Holy Week at Middle
Holy Week Events
In Holy Week, we journey through the final days of Jesus’ life before he was crucified by Rome, and celebrate God’s victory over death and empire. It’s an opportunity to confront the crucifying realities in our world, and affirm the love that can nourish new life beyond them. Throughout the week, we have beautiful opportunities to gather in community, exhibit fierce LOVE and celebrate the wondrous things God is doing in our midst.
(All Times Eastern)
Palm Sunday | March 24 | 11:45 a.m.
This Palm Sunday join us in singing the songs of the hit musical “Jesus Christ Superstar”!
Through the powerful medium of song, we will unravel the intricate web of personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the oppressive Roman Empire. Brace yourself for an electrifying journey fueled by the iconic rock scores of the 1970s, featuring unforgettable anthems like “Superstar,” “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” and the soul-stirring “Gethsemane.”
Bring your loved ones and join us this Sunday as we harness the transformative power of music to challenge the status quo and ignite a revolution of LOVE. Together, we will raise our voices, break down barriers during this Palm Sunday.
Don’t miss this extraordinary event where art and activism collide in a fierce display of solidarity!
Maundy Thursday | March 28th | 7:00 p.m.
On Maundy Thursday, we remember the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples. To celebrate, we will do a virtual showing of “Labor is a Movement”. Produced by Charles Randolph-Wright and featuring union members like Michelle Hurd, Tituss Burgess, Daniel J. Watts, and our own Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, this stunning collection of pieces embodies the human capacity for storytelling—and the need to pay people for that work. The dance is choreographed by Middle members Adrienne Hurd and Lutin Tanner, and also features guest performances that will make your jaw drop and feet start tapping. The dance is a gorgeous blend of styles—from modern, to ballet, tap and interpretive—it showcases different images of divine power, alive in human beings. Working for a world where all labor has dignity, and all workers share the profits they create.
Good Friday | March 29th | 12:00 p.m.
Embark on a profound and thought-provoking digital worship experience that delves into the intricate intersections of social dynamics, power, and society.
Join us on Good Friday at 12:00 PM EST as we pay homage to Jesus’ crucifixion, transcending the confines of time and space through our youtube stream.
In this transformative event, we fearlessly confront the crucifying realities perpetuated by systems of empire, recognizing that the echoes of oppression persist long after Jesus’ death. Prepare to be moved by a poignant traditional Tenebrae, meticulously curated from our acclaimed 2022 service, as we reflect upon Jesus’ seven last words. Our Middle clergy, will deliver profound homilies that shed light on the enduring struggle for justice. Accompanied by evocative melodies, this worship experience invites you to pause, reflect, and confront the pervasive violence that we must collectively overcome.
Together, let us forge a path towards a future where compassion, equity, and understanding prevail.
Holy Saturday | March 30th | 7:00 p.m.
On Holy Saturday (April 8th at 7 p.m.), Pam Edgar and Susan Mufson will host a prayer vigil on Zoom, a time to sit in the darkness and reflect on how God is calling us to move through it.
Easter Sunday | March 31st | 9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Finally, on Easter Sunday, we will proclaim the fierce love that overcomes all hatred. We know that East End Temple won’t fit everyone who wants to worship all at once, so we’re offering three beautiful celebrations.
- Our Easter Worship Celebration at 9:30 a.m., Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis will preach, music by the Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir.
- Our Easter Worship Celebration at 11:45 a.m., Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis will preach, music by the Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir. This 11:45 a.m. ET worship will also be live-streamed on Facebook, YouTube or our homepage.
- Our Easter Worship Celebration at 3:00 p.m., Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis will preach, music by the Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir. This 3:00pm ET worship will only be available on our YouTube.
Plus, there’s a special Children’s Easter Egg Hunt at 10:45 a.m. in Stuyvesant Park, across the street from East End Temple!
Join Middle staff in-between worships for a family-friendly easter egg hunt! Infants through elementary school-aged children are invited from 10:45am-11:30am to take on the Easter Bunny’s mission to find all their missing eggs before the second worship occurs! Meet us over at the Peter Stuyvesant Park for fun & fellowship. We’ll also have juice boxes because we know hunting for eggs is hard work! Email Elise if you have any questions.