Lent 2026: Holy Week and Easter

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Palm Sunday—March 29

On Palm Sunday Christian congregations across the country plan to be in the streets. Just as Jesus organized a procession countering Roman forces, we will be confronting this administration and their white Christian nationalist agenda. In order to participate fully in this moment of public witness, we will be shifting our usual schedule at First Church. 

We will begin at church with a soup lunch at 11:30 a.m. If you can bring a pot of soup or a loaf of bread for the soup lunch, please email the church office.

After lunch, we will have a palm processional into the sanctuary, where we will read the Palm Sunday story, sing together, and bless both those going to the Capitol and those staying at church in vigil.

We’re renting a bus for the trip to the Capitol, if you’ll be joining us, make sure to sign up for the bus. The bus will be loading at 1:00 p.m. and leave at 1:15 p.m. The bus makes two stops—one for those wishing to join the processional from University & Dale to the Capitol, and one at the Capitol for whose who want to go directly there.

At the Capitol, we will join in worship with palm branches and processional, scripture, sermonettes, activities for children, and music led by ISAIAH’s Black Church Power Project. Anyone who wishes is invited to sing with the choir.

If you’d like to sing with the choir on Palm Sunday, please plan to attend one of the following rehearsals:

Maundy Thursday—April 2

On Maundy Thursday we’ll gather at 6:00 p.m. for a potluck meal and worship service remembering Jesus’ last supper with his disciples, and his command to love and serve each other.

If you’re able to bring something to the potluck, please sign up and share what you’re bringing.

See What Others Are Bringing to the Potluck

Good Friday—April 3

There are two opportunities to be in community with others on Good Friday:

Folks from Lyndale UCC and other congregations have invited us to gather with them at Say Their Names Cemetery (Park Ave. S & 37th St.) at noon to remember those killed by state violence. The group will then walk or drive to George Floyd Square and the memorial sites for Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Let Pastor Jane know if you plan to attend so she can make sure you have the latest information.

In the evening we’ll join University Baptist Church for their Good Friday worship at 7:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday—April 5

Join us to celebrate new life on Easter! There will be two services—an 8:00 a.m. worship at the Stone Arch Bridge, and a 10:00 a.m. worship in the sanctuary. For the 8:00 a.m. worship, meet at the northeast end of the Stone Arch Bridge, where 6th Ave. SE ends.

Whichever service you attend, please join us at 8:45 a.m. at First Church for a celebratory breakfast.