Although the current pandemic prevents gatherings of large congregations, Holy Week services are being observed by many area churches, most often with the use of technology. Here is a compilation of announcements sent to the Record this week:
Afton United Methodist
to stream Easter services
Afton United Methodist Church is live streaming!
Afton will stream Easter services on their Facebook page, Afton United Methodist Church–Ophelia, VA.
Everyone is invited to join in and tell all their friends, during this Holy Week to hear Rev. John Wright deliver the messages, reported Joyce Jett.
Afton’s Holy Week services will include:
• Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m., April 9.
• Tenebrae, 7 p.m., Good Friday, April 10.
• Easter Sunday, 11 a.m. April 12.
The videos will be available shortly after the streaming on their Facebook page, as well as on Fairfields UMC-Burgess, VA page. This streaming ministry will continue weekly until it is deemed safe to reopen the sanctuary, said Jett.
“Afton sends blessings to all and asks that we remember to be mindful of our neighbors and stay safe during these difficult times,” said Jett.
For any need, call the church office, 453-3770.
Easter blast
White Stone Church of the Nazarene invites everyone to celebrate Easter Sunday at home by beeping their car horn, for one minute, at noon. Traditionally Christians have gathered to joyously proclaim the resurrection and the promise of God’s love. Historically, some church traditions have rung bells to exclaim their joy!
While many can’t be together this Easter Sunday, they can still share in the joy in Christ as one church. Beep those horns!
Holy Week on Facebook
Christ Church Parish (Episcopal) will observe the events of Holy Week and celebrate the Feast of Easter live-streamed on the Christ Church Facebook page or prerecorded and broadcast. Maundy Thursday service will be at 6 p.m. April 9, Good Friday Liturgy at noon April 10, and Easter celebration at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, April 12.
Visit Christchurchmiddlesex.thediocese.net or Facebook page Christ Church, Middlesex County, VA.
Easter services set for
St. Stephen’s Episcopal
While in-person public worship has been suspended until at least June 10, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Heathsville, offers a program of in-home worship for Holy Week and Easter, April 12.
The program will feature daily devotional prayers and guidance on creating a worship space in the home in preparation for Easter Sunday, reported Bill Kirby. Those wishing to participate in this special liturgy may send e-mail contact information to St. Stephen’s Priest in Charge Pilar Parnell at [email protected].
Calendar
April 9, Maundy Thursday, stripping of home and hand washing.
April 10, Good Friday, praying the stations of the cross.
April 11, Easter Vigil, sundown prayers with lighting of the new Easter fire.
April 12, Easter, special morning prayer.
The daily devotionals may also be accessed on the church Facebook page.
Kilmarnock Baptist invites public
to safely celebrate Easter worship
Easter commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and has made the cross one of the most recognized icons around the world. Kilmarnock Baptist Church (KBC) will continue its tradition of celebrating Easter by flowering the cross.
The cross will be placed at the front corner of the church lawn on Church Street, reported pastor Dr. Jim Johnson. A multitude of fresh spring flowers will transform a barren wooden cross into a beautiful symbol representing the transition from Good Friday to Easter.
The practice of “flowering the cross” is found in Christian art as early as the sixth century. The flowered cross is transfigured from a symbol of death to a vibrant symbol of life.
Drive by 65 East Church Street, Kilmarnock, to see this vivid witness to the community that Jesus lives, said Dr. Johnson. The cross will be flowered on Easter Sunday, April 12.
He urges folks to also celebrate Easter worship from the comfort of their homes via conference call. Dial 800-444-2801 on phones a little before 11 a.m. When prompted “Please enter your 7-digit conference code” dial 3619995 and wait. At 11 a.m. Dr. Johnson will welcome folks and begin the worship service of music, prayers, scripture readings and message. Please touch the mute button on the phone so others won’t hear any conversations or noise in the home during the service.
This same 800 number and the same 7-digit code will be available every Sunday morning in the weeks and months ahead, he said.
The Easter service will be available on YouTube as well at 11 a.m. Open the Internet browser on a computer or smart phone and type https://www.youtube.com/user/kilmarnockbaptist. Click on the photo of KBC for the live sermon or select a previously recorded sermon.
The Easter service also will be available on the radio April 19. Every KBC Sunday worship service is always broadcast a week later over WKWI Bay 101.7 FM at 11 a.m.
“This Easter Sunday we are thankful to use this technology to help us stay safely connected,” said Dr. Johnson.
