Holy Week Services & Events
Sunday, 13 April
Palm Sunday
We remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, greeted by people waving palm branches. The service begins with a procession with palms: this reminds us of what happened in the past, when Jesus was welcomed by people waving palm branches, and is also itself an act of praise to Christ. People are given a palm cross, something which expresses our readiness to take up our cross and follow Jesus.
Services at Waipukurau (9:30am), Takapau (9:30am) and Ōtāne (10am).
Thursday, 17 April
Maundy Thursday
We remember Jesus eating his Last Supper with his friends and washing their feet, as an example to us. He offers bread and wine, instituting the sacrament of the Eucharist. During this service the clergy wash the feet of all who wish (a tradition dating from the 7th century), as we reflect on what it is to serve and be served. At the end of the service the altar is stripped. This reminds us symbolically of the stripping of Christ before his crucifixion. This is done in silence, and the congregation leaves without a dismissal: “they all forsook him and fled.”
Service at St Mary’s Waipukurau (6pm).
Friday, 18 April
Good Friday
We remember Jesus being tried by the High Priest, and condemned to death by crucifixion by the Roman Governor Pontius Pilate. He died on the cross, and was buried in a tomb.
There are two services: the Combined churches’ “Walk with the Cross” starting at the Green Patch Waipukurau at 9.30am. A procession with the cross has been part of Good Friday observances since the 4th century. The other traditional elements are part of “Reflections and Prayers for Good Friday” St Mary’s Waipukurau (2pm), and this includes the reading of the account of Jesus’ arrest, trials, and crucifixion.
Saturday, 19 April
Holy Saturday
This is a day of reflection and emptiness. We remember the grief felt by the first disciples, and how Jesus visited the dead while his body lay in the tomb.
Sunday, 20 April
Easter Sunday
We rejoice in Christ’s resurrection from the dead and the new life open to all. Easter is the most important festival of the Church, and the Easter season runs for 50 days (until Pentecost). On Easter Day those who are baptised renew their baptismal promises. “Alleluia, Christ is risen, Alleluia. He is risen indeed, Alleluia.” Services at Waipukurau (9.30am), Takapau (9.30am), Ōtāne (10am), Waipawa (10am), and Ormondville (10.30am).