Lent, Holy Week, and Easter at Messiah
All you need to know about visiting Messiah Lutheran Church during Holy Week
Ash Wednesday and the Imposition of Ashes
Lent begins with the imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday. In this service ashes are placed on our forehead with the words “remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” By this we are reminded that due to our sinfulness we will die and face the judgment of God. Yet, the ashes are placed on our forehead in the shape of a cross reminding us that Christ Jesus has died for our sins and for our forgiveness. Therefore, we are righteous in God’s sight on account of the merit of Jesus.
This is a particularly poignant service due to its themes and symbolism of death, repentance, and forgiveness. While we are dust, doomed to die, we are also God’s beloved children, and He desires that we would live. We give thanks to Him for His grace and mercy every day!
Throughout the season of Lent, including on Ash Wednesday, we have Lenten potluck dinners at 5:30 pm on Wednesdays. These are followed by our Lenten midweek services. In 2026 our Lenten theme is “The Law of God is Good and Wise.” These prepare our hearts for the Holy Week services.
Follow in the Footsteps of Jesus during Holy Week and Easter
We invite you to follow in the footsteps of Jesus during His last days before His death and resurrection from the dead. These are the most important days of the Christian year as we commemorate the mystery of the death and resurrection of God in the flesh.
Holy Week begins the Sunday prior to Easter on Palm Sunday (also known as Passion Sunday) at 9:30 am. With palm branches in our hands we commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Then we read the full passion account to set the stage for the week to come. On Maundy Thursday at 7 pm we celebrate Jesus’ last will and testament in the institution of the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion. At the end of the service the altar is stripped in preparation for Good Friday. On Good Friday at 7 pm we gather to meditate on the death of our Lord as the perfect and final sacrifice for all of our sins. Then, on Holy Saturday we gather at 7 pm for the Easter Vigil, an extended service focused on the theme of waiting with meditations, readings, hymns, and prayers culminating in the first triumphant Easter proclamation. Finally, on Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord at 9:30 am.
We at Messiah welcome and encourage the attendance of children in our worship service. If you need to take your child out for a brief time during worship, please use the seating area that is just on the other side of the glass. This will allow both parents and children the opportunity to remain a part of the worship experience. If you feel circumstances require moving beyond this seating area, please see one of our ushers or elders for further assistance.
The Lutheran Church Of The Messiah asks that anyone requesting communion be a confirmed member in good standing of the LCMS, LC-C, or AALC Church. Guests that are not confirmed or in good standing with the LCMS or a church that the LCMS is in Pulpit and Altar Fellowship with are welcome at the communion rail for a blessing. Please come up with everyone else when your row is excused by an usher, fold your hands, and bow your head when you are approached by those who are serving.
Service Times
Maundy Thursday and Good Friday: 7 pm
Easter Vigil: Saturday at 7 pm
Easter Sunday: 9:30 am
Let us know you are coming
If you give us your information, we will have someone ready to greet you by name at our Holy Week services.
Questions?
Click here to contact us with any questions you might have about Messiah Lutheran Church.