top of page
HOLY WEEK
PALM SUNDAY
Sunday, March 29 @ 9am
We re-enact Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, beginning our worship outside by waving palms, singing songs, and crying Hosanna. Over the course of the service, those cries will turn to "crucify him!" as we begin our Holy Week journey toward the cross.
HOLY MONDAY-WEDNESDAY
March 30 - April 1
Daily Midday Eucharist, 12-12:30pm
We observe a brief daily Eucharist to commemorate the days of the final week of Jesus' life. The playground will be open before and after the service for those who wish to eat, chat, or play outside.
MAUNDY THURSDAY
Thursday, April 2
Homes across VA & DC (times vary) | Eucharist Service 7:30pm
We remember Jesus' last supper with his disciples by gathering in homes for a shared meal and special liturgy. Signup here for a spot in a home.
Then at 7:30pm we will gather at church for a service of communion, foot washing, and stripping the altar of all adornment.
GOOD FRIDAY
Friday, April 3
Drop-in prayer and confession, 11am-4pm | Tenebrae Service, 7:30pm
Confession and Prayer: The sanctuary will be open from 11am-4pm for quiet prayer and/or confession with a priest. If you would like to schedule a time for confession, please email Amy, or simply show up. We use the Reconciliation of Penitents liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer (p. 223).
Tenebrae: We remember Jesus' suffering and death. Tenebrae (Latin for "shadows") is a service of light and darkness, sound and silence. Sensory note: this service becomes increasingly dark as we extinguish candles, and includes a loud noise called the strepitus. The Maryland service will be more sensory-friendly. This service will be offered in both Virginia and Maryland.
HOLY SATURDAY
Saturday, April 4
6pm Easter Vigil & Party
This is a day when we sit in the silence of Christ’s death. It’s an opportunity to reflect and mourn all the places in the world where God seems absent. We encourage you to be deliberate about the things you watch or do or say today.
We will gather at 6pm for the Easter Vigil. This is a long and multi-sensory service that begins outside around the fire, proceeds through the retelling of God's redemption story, and ends with the joyful first "alleluias" of Easter and renewing our baptismal vows. Afterward, we will celebrate with late-night s'mores around the fire. Bring bells!
In addition to the Vigil, we offer the following suggestions for how to spend Holy Saturday:
Something to see: We have prepared a guide to several works of sacred art in the National Gallery of Art, paired with readings from Julian of Norwich. View the gallery guide online here, or pick up print copies throughout Holy Week.
Something to eat: Join our community in a collective fast until sundown as we remember Christ's death and pray for ourselves, our community, and our world. And whether or not you choose to fast, make lentil soup with vinegar for supper, remembering the bitter gall offered to Jesus on the cross. Recipe here. This has become a treasured Incarnation tradition.
EASTER SUNDAY
Sunday, April 5
9am Easter Service | 10:15am Potluck Brunch
We rejoice! Bring flowers and greenery from your garden for our children's Easter procession. Bring your Incarnation bells to ring for the first alleluias of the Easter season. And bring a potluck dish to share (signup here) for an Easter feast after the service! Our host congregation, Beverley Hills UMC, will hold an egg hunt around 12pm on the playground and all are invited!
bottom of page