5 Palatine/Arlington Heights Churches Unite for Shared Holy Week Services
Palatine/Arlington Heights, Illinois – March 28th through March 31st – Five local churches in the Northwest suburbs are coming together to honor Holy Week with shared services featuring prayer, music, and fellowship. All are welcome.
The five parishes participating are: Christian Church Disciples of Christ (Arlington Heights); Congregational United Church of Christ (Arlington Heights); Church of the Incarnation United Methodist Church (Arlington Heights); St. John United Church of Christ (Arlington Heights); and St. Paul United Church of Christ (Palatine).
The journey will begin with Maundy Thursday worship on March 28th at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Congregational United Church of Christ (1001 W. Kirchoff Road, Arlington Heights, 847-392-6650), the “Light into Darkness” service draws upon the Vespers tradition and will include scripture readings and hymns commemorating Christ's betrayal, trial, and crucifixion. Guests will have an opportunity to experience the Last Supper and prepare the sanctuary for Easter. Child care will be provided.
Remembrance will continue on March 29th. St. John United Church of Christ (308 N. Evergreen Ave., Arlington Heights, 847-255-6687) will host Good Friday services at noon and 7:30 p.m. The evening service will feature a combined choir representing the five churches. The choir will perform the cantata “Whispers of the Passion,” an imaginative work that marries compelling music and thoughtful meditation.
Holy Week will conclude with a sunrise service on Easter morning. Church of the Incarnation United Methodist Church (330 W. Golf Rd., Arlington Heights, 847-956-1510) will celebrate the season of resurrection and renewal with worship on Sunday, March 31th at 7:00 a.m. This service will be presented by members of Crew Club and Feed Your Spirit, shared youth ministry groups that bring together middle school and high school students belonging to four local churches.
According to Megan Murray, choir director of the Congregational United Church of Christ, the shared services provide the congregations with a unique opportunity to pool talent and exchange ideas. “I really like being able to work with other choirs and directors,” explains Murray. “There are more than 50 voices in our combined choir. You can get so much more power out of the music.”