Holy Week at Middle
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, and celebrate the wondrous things God is doing in our midst.
(All Times Eastern)
Palm Sunday | April 2 | 11:45 a.m.
On Palm Sunday we’ll celebrate the kind of movement Jesus built—not hiding God’s demands for justice inside a building but taking them into the street.
Freedom Rising Dialogues | April 2 & 3 | 8:00 p.m. ET
Join two prophetic dialogues that bring the message of Holy Week into conversation with our public life. On Monday, April 2nd, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis will speak with Nelba L. Márquez-Greene, whose daughter Ana died in the Newtown shooting. The two will discuss the need to center victims in the movement to end gun violence, and how we can end the way our nation worships the cross to move us toward abundant life. Then, on Tuesday, April 3, Dr. Lewis will talk with Dr. Obery Hendricks, Professor at Columbia University and author of The Politics of Jesus. They’ll talk about how Christianity has been misused in public life, and what we must do to reclaim our faith. Both conversations are free and online, and all are welcome!
Freedom Feast | April 5 | 5:30 p.m.
On Maundy Thursday, Jesus showed how this work is fundamentally relational—we can’t do it by ourselves because God shows up in community. This year, we have two incredible opportunities to celebrate! On Wednesday, April 5th at 5:30 p.m. we’ll join Freedom Feast: A Multifaith Liberation Seder, organized with Lab/Shul, East End Temple, Judson Church and the New York Zen Center. When our Jewish siblings are under attack, honoring Jesus’ own Jewishness demands solidarity. And that solidarity begins in relationship. Join us in-person at Judson or streamed online.
Click here to learn more and get your ticket!
Maundy Thursday | April 6 | 7:00 p.m.
On Maundy Thursday, we remember the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples. To celebrate, we will premiere a beautiful, pre-recorded worship on Facebook, YouTube or our homepage, so you can join wherever the night finds you.
Good Friday | April 7 | 12:00 p.m.
On Good Friday we’ll name how the crucifying realities of empire did not end with Jesus’ death. Following Jesus demands the courage to look at the cross, even as we proclaim a future beyond it. We’ll premiere a traditional Tenebrae, remembering Jesus’ seven last words. Our wonderful ministers will offer homilies, paired with beautiful music. Take a pause in your day to confront the violence we must overcome.
Holy Saturday | April 8 | 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 | April 9 | 7:00 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.
- Sunrise Worship Celebration at 7:00 a.m. in Stuyvesant Park, a contemplative worship hosted by Rev. Natalie and Rev. Ben. Stay for fellowship and breakfast to follow!
- 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.
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!
