Easter Services and Holy Week Celebrations
Join us for a meaningful celebration of Holy Week and Easter services at Saint James Episcopal Church. The journey from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday offers some of the most profound moments in the Christian faith, and we welcome you to experience these traditions with us.
Palm Sunday - The Beginning of Holy Week
Holy Week observances begin with Palm Sunday, where we gather at our Outdoor Chapel on Ellis Creek for the blessing of the palms. After that, we'll walk through the churchyard to the church while singing the hymn "All Glory, Laud, and Honor." The service ends with the reading of the Passion of Christ by members of our congregation, setting the stage for the solemn days ahead.
During the Lenton season, we've gathered for weekly LentFlix sessions on Wednesdays (soup/salad dinner and movie). We've been watching "The Way, the Truth and the Life" by Henri Nouwen through our devotional reading. We've also got our regular mid-week Eucharist services.
Maundy Thursday - Remembering the Last Supper
Our Maundy Thursday service is a powerful remembrance of Jesus's last supper with his disciples. The service includes foot washing, communion, and the stripping of the altar.
The lights will gradually dim as we enter into the gravity of Christ's passion, which helps us connect deeply with the humility and service that Jesus demonstrated to his followers.
Good Friday - Commemorating the Crucifixion
Our Good Friday service starts at 7pm, includes reading the Passion narrative, and honors the crucifixion with reverence and quiet reflection.
A cross is brought in during the Veneration of the Cross, where anyone in the congregation can come forward individually for a time of personal devotion.
Holy Saturday - Preparation and Reflection
A brief Holy Saturday service will be held on Saturday for our Altar Guild, Flower Guild, and anyone else who would like to attend. It's a quiet service bridging the solemnity of Good Friday and the joy of Easter morning. It also allows space for reflection as we prepare our hearts and sanctuary for the celebration.
Easter Sunday - Celebrating the Resurrection
Easter Sunday church services will be held at the regular church service times, 8am and 10am. The joyful celebrations of Christ's resurrection feature special musicians and extraordinary choir pieces throughout the service.
Our music director, David Friddle, has arranged for five professional musicians to be present. This will be a truly uplifting experience.
You know we can't forget about the kids! After the 10am service, there'll be an Easter egg hunt for children and coffee hour for the entire congregation. This time of fellowship allows our church family to celebrate the good news at the heart of our faith.
Continuing the Easter Celebration
We continue the celebration of Easter with Easter Lessons and Carols the following Sunday. It tells the story of Easter through scripture and song as we continue our celebration of the resurrection and its meaning for our lives today.
Join Our Welcoming Community
Whether you're familiar with Episcopal church services or joining us for the first time, you'll find a warm welcome at Saint James. All are welcome at Saint James Episcopal Church on James Island!
If you're new to the church, we'd love to have you join us at some of our other events:
Attend our Sunday church services at 8am and 10am
Participate in adult Sunday school at 9am
Join us for coffee after the 10am service
Explore other social events throughout the year
Our church and outdoor chapel have a peaceful setting for worship and reflection. We invite you to become part of our growing church family as we journey together in faith.
For more information about Saint James Episcopal Church and our Holy Week and Easter observances, contact the church office at 843-277-2765 or email stjamesepiscopalji@gmail.com.
We look forward to experiencing the profound journey from Palm Sunday to Easter. All are welcome in this place.
