Holy Week services

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First Baptist Church
Brattleboro

The Palm Sunday service at First Baptist Church, 190 Main St., Brattleboro, begins at 10 a.m. on March 24. Palms will be distributed to all worshippers. Children will sing "Hosanna, Hosanna" before they leave for Sunday School classes.

The women’s chorale will sing "Lead Me to Calvary." Pastor Suzanne Andrews’ sermon is "Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem." A time of fellowship follows the service. All are invited.

The Maundy Thursday Service, March 28, begins at 7 p.m. A time of reading of Scripture and Tenebrae, lighting and extinguishing of candles as he scriptures are read. Readers will be Vera Deyo, Lynn Akey, David Garrecht, Linda Holmes, Jeanne Deyo, Jean Garrecht, Ray Holmes, and Sylvia Seitz. There will be a time of foot washing for those who wish to participate.

Good Friday Service, March 29, from noon to 3 p.m. will be held jointly at Trinity Lutheran Church, 161 Western Ave. Easter Sunday, March 31, at 10 a.m. Hallelujah! Christ is Risen!

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First United Methodist Church Brattleboro

Worship at First United Methodist Church on Palm Sunday, March 24, at 10 a.m. will include the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The scripture is found in Luke 19:28-40 and will be read by Douglas Reed.

Worshippers will be given palms to wave during a processional parade and opening hymn. Pastor Cheryl Meachen’s sermon, "Shouting Stones," will explore the pure joy of all creation at the presence of Jesus. Eleanor Vanderpool will present two vocal solos and the church billowers will present a liturgical dance with long bands of cloth. Holy Communion will be celebrated and the choir, directed by Jenny Hinton, will sing "Lenten Carol."

Holy Week will continue with Bible studies Sunday at 11:30 a.m., Monday at 10:30 a.m. and a Taize Prayer Service Monday at 9 a.m. There will be a Christian Seder Thursday, March 28, at 5:30 p.m. followed by a potluck dinner and cribbage tournament.

A Good Friday service on March 29 at 5:30 p.m. will feature Stations of the Cross following the same path as the Annual Drive Through Nativity follows around the church along with a candlelit labyrinth.

For a ride, e-mail fumcob@gmail.com or call 802-254-4218. For more details check the website at gbgm-umc.org/Brattleboro/index and sign up for the weekly e-newsletter.

The church is located next to Renew Salvage at 18 Town Crier Drive off Putney Road, across from the Shell station and is handicap-accessible. Come as you are. All are welcome.

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Green Mountain Chapel Brattleboro

The Green Mountain Chapel will be celebrating Easter Week starting with Palm Sunday observances on Sunday, March 24, at 11 a.m. A Good Friday service will be held on Friday, March 29, at 7 p.m.

On Easter Sunday, March 31, there will be a breakfast during the Sunday School hour starting at 9:30 a.m. with Easter Worship following at 11 a.m.

All are welcome to participate in any or all of these opportunities to remember our Savior’s death, burial and resurrection.

The Green Mountain Chapel is located at 480 Western Ave. in Brattleboro. For more information, call 802-254-5258.

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St. Michael’s Episcopal Church Brattleboro

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church offers worship services in their newly-renovated church every evening of Holy Week at 7 p.m. beginning Monday, March 25. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday there will be simple Eucharist services at 7 p.m.

Maundy Thursday with foot-washing and Holy Eucharist will be observed March 28 at 7 p.m. Good Friday will be observed with a reading of the Passion story and veneration of the Cross at 7 p.m.

The Great Vigil of Easter, with candlelight, baptism and choir, will be celebrated at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, followed by a festive reception.

On Easter Sunday, St. Michael’s celebrates festival Eucharist services at 8 and 10:15 a.m. with St. Michael’s Choir. The 10:15 a.m. service is followed by a reception and an Easter egg hunt for children.

All are invited to participate in the Holy Week and Easter Services.

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St. Michael’s Roman
Catholic Church, Brattleboro

Masses for Palm Sunday at St. Michael’s Parish are Saturday at 4 p.m., Sunday at 8 and 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Weather permitting, each Liturgy will begin outside for the Blessing of Palm. Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. there will be a Lenten Retreat focusing on the hardships and struggles of life and focusing on our eternal goal of Heaven. There will be Eucharistic Adoration Saturday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Generations of Faith Program will meet after the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday. The theme is Reconciliation and Forgiveness.

On Holy Thursday there will be morning prayer at 8. The Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be at 7 p.m. The Confirmation Class was chosen to have their feet washed at this Mass. The Eucharist may be adored until midnight in the Parish Center.

On Good Friday, there will be morning prayer at 8. Services with Communion and Veneration of the Cross will be at 3 and 7 p.m. On Holy Saturday there will be Blessing of Food at noon in the church. The Easter Vigil Mass begins at 8 p.m. On Easter Sunday, Masses will be at 7, 9 and 11 a.m.

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Asbury Church,
Chesterfield, N.H.

Events and services planned for Holy Week at Asbury Methodist Church on Route 63 in Chesterfield are:

-- Palm Sunday Celebration Service, 10 a.m., Sunday, March 24.

-- Good Friday Bell Ringing, 3 p.m., Friday, March 29.

-- Good Friday Service of Remembrance, 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 29. A solemn, candlelight service of meditation and reflection.

-- Community Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt, 9 a.m., Saturday, March 30. Free and open to the public. Gifts of canned goods for Joan’s Pantry will be accepted. Bring a basket for egg hunting at 10 a.m. Older children will be invited to take part in alternative outdoor activities.

-- Sunrise Worship, 6:15 a.m., Sunday, March 31, weather permitting at Friedsam Cemetery on Route 63 near the church

-- The Full Celebration of Easter Sunday, 10 a.m., Sunday, March 31.

Further information, contact pastorscott2007@yahoo.com or visit www.chesterfieldumc.org.

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Dummerston Congregational Church

Worship at Dummerston Congregational Church continues a sermon series on the Seven Last Words of Jesus from the Cross. The Scripture Lessons this week are Luke 19: 29-38 and John 19: 28-30. The sermon is "It is Finished." Cathy Martin will be the guest organist. The choir, under the direction of Mary Alice Amidon, will sing "The Beauty of the Lord" by Mary Alice Amidon. The children will lead the congregation in a Palm Processional singing "Sing Hosanna!" The children’s story will focus on the events of Holy Week. Children begin in worship and then go to an open classroom.

On Maundy Thursday, March 28, there will be a service of Holy Communion and Tenebrae at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, recounting the last day of Jesus’ life as recorded in the Gospel according to Luke.

A Contemplative Prayer Service is held in the sanctuary each Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. Dress warmly and come for a time of shared silence and deep peace.

On Saturday, March 30, the youth group will hold an Easter Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. on the church lawn for children through 5th grade. Bring a basket.

Easter Sunday worship is at 6:30 a.m. on the church steps with pancake breakfast following. Morning worship is at 10 a.m.

The church is located in Dummerston Center, 1536 Middle Road, Dummerston. Dummerston Congregational Church UCC is a Green Justice Congregation of The United Church of Christ. For information about this energetic, faithful, friendly and mission-oriented church: Pastor Susanna Griefen, 802-257-0544, susanna@griefen.com.

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First Congregational Church
of Hinsdale, N.H.

Easter services for the First Congregational Church of Hinsdale, 36 Main St., will be: Easter sunrise service at 7 a.m. at the Hinsdale Historical Society at 609 Brattleboro Road; Main service at 10 a.m. and contemporary service at noon. For more information, call 603-336-7020.

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Marlboro Meeting House

The Marlboro Meeting House will hold an Easter Sunrise Service inside at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 31, followed by a pancake breakfast.

Heidi Carrington Heath, a seminarian at Andover Newton Theological School, will lead the service. She will pastor the Marlboro church this coming summer. Diane Wheeler will serve as guest organist at the Easter Service. All are welcome to attend.

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First Congregational Church
of Newfane

Palm Sunday will be celebrated on Sunday, March 24, at the First Congregational Church of Newfane at 10 a.m. The Rev. Rob Hamm’s sermon is "Imitation’s Flattery" with scripture reading from the book of Philippians 2:5-11. Congregational hymns will be "All Glory, Laud, and Honor," "Hosanna, Loud Hosanna" and "Ride On, Ride One in Majesty." The choir will sing "The Palms" by Jean-Baptiste Faure. The prelude "Hosanna to the Son" by Roger C. Wilson and postlude "Festive Song of Praise" by Lani Smith will be played by organist/music director Martha LaMoria.

On Thursday evening, March 28, at 7:30, there will be a Service of Tenebrae to observe Maundy Thursday. Members of the congregation will read selected passages from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John and sing Holy Week hymns including "Were You There," "Ah, Holy Jesus," "Go to Dark Gethsemane," and "Beneath the Cross of Jesus." Debbie Cook will sing "A Purple Robe" as the evening’s special music. Participants will then leave the sanctuary in darkness and silence.

Easter Sunrise Service will be held on March 31 at 6:30 a.m. followed by a pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. and the Family Easter Service at 10 a.m.

Other events for the upcoming week include the Early Education Services’ playgroup at 9:30 a.m. and Al-Anon at 7:30 p.m. on Monday with Sew What’s meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday.

For more information, visit the church website at www.newfanechurch.org or call the church at 802-365-4079.

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Christ’s Church in Saxtons River

The Rev. Roger Daly, pastor, will be leading services at Christ’s Church in Saxtons River on Palm Sunday, March 24, at 10 a.m. Passion Sunday, Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem will be remembered. A day for a parade and good reason for uncluttered hope and delight. However, with an awareness of where the parade route leads, there is reason as well for disheartening dread.

Rev. Daly’s meditation is entitled "Not Just Whistling in the Dark." The Scripture reading will be from John 14:15-21. An offering will be received for One Great Hour of Sharing on Sunday.

On Thursday, March 28, there will be a special Maundy Thursday Service in the Church Fellowship Room beginning at 5:30 p.m. A simple Agape Meal is planned and a Service of the Tenebrae. This story of Jesus’ journey to the cross and the Last Supper will be remembered as lit candles are extinguished.

On Easter, March 31, an Easter Sunrise Service will be held at the home of Roberta and Franklin Geist on Sunrise Hill, Saxtons River, at 6 a.m. Following this service, all are invited to stay for breakfast. For more information or directions, call the church at 802-869-2340 and leave a message.

Christ’s Church extends an invitation to its traditional Easter Service in the Church Sanctuary at 10 a.m. The Rev. Daly’s meditation, "The Tale of Two Stones," is based on selections from John 11. The Senior Choir, the Bell Choir and the Rhythmic Choir will all participate in the worship service.

The church is handicapped accessible and all are welcome.

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One God Sanctuary and Meditation Center, Townshend

The One God Sanctuary and Meditation Center in Townshend is a non-denominational, universal spiritual center that welcomes people of all faiths. The emphasis is on going within to experience the presence of God.

On Easter Sunday there will be a brief talk, "The Meaning and Purpose of the Resurrection in Our Lives," followed by meditation and a coffee "hour."

The service will be held at 10 a.m. on Easter Sunday, March 30, at 1895 Grafton Road, Townshend, 1.8 miles from the center of town on Route 35. For further information, visit onegodsanctuaryandmeditationcenter.org.

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Advent Christian Church
of Vernon

VERNON -- Easter Sunrise Service on March 31 will be held at 6:30 a.m. at the Advent Christian Church in the upper parking lot, weather permitting, otherwise in the church sanctuary. Breakfast will follow in the fellowship hall. Morning worship, a Resurrection Celebration, will be held at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Vernon churches will join together for a Good Friday service on March 29 at 7 p.m. at the Vernon Union Church.

The Advent Christian Church is located at 4554 Fort Bridgman Road (Rte. 142) at the Vermont/Massachusetts state line. For information, call 802-257-1072.

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Vernon Union Church

Vernon Union Church and Pastor Jeffrey B. Tibbetts invites the public to attend services during Holy Week.

On Palm Sunday, March 24, the Teen Challenge Men’s Choir from Johnson, Vt., will share testimonies and lead worship beginning at 10 a.m. Prayer begins at 8:15 a.m. in the sanctuary, Adult Bible study at 9 a.m. The Adult Bible study group continues their study of John Bevere’s book "Bait of Satan: Living Free From the Deadly Trap of Offense."

Pastor Tibbetts will conclude his preaching series, "For God So Loved the World." A fellowship lunch will follow the services.

The monthly Healing Service will take place on Wednesday, March 27, at 7 p.m.

Good Friday, March 29, Vernon Union Church will be hosting the Community Good Friday service at 7 p.m.

Easter Sunrise Service will be at the church at 6:30 a.m. followed by a community breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Easter Worship Service of Resurrection will be at 10 a.m.

Vernon Union Church is located at 2631 Fort Bridgman Road. For information: 802-257-8523 or 603-499-3554 or visit www.vucvt.org.

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All Souls Church Unitarian Universalist, West Brattleboro

All Souls Church Unitarian Universalist invites all to worship Sunday, March 24, at 10 a.m. "Learning to Fall" is the theme. What happens when the things you think are holding you together fall apart? Sometimes letting go is the only way to hold on. Lay leader Elizabeth Lewis and members of the congregation will share readings, stories, questions, reflections and gleaned insights on this theme.

The All Souls Adult Choir, under the direction of Ede Thomas, will sing "Long Time Ago" by Aaron Copeland.

Sunday in Religious Education the children and youth will hear about the poet George Ella Lyons who was inspired by a friend’s describing a deep sense of place and roots to write the poem "Where I’m From." They will explore their own sense of roots and place through writing their own "I am from..." poems, and drawing a plan of their living space, noting special memories that belong to different rooms. All are welcome. Nursery care is provided for children 0 to 5.

All Souls Church is a Welcoming Congregation and a Green Sanctuary located at 29 South St. across the road from the West Brattleboro Fire Station and village green. For more information or directions, call the church office at 802-254-9377, e-mail office@ascvt.org or go online to www.ascvt.org.

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First Congregational Church,
United Church of Christ, West Brattleboro

WEST BRATTLEBORO -- March 24 is Palm Sunday at First Congregational Church, United Church of Christ, 880 Western Ave. in West Brattleboro. The Rev. Joseph Amico’s sermon will be "Sometimes You Just Can’t Keep Quiet" based on Luke 19:28-40. Pianist and Choir Director William McKim will share a Prelude of "Ballo del Ganduca" by Sweelinck and a Postlude of "Tocatta" by Rossi. The senior choir will sing an offertory anthem will be "Antiphonal Hosanna" by G. Alan Smith Congregational hymns are "All Glory, Laud, and Honor," "Mantos y Ramos (Filled with Excitement)," and "Ride On! Ride On in Majesty" The Benediction Response will be "On Eagle’s Wings." Guitarist Jeff Brewer will play gathering music.

Sunday worship at First Congregational is at 10 a.m. There is Sunday School for pre-school through grade 6, and child care for younger children. Following worship there is a Fellowship Hour in the Fireplace Room. For those with disabilities, there is a ramp leading to the Fireplace Room level, as well as large-print hymnals and bulletins. For a ride to worship call 802-257-4408.

There is an on-going collection of canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and sauces, peanut butter, tuna fish, and cereals for the Drop-In Center’s Food Shelf and a collection for the Church World Service’s Hygiene Kits and School Kit, which will continue through April.

Ongoing weekly events include the Prayer Fellowship at 8:30 a.m. and Senior Choir rehearsals at 9 a.m. on Sunday mornings; the Handicraft group on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

The church’s website is www.wbucc.com. Church office hours are Tuesday and Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the church phone number is 802-254-9767.

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Congregational Church of
Westminster West

The Congregational Church of Westminster West welcomes the community to join its observances of Holy Week beginning with a Palm Sunday service on Sunday, March 24. The service, led by the Rev. Susie Webster-Toleno and pianist Jennifer Hed, begins at 10 a.m. in the church sanctuary. The choir will sing, and worshippers will hear the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and consider its current implications.

On March 28, Maundy Thursday, the congregation will gather again at 7 p.m. for a Tenebrae service. Tenebrae means "shadows," and participants will delve into the shadowy depths of the Passion story and our own hearts. The choir singing the following pieces: "When Jesus Wept" (Billings), "All in the Morning" (P. Amidon), "O Vos Omnes" (Casals), "O Sacred Head," among others. The congregation will sing "Ah, Holy Jesus," "Go to Dark Gesthemane," and "Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?" The service lasts approximately one hour, and includes a remembrance of the Last Supper.

The Great Alleluia of Easter morning is celebrated in many ways. At 6 a.m., the hardiest of the congregation gather at Milenkovich Pond to greet the dawn. This outdoor service, led by Tom Griffith and Leslie Turpin includes song and bells and dance and laughter. Worshippers are encouraged to bring symbols of new life to share. At 8 a.m., there will be an Easter breakfast of pancakes and new maple syrup, bacon, sausage and fruit at the church, hosted by Stephen and Adrienne Major. At 10 a.m., Easter will be celebrated in the sanctuary with a service that will include joyful choir music, traditional hymns, and much light and life.

The Congregational Church of Westminster West, a United Church of Christ, is fully wheel-chair accessible and is an Open and Affirming Congregation. All are welcome. For more information, contact Rev. Webster-Toleno at susiewt@gmail.com or 802-579-8356.