entry through Jesus' burial. The word "tenebrae" comes from the Latin meaning "darkness." The increasing darkness in the service symbolizes the approaching darkness of Jesus' death and of hopelessness in the world without God. This is a powerful worship experience that will help prepare you for the contrast of the joyful Easter Sunday. The English Tenebrae service at FUMC Grapevine will feature the Chancel Choir and Orchestra.
Holy Saturday, April 19
A Service of Healing and Wholeness will be held on Holy Saturday, April 19, at 6:00 PM in Founders Chapel. In the book of James 5:13, we read: “Are any of you suffering? Call the elders (members) of the community together, have them lay hands on you, and pray for you.” Whatever your need for wholeness: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, or relational - you are invited to come and let God begin a good work in you.
Easter Sunday, April 20
After experiencing the depth of emotion during Holy Week, we invite you to celebrate a joyful resurrection Sunday! Worship services will include a sunrise service in the Grapevine Botanical Gardens, celebrations in English and Spanish and a special event for children and families. Here are the details:
- 6:45 AM Sunrise in the Grapevine Botanical Gardens
- 8:30 AM Worship in the Sanctuary *
- 9:00 AM Praise & Worship in the Family Life Center
- 9:45 AM Worship in the Sanctuary *
- 9:45 AM Children's EGG-cellent Easter Adventure in Founders Chapel
- 10:30 AM Worship in the Heritage Sanctuary
- 11:00 AM Worship in the Sanctuary *
- 11:00 AM Bilingual (Spanish/English) in Founders Chapel
No Sunday School Easter Sunday
* The 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 worship services in the Sanctuary will be identical in style and content, featuring the Chancel Choir and Orchestra.
First United Methodist Church in Grapevine worships on two campuses: Downtown Grapevine at 422 Church Street and Heritage Campus at 4344 Heritage Avenue. For more information about Holy Week, Easter and all of the ministries of the church, visit our website at www.firstmethodistgrapevine.org.