Holy Week services planned at Aulne, Florence
Special worship services are planned for Holy Week at both Florence and Aulne United Methodist churches, according to Bob and Judy Priest, interim co-pastors.
Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), the two congregations will gather at 7 p.m. at Aulne UMC for a time of worship with scripture readings which include "the first Passover," Psalm 116, and the upper room account of "The New Commandment."
Pastor Judy Priest will preach and lead the congregation in Holy Communion.
Good Friday
At 7 p.m. Good Friday evening, the congregations will gather at the Florence church for Tenebrae or Service of Darkness.
Several passion hymns will be sung as scripture is read. Pastor Bob Priest will give a sermon titled, "Alone, Forsaken, Dying."
Eighteen people from the churches will read the story of the passion of Jesus Christ. During this time, the sanctuary lights will be dimmed and 13 candles will be extinguished, symbolizing the events of Good Friday.
Readers will be Dolores Mann, Joy Vannocker, Clint Cope, Jordan Riggs, Lori Fruechting, Evan Just, Twila Williams, Lynn Just, Les Allison, Dennis Riggs, Rod Just, Mike Fruechting, Sarah Cope, Brenda Riggs, Linda Allison, Betty Just, Cindy Moore, and Kevin Fruechting.
Easter Sunday
Florence and Aulne congregations will gather at Aulne church at 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunday for a sunrise worship service with singing and a sermon by Linda Allison. A breakfast will follow in the basement of Aulne church.
At 9:10 a.m. the Aulne church will celebrate Jesus' resurrection during a dramatic musical presentation by the adult and youth choirs. "The Cross" by Tom Fettke tells the story of Christ's death and resurrection. Lynn Just will direct the choirs, with Julie Nelson as accompanist.
Florence UMW will celebrate the resurrection at 11 a.m. during a traditional worship service with Pastor Judy Priest preaching a sermon, "Quivering Rocks and a Rolling Stone."
