Holy Week & The Three Days at St. John’s
All in person liturgies and other events are held at St. John’s (303 Sand Creek Road, Albany) unless otherwise specified.
Holy Week for Kids & Families
March 28
Easter Egg Hunt, Activities, & Supper + 3:00–5:30 p.m.
Kids of all ages and their busy families are invited to gather for Holy Week…all in one afternoon! The afternoon kicks off with an Easter egg hunt in the cemetery at 3:00 p.m. Afterwards, we’ll gather to learn more about what makes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter special through Bible stories, hands-on activities and the unique rituals of worship, and crafts. Then we’ll wrap up the afternoon with a simple supper together. (Rain date: Sunday, March 29, at 3:00 p.m.) RSVP here.
Palm Sunday + Sunday of the Passion
March 29
Holy Eucharist + 9:30 a.m.
A full liturgy with palm procession, the passion according to Saint Matthew, and music by Saint John’s Choir. Worship in person or online.
Holy Wednesday
April 1
Stations of the Cross + 12:00 p.m.
A brief spoken contemplative liturgy (approx. 20-30 minutes) following the Way of the Cross through scripture reading and prayer. Worship in person only.
Maundy Thursday
April 2
Holy Eucharist + 12:00 p.m.
A shortened, spoken liturgy (approx. 30 minutes), designed especially for those who need a “lunch hour” option and may not otherwise be able to attend an evening service. A light lunch will be served after the service for those who are able to stay. Worship in person or online.
Dinner Church + 5:30 p.m.
A new experience (and a new time) this year for St. John’s, “Dinner Church” is a practice as ancient as the early church in which the first Eucharist (“Last Supper”) and subsequent gatherings of the Jesus movement that became Christianity were full meals. We gather this night at 5:30 p.m. not only to worship but also to share our evening meal together. All the “traditional” elements of the Maundy Thursday liturgy – the laying on of hands, footwashing, Eucharist, and stripping of the altar – will be there, just…different. Worship in person only. Sign up here to help with set-up and/or to contribute to the potluck meal.
Good Friday
April 3
CACC Ecumenical Service + 12:00 p.m.
Hosted at Mater Christi Catholic Church (40 Hopewell St., Albany) by the Capital Area Council of Churches. The service is based on the last seven words of Christ on the cross. Clergy and laity from a variety of denominations will offer reflections, providing a truly ecumenical experience. Worship in person only.
Liturgy of Good Friday + 7:00 p.m.
A full liturgy with the passion according to Saint John, veneration of the cross, and music by Saint John’s Choir. Worship in person or online.
Great Vigil of Easter
April 4
Great Vigil of Easter + 7:00 p.m.
This is the night! Join us for our fourth annual shared Easter Vigil with our Albany Lutherans Together (ALT) partners, hosted this year at First Lutheran Church (181 Western Ave., Albany). Join us as we light the new fire, hear the sacred stories of our faith by candlelight, celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter, and partake in a festive potluck reception. Worship in person or via Zoom.
Easter Sunday
April 5
Festival Eucharist + 9:30 a.m.
A full, festive liturgy with Saint John’s Choir, continuing the celebration of the resurrection. Worship in person or online.
Download a printable PDF of our Holy Week schedule here (perfect for inviting a friend!).
