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Easter and Holy Week Schedule

Crucifixion silhouetted against a purple sunset skySunday, March 28 – Palm and Passion Sunday
Worship at 9:00 and 11:00 including the Passion narrative according to Mark’s gospel. Palm Sunday, when traditionally Christians recall Jesus' seemingly triumphant entry into Jersulem for the Passover, only to face betrayal and death before his ultimate triumph of resurrection, kicks off Holy Week, the last week of Lent, including some of the most moving worship services of the Christian year and culminating in Easter Sunday.

Thursday, April 1 – Maundy Thursday Communion and Tenebrae
Worship at 7:00 pm includes time for prayer and reflection, remembrance of the Last Supper of
Jesus with his disciples, and the Office of Tenebrae, in which scripture is used to detail the betrayal, denial and desertion of Jesus by the disciples as candles are gradually extinguished. Traditionally Maundy Thursday or Holy Thursday is the day Christians remember the "Last Supper" when Jesus created the sacrament of Communion. Liturgical colors are purple and the mood is contemplative.

Friday, April 2 – Good Friday
Lake Edge hosts the ecumenical Good Friday worship at 1:00 pm, so worshippers from other East Madison churches will be joining us. Traditionally Good Friday is the symbolic day of Jesus' death. Liturgical colors are black and purple, and the mood is sorrowful. You are welcome to join them for worship at their churches too -- find out more about the Ecumenical Lent Worship program.

Saturday, April 3 – Sunday April 4 - Prayer Vigil
“Watch and pray” was Jesus’s simple request of his disciples as the events of Holy Week unfolded around them. You are invited to watch and pray by participating in the Lake Edge Easter Vigil. The Sanctuary will be open for prayer and meditation from noon on Saturday, April 3, through 6:00 am on Easter Sunday, April 4. Meditation materials will be available, or you may simply choose to be in silent prayer. A board is located in the Narthex to sign up for ½-hour slots any time during the vigil. Watch and pray. Prepare the way for the light that shines in the darkness. If you are not able to be physically present in the Lake Edge Sanctuary, consider choosing a time and place of your own to prepare your heart for the glory of Easter.

Yellow butterfly leaves cocoon and takes off into a blue sky
Sunday, April 4 – Easter Sunday

  • Sunrise Service – 6:10 am, on the sledding hill at Olbrich Park
  • Traditional Worship at 9:00 am in the sanctuary with organ, bells and choir
  • Brunch at 10:10 am in Fellowship Hall
  • Worship at the Edge at 11:00 am in the sanctuary (contemporary worship with gospel-alternative-folk music)
    On Easter, the most important and joyous occasion in the Christian year, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Liturgical colors change to white, and the mood of the worship service shifts to one of celebration. Find out more about our two worship styles