St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church on Mississippi Avenue will have a week of celebration, beginning March 24. During a time of transition, the church is planning an exciting and special week celebrating the holy season of Easter, focusing on renewal, rebirth and resurrection.  Guests of all denominations are welcome and encouraged to attend.

On Palm Sunday, March 24, Holy Week will kick off at 10:15 a.m. with a Litany of Palms and Procession, symbolic of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. The procession will include a donkey and live music, and holy palms will be distributed. The children of St. Timothy’s have been hard at work on their own palms, too, which they will carry and waive in the procession.

On Maundy Thursday, March 28, attendees will experience the celebration of the Last Supper during a very intense service at 7 p.m. Therein, St. Timothy’s Interim Rector, John Dukes and parishioners, will engage in the washing of feet. This is a traditional Maundy Thursday ritual, celebrated by many denominations, derived from the bible, John 13:1-17, wherein Jesus washed the feet of his followers as a demonstration of service to others and to show his love. The Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) will also strip and shroud the altar. Given the intensity of this service, parents may wish to consider whether it is appropriate for young children. Complimentary child care will be provided for any child age 10 and under.

On Good Friday, March 29, there will be two solemn services commemorating Jesus’ crucifixion and death, at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. The EYC have prayerfully crafted the Stations of the Cross, which guests may observe with the Interim Rector at noon or on their own throughout the day.

The week will climax with The Great Vigil of Easter Service on Sunday, March 31, at 7 a.m. The service will begin in front of the church with a primal fire and theatrical dramatization of the discovery of the empty tomb, directed by the accomplished Rodney VonValkenburg of the Arts Build of Chattanooga. The congregation, musicians and choirs will gather around a bonfire to watch for the first light of Easter and a flame from the fire will light the 2013 Pascal Candle. Philip Newton, Director of Music, has planned special music and added musicians for this gala event. The service will then process into the church by candlelight, where the children will “Resurrect the Alleluias” and share other symbols of the season, including the flowering of the cross. A full Easter Service, with Eucharist, will be held.

Following the service, guests are invited to join in a breakfast in the Parish Hall, at 9 a.m. Thereafter, at 10:15 a.m., children are invited to participate in the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the front and back lawns of the church. For this fun family tradition, children will be grouped by age.

A second service at 10:30 a.m. will also be offered.

All are welcome to join and experience these unique activities planned at St. Timothy’s Church, March 24-31. "Alleluia, Christ has risen."

Here is the full schedule:

Palm Sunday, March 24 

8:00  AM           Rite I in the Chapel

10:15 AM          Litany of the Palms and Processional

Join us for music and a symbolic procession, complete with palms and a live donkey! Children are invited and encouraged to attend this memorable event!

Maundy Thursday, March 28 

7:00 PM            Service in the Nave

This very moving service includes the ceremony of washing of feet. The stripping and shrouding of the altar will be done by our EYC (youth group). Given the intensity of this service, parents may wish to consider whether it is appropriate for their children. Complimentary child care will be provided for children ages 10 and under.  

Good Friday, March 29 

Stations of the Cross available all day for private meditation

Our EYC (youth group) have very prayerfully prepared the stations for this Holy Day.                

Noon                Service of Stations of the Cross led by Father John

7:00 PM            Service in the Nave 

Easter Sunday, March 31 

7:00 AM            The Great Vigil of Easter (our primary service)

Celebrate the Resurrection with us! The Great Vigil will be the highlight of our Easter celebration at St. Timothy’s. The service will begin in front of the church with a primal fire and theatrical dramatization of the discovery of the empty tomb. We will then process to the Nave by candlelight, where we will resurrect our Children’s Alleluias and other symbols of the season, such as the Flowering of the Cross. This is an experience not to be missed! All ages are encouraged to attend. The Sacrament of Baptism is offered at this service. If you are interested, please call the church office by Monday, March 25. 

9:00 AM            Easter Breakfast in the Parish Hall

10:15 AM          Easter Egg Hunt

10:30 AM          Holy Eucharist Rite I in the Nave, with incense 

* Child Care available for all evening and Sunday services