Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Two Christmas Eve services are held in the Sanctuary on the night before Christmas. Both of the services conclude in candlelight.
The 5 o’clock service is especially designed for children and for the child in each of us. The service includes the retelling of the Christmas story complete with Caesar and Herod, townsfolk and shepherds, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, three Kings, a multitude of angels and a camel.
The 10 o’clock service includes a Proclamation, the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion and a ceremony of candles, symbolizing the gift of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, and our opportunity to bear that light into the world. The 10 p.m. service is preceded by 30 minutes of special music.
Ash Wednesday
On Ash Wednesday, worshippers are invited to mark the beginning of Lent at a vesper service at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel. This half-hour service is one of quiet introspection and includes, for those who desire, the imposition of ashes.
Maundy Thursday
On the Thursday before Easter, a service of Tenebrae is held in the sanctuary at 8:00 p.m. The service of Tenebrae is an adaption of a 4th century rite. The sanctuary is fully lighted at the beginning of the service. As the story of Jesus’ passion unfolds, the sanctuary lights are gradually dimmed until there is total darkness – Jesus is dead, the stone rolled across the entrance of the tomb. Only the Christ candle lights the darkness in anticipation of the Easter soon to dawn. We also share the Lord’s Supper together at this service
Good Friday
On the Friday before Easter, a concert of sacred music is held in the sanctuary at 8 p.m.
Easter Sunday
On Easter Sunday morning, two identical festive and joyous services of worship are held in the Sanctuary at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each service includes a sermon, the celebration of the Sacrament of Holy Communion, and the participation of the New York Symphonic Brass.
Scottish Sunday
On the last Sunday of October we celebrate our Presbyterian denominational roots in John Knox’s Scotland. It is a festive service complete with bagpipes and drums, a Kirkin’ of the Tartan, kilts and a Beadle. Following worship all are invited to Fellowship Hall for a Ceilidh where shortbread abounds.
