What is Holy Week?

Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter, which is the celebration of Jesus's resurrection.

The week begins with a re-enacted parade as we wave palms and welcome Jesus on his final journey to Jerusalem.

On Maundy Thursday, we gather at tables and remember Jesus's last meal with his disciples.

We stare death in the face together on Good Friday when we remember Jesus's execution.

And we kindle a small flame of new hope in the midst of darkness on Holy Saturday.

​Easter morning we go all out - celebrating the God-of-Eternal-Do-Overs in grand style. 

Palm Sunday
April 5

 Gather with community members from the other downtown churches at 9:15 a.m. in City Park (near the shelter on Poyntz). We will share in music and process down Poyntz towards our churches. Bikes, wheelchairs, strollers, scoolers (and cars!) are all welcome, too. At each stop along the way, we’ll share a blessing for the people of that congregation as they peel off to go to their own worship services. There will be no Sunday School or nursery care that day and our regular worship service will include a palm processional for our children at 10:45 a.m. | facebook event
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Maundy Thursday  
April 9

“Maundy” comes from the same root as “mandate” and this holy day is the day we remember Jesus’s commandment to love and serve one another. We gather for a simple meal provided by the Deacons at 6:00 p.m. After we eat, we share prayer and singing together and remember Jesus’s last supper with his friends through the sharing of Holy Communion. | facebook event​

Good Friday
April 10

Immersing ourselves in the difficult parts of Holy Week is one of the ways we stay faithful as we journey towards Easter together. People of all ages are invited to stop by between 12:00-3:00 p.m. for this Ecumenical Good Friday Vigil. We will be reading the Gospel of Mark aloud from start to finish, interspersed with space for silent reflection and music. Our Sanctuary has a "pray ground" at the back of the church where young children will feel at home and we will have activity pages and books on hand for older kids. It is a powerful experience to sit vigil on Good Friday as we contemplate the realities of human suffering, violence, and pain in our world. If you have questions, please contact us at office@uccmanhattan.org or 537-7006.

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Holy Saturday | April 20

The Easter Vigil is an ancient Christian tradition to gather in the darkness of night, light a new fire, and prepare for the morning to come. We will be doing our own (much shorter) take on Holy Saturday at sunset 8:08 pm). Join us as we share in a simple liturgy together, kindle a Paschal Fire in front of the church, and then bring the light into our Sanctuary. We thank the Ministry of the Decorative Scissors for making our Paschal Candle, which will be re-lit throughout the coming year at baptisms and funerals as we remember the promise of God’s unending Easter love. | facebook event​

Easter Sunday | April s1

We gather for a potluck breakfast at 9:30 a.m. That's right. Potluck breakfast. YUM. ​Bring your favorite quiche, those decadent cinnamon rolls, fruit, or just pick up some bagels or donuts. Not a cook? Just bring yourself. 

Our Festival Worship is at 10:45 a.m. and will include inspiring music and an opportunity to hear and recommit to living out the good news of a God who is too big to fail. Come early to grab a seat and enjoy special music from our brass ensemble at 10:30.

Immediately following worship we'll head outside to the front lawn so the kiddos can hunt some Easter eggs. | Facebook event

​Is this your first time worshiping with us? Learn more about what to expect. Got kids? We've got great childcare and always welcome children (and their wiggles) in worship.