The Paschal greeting is an Easter custom among many churches, including Pender UMC.
Instead of “hello” or its equivalent, one is to greet another person with “Christ is Risen!”, and the response is “He is Risen Indeed!” (Matthew 27:64, Matthew 28:6–7, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:6, Luke 24:34).
The week before Easter, known as Holy Week, is very special in the Christian tradition.
The Sunday before Easter is Palm Sunday. The last three days before Easter are Holy (Maundy) Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday.
Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday respectively commemorate Jesus’ entry in Jerusalem, the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are sometimes referred to as the Easter Triduum (Latin for “Three Days”).
In some countries, Easter lasts two days, with the second called “Easter Monday”. The week beginning with Easter Sunday is called Easter Week or the Octave of Easter, and each day is prefaced with “Easter”, e.g. Easter Monday, Easter Tuesday, etc. Easter Saturday is therefore the Saturday after Easter Sunday. The day before Easter is properly called Holy Saturday.
Eastertide, the season of Easter, begins on Easter Sunday and lasts until the day of Pentecost, seven weeks later.
At Pender UMC on Sunday, March 31: Easter – Why did Jesus have to be raised from the dead?
Jesus story is acceptable until you begin to talk about his resurrection. Surely this isn’t true. The dead are made alive and a tomb is empty! How could it be? Yet, it is necessary! It is the reason we are here! Let’s see if we can discover what that means for the world this Easter and what we have to share because of it.
- 6:00 am Sunrise Service
- Easter Breakfast
- 8:00 am Traditional Service
- 9:30 am Contemporary Service
- 9:30 am Traditional Service
- 11:00 am Traditional Service
- Easter plants are yours to take after the last service
What do you mean by Traditional-Blended or Contemporary worship?
We understand that people have different styles for connecting with God in a meaningful and personal way. Pender offers two styles: Traditional-Blended and Contemporary. You will discover the people who attend these worship services are varied in age.
Traditional-Blended is largely traditional in flavor from a wonderful organ and beautiful hymns, choral, orchestra, children’s or bell music and traditional surroundings in our main sanctuary. Mrs. Theresa Carpenter leads the choir, and several servant volunteers are involved. During these services there is a time for the children on the altar steps at the front, and all children are invited to enjoy!
Contemporary worship is led by our praise band in a rock-and-roll style with many contemporary Christian songs that you might hear on the radio. Pastor Dan delivers the message, often enhanced with video or drama. Our contemporary worship services are more casual in nature, so wear your jeans or shorts if you want to, Pastor Dan does!
Come for this Easter’s Traditional Worship to experience special music (Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus) and a special message brought by Pastor Kenny. Why did Jesus have to be raised from the dead? Jesus story is acceptable until you begin to talk about his resurrection. Surely this isn’t true. The dead are made alive and a tomb is empty! How could it be? Yet, it is necessary! It is the reason we are here! Let’s see if we can discover what that means for the world this Easter and what we have to share because of it.
Come for this Easter’s Contemporary Worship to experience great rock-style music and a special message brought by Pastor Kevin. Our contemporary worship service is called “Common Ground” and is offered at 9:30 every Sunday, including Easter! Why did Jesus have to be raised from the dead? Jesus story is acceptable until you begin to talk about his resurrection. Surely this isn’t true. The dead are made alive and a tomb is empty! How could it be? Yet, it is necessary! It is the reason we are here! Let’s see if we can discover what that means for the world this Easter and what we have to share because of it
All of our worship is Christ-centered, Biblically-minded and relevant to life today. Pender UMC desires that you feel God’s Spirit nurturing you and that in worship you experience the very real presence of Christ with us. May you be blessed by God as you gather with us.
Where do I enter the building?
First, we want you to know that our church has worked hard to create a building with access for all. Whether you find yourself in a wheelchair or carting babies in a buggy, you’ll find automatically opening doors and large entrances.
As you enter the parking lot, you will notice two doors, both under porticos so that you may get out of the rain if it is wet. To enter through the main sanctuary entrance doors, simply look for the semi-circular driveway.
If instead you enter the sliding glass doors entrance, make a left into the hallway to the end where you will notice the welcome area on your left.
What do my children do?
We invite older children (3rd grade and up) to become fully involved in worship. At the back of the sanctuary are “children’s bulletins” and supplies like crayons.
Our younger children have the option of remaining with their family or being cared for by our wonderful nursery and childcare staff. Childcare is available for children ages birth through 2nd grade in the lower level of our building. Ask an Usher to help you find where to take your children!
Where do I park?
We attempt to have plenty of parking on Easter morning for our guests. However, we suggest you plan to arrive early, and if parking is full on our lot, there is parking on the street.
What if I need further information?
Our friendly volunteers and staff will welcome your questions! Please call our church office at 703-278-8023 between 9 am and 3 pm, Monday through Friday. Once at Pender, ask any friendly face for help! We are here to assist you.
Related articles
- Holy Week at Pender (pendernews.org)
- Bring a Friend and Join us this Easter! (pendernews.org)
- Easter Newsletter 24th March 2013 (mhrhc.wordpress.com)
- Christians begin journey toward Easter (ohio.com)
- A Holy Week Primer: A Christian Perspective (oakvillenews.org)
From my email, adapted from the NIV Quest Study Bible by Zondervan.
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