Holy Week at MemChurch
April 9, 2022
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From the Heart of Harvard Yard
Dear friends,
Our Holy Week journey begins tomorrow with Palm Sunday, as we accompany Jesus during his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We will then break bread together. Stand at the foot of the cross. Discover an empty tomb. Celebrate Christ’s resurrection.
We may not feel ready as we enter this most holy of times. Yet, your preparations need to be nothing beyond having an open mind and receptive heart. God will meet you and welcome you and love you just as you are.
Come, let us set out in the light of the Lord.
Alanna C. Sullivan
Associate Minister and Director of Administration
The Memorial Church of Harvard University
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NEW HOLY WEEK TRADITIONS
The Rev. Matthew I. Potts
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Holy Week Rituals
We will be introducing some new, but also very ancient rituals to our Holy Week observances this year. That is to say, these rites are new to us but have long been a part of Christian worship.
On Palm Sunday, we will begin the service by blessing and distributing palms outdoors before processing around the church in song. Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter constitute what is called the Paschal Triduum, a three day observance of Jesus’s passion and resurrection. Thursday evening we will celebrate communion together for the first time in more than two years, with foot washing and also a ritual stripping and ablution of the altar, and concluding with a commemoration of Christ’s agony in the garden.
On Good Friday, we will be at prayer during the hours Jesus hung on the cross, from noon - 3 p.m. In the first hour, we will hear the passion chanted and recite ancient, traditional prayers, as well as reverence the cross in penitence. From 1 - 3 p.m., we will have meditations and music on Jesus’s seven last words from the cross.
Finally, on Sunday morning, we will celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter at our 9 a.m. service, and then hold our traditional Sunday worship service at 11 a.m., with an Easter Egg Hunt for children in between! Holy Week is a sacred journey with Christ through his suffering and toward his rising; please join us for as many of these observances as you can.
The Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts, Ph.D. '13
Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church
Plummer Professor of Christian Morals
Faculty of Divinity,
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HOLY WEEK AND EASTER
The Memorial Church 2022
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HOLY WEEK WORSHIP and EVENTS
Easter Flower Rememberance
It is an ancient custom to remember the faithful departed by a memorial of flowers at Easter. Those who wish to do so are invited to complete the form here. The names of those to be remembered in prayer will be listed with the Announcements in the Sunday Service program on Easter Day.
We are delighted to help you recognize your loved ones in this special way. At the Memorial Church we believe there should not be a price on the ability to honor your loved ones. Anyone at the Memorial Church may dedicate flowers without charge. All requests must be received no later than Sunday, April 10, 5 p.m.
Palm Sunday Worship
April 10, 11 a.m.
Preacher: The Rev. Calvon T. Jones, Assistant Minister, the Memorial Church. Anthems: Howard Helvey (arr.), Ride On, King Jesus; Kenneth Leighton, Solus ad victimam. The service will be broadcast and streamed on WHRB 95.3 FM. A recording of the service will be available on our website.
Holy Week Musical Meditation
April 12, 7-9 p.m., Memorial Church Sanctuary
The Harvard University Choir performs a Holy Week Musical Meditation. Choral music by Allegri, Palestrina, Anerio, Monteverdi, Casciolini, Ingegneri, Lotto, and organ music by Dupré. The concert is free and open to the public.
Maundy Thursday Service
April 14, 7-8 p.m.
On Maundy Thursday with Holy Communion, we remember Christ's celebration of the Last Supper with his disciples during which he gave his commandment, or mandatum, to love one another. "Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another."
Good Friday Service
April 15, 12-3 p.m.
Liturgy beginning at noon, followed by meditations upon the Seven Final Words from the Cross at 1 p.m.
Easter Sunday Worship
April 17, 9 and 11 a.m. (Communion at 9 a.m. service)
(Masks are required during both Easter Services)
Preacher: The Rev. Matthew Ichihashi Potts, Ph.D. '13, Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals, and Faculty of Divinity, Harvard University. Anthems: John Rutter, Most Glorious Lord of Life; Carson Cooman, Easter Day. The service will be broadcast and streamed on WHRB 95.3 FM. A recording of the service will be available on our website.
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Upcoming Events and Services
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The Memorial Church is following health and safety guidelines for the wellbeing of the Harvard and surrounding communities. Face coverings are optional in indoor University spaces, with limited exceptions, for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals. This is an ever-changing situation, so please review the latest guidelines before attending services or other events on campus.
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WORSHIP and EVENTS
Faith & Life Forum
April 10, (Cancelled)
Speaker: Cancelled this Sunday only.
Church School
April 10, 11:15 a.m - 12:15 p.m.
Church School is offered on Sunday mornings during Sunday services throughout the academic year. The program is for children ages 3 through 16. It is part of a nurturing Christian environment that strives to honor the intelligence, creativity, and diversity of the children in our care. For more information, please contact the Rev. Calvon Jones, Assistant Minister, the Memorial Church, and go to our Church School page.
Morning Prayers
April 11-15, 8:30-8:45 a.m.
Monday: The Rev. Dan Smith; Tuesday: Kevin P. Bryant; Wednesday: The Rev. Matthew I. Potts Ph.D '13; Thursday: The Rev. Alanna C. Sullivan; Friday: Prof. Francis X. Clooney, S.J.
Queer-Affirming Bible Study for Students
April 12, 5-6 p.m., Student Oasis
Whether you're brand new to the Bible or looking to experience it in a new way, this study is for you! Together, we'll engage with the Bible through different lenses (including queer, feminist, and liberation theologies) and ask, "How does this text speak to my life?" For both queer-identifying students and allies. All creeds and religions are welcome each Tuesday during the academic term.
Evening Communion (and milkshakes) for Students
April 13, 8 p.m. Appleton Chapel/Student Oasis
Harvard students are welcome to the Wednesday Evening Communion. The communion service will be followed by fellowship and milkshakes in the Student Oasis. The weekly program is open to Harvard students.
After School Snack for Students
April 14, 4-5:30 p.m., Sparks House
Harvard students, take a study break for fellowship and snacks with the Rev. Matthew Potts, his family, and their dog “Suki” at Sparks House, 21 Kirkland St., Cambridge.
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