West Dundee church begins Holy Week services
First Congregation Church of Dundee will celebrate the most significant week in the Christian year with the Rev. Aaron James, senior pastor, and the Rev. Paige Wolfanger, associate pastor. These are the "events" that make us who we are.
Prayer, song, scripture, silence and reflection will offer an opportunity to refresh and renew our life of prayer in preparation for Easter.
The church offers two Palm Sunday services on March 25 at 8:15 and 10 a.m. The sermon will be based on "Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem" by the Rev. Aaron James, senior pastor. A time for coffee and fellowship follows each service.
A Palm Processional with the Chancel Choir and the Sunday school children will begin the 10 a.m. service. The Ministry of Music at the 10 a.m. service will feature Linda Gilmore, organ/piano; songs and music by Mark Frystak, guitar and vocals; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Denise Caliendo with Linda Gilmore, organ/piano accompanist.
Sunday school and nursery care are available for infants through fifth grade during the 10 a.m. service.
The Maundy Thursday worship at 7 p.m. March 29 will be a Service of Tenebrae (Shadows), which will recreate the stories of Jesus' last moments with his disciples. This is a powerful service that begins in light and ends in relative darkness. Holy Communion will be offered. Music will be provided by Linda Gilmore, organ/piano; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Denise Caliendo with Linda Gilmore, organ/piano accompanist.
On Good Friday, March 30, the Sanctuary will be open for prayer from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Many Christians spend this day in fasting, prayer, repentance and meditation on the agony and suffering of Christ on the cross. With scripture and reflection, the Good Friday Service will take place at 7 p.m. and commemorates the trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus, the act that brought salvation to all who believe. Music will be provided by Linda Gilmore, organ/piano.
The Easter Sunday services at 8:15 and 10 a.m. April 1 will be based on "The Resurrection of Jesus." Holy Communion will be offered. A time for coffee and fellowship follows each service. The Ministry of Music at the 10 a.m. service will feature Linda Gilmore, organ/piano; songs and music by Mark Frystak, guitar and vocals; a Brass Quintet; the FCC Ringers, high school through adult bell choir directed by Denise Caliendo; and the Chancel Choir, directed by Denise Caliendo with Linda Gilmore, organ/piano accompanist.
The service will conclude with the "Hallelujah Chorus" from Handel's "Messiah," sung by the Chancel Choir and those in the congregation wishing to join them in spirited song.
Sunday school and nursery care are available for infants through fifth grade during the 10 a.m. service.
"The Church on the Hill" is at 900 S. Eighth St. (Route 31 and Angle Tarn), West Dundee. For details, call (847) 426-2161 ext. 202 or visit www.fccdundee.com.