LAKEPORT, Calif. – Have you ever heard a Christian friend, or maybe even a TV show or commercial refer to Holy Week? Ever wondered exactly what might make one week holier than another?

For many Christians, the week preceding Easter is known as “Holy Week.” It begins on Palm Sunday and is traditionally a week of reflection on the events surrounding the death of Jesus of Nazareth: his triumphant entry into Jerusalem; his betrayal by Judas; the last days he spent with his disciples; his arrest, crucifixion and death; culminating in his resurrection.

United Christian Parish invites you to attend a series of events meant to recall these historical events but also to translate them in a way meaningful to our contemporary culture.

All services are open to the public and you do not need to be a member of the church to participate.

10 a.m. Sunday, March 24: Palm Sunday

When Jesus entered Jerusalem for the last time during his life on earth the crowds exploded with noise and psalms: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Each Sunday we are called to come to this place in the name of the Lord, to remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

How does our worship make us more like Christ? How important is “showing up?” What do we gain when we show up to worship? What do we offer and who do we offer it for? This celebratory service is marked by waving palm branches and joy.

6 p.m. Thursday, Mar 28: Maundy Thursday

Millions of Christians in America celebrate communion each Sunday, but it all began on a Thursday almost 2,000 years ago when a Jewish man broke with tradition. Who was this man? Jesus of Nazareth.

When Jesus broke the bread he was transforming a 2,000-year-old Passover tradition into something new.

What does it all mean? Come and join the Maundy Thursday observance and see. All are welcome to share in this communion experience. Like the disciples before us we will gather around tables to hear the words of Christ, experience the broken bread and in it our own brokenness; thanks be to God he offers wholeness beyond.

6 p.m. Friday, Mar 29: Good Friday Tenebrae Service

The word “tenebrae” is Latin for shadows. The purpose of the tenebrae service is to recreate the emotional aspects of the passion story: the betrayal, abandonment and agony of what we now call “Good Friday.”

This is easily one of the most hauntingly beautiful and compelling services of the church year.

6:30 a.m. Sunday, Mar 31: Easter SONrise

On Easter morning the risen Lord appeared to the women, then to followers on the road to Emmaus and finally to his disciples. Each encounter teaches us something about how we too can experience the Risen Lord.

Join United Christian Parish Easter morning at 6:30 a.m. at the gazebo in Library Park in Lakeport. All are welcome and will be invited back to the church following the celebration for a free Easter breakfast.

10 a.m. Sunday, March 31: Easter Celebration

United Christian Parish will host a special community choir and brass quartet to help us celebrate this Easter Sunday. All are welcome to join the Easter morning as church members, along with billions of people around the world, celebrate the power of life over death!

All services, except where noted, will be held at United Christian Parish.

The church is located at 745 N. Brush St. in Lakeport.

For more information call United Christian Parish at 707-263-4788.