CRANFORD — The First Presbyterian Church of Cranford, located at 11 Springfield Avenue, invites the community to its Holy Week services and other events culminating in the celebration of Easter.
Holy Week will begin with the church’s Palm Sunday service at 10 a.m. on March 24. All children are invited to joyfully march into the Sanctuary waving palms in the children’s “Palm Processional.” This festive service will feature the Children’s Choir.
Maundy Thursday will be observed on March 28 with a 7 p.m. service commemorating Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples before his death on the cross. The Reverend Jin Bae, senior pastor, will invite attendees to consider that Jesus, who washed the disciples’ feet as a symbolic gesture, will soon wash away everyone’s sins on the cross. Communion also will be offered.
The church will hold an Easter Sunrise Service on Sunday, March 31, at 7 a.m. Participants will gather outside in the spring air as the sun rises, celebrating the triumph of life over death and light over darkness. Everyone is invited to bring a flower from their garden and to place it on the cross on the front lawn. Flowers also will be provided.
A “Superheroes of the Bible” Easter Service will follow at 10 a.m. This service will feature superhero-themed decorations and a message about Jesus’ superpowers. Children will brighten the room by carrying flowers forward during the first hymn and placing them in the front of the Sanctuary. Together, participants will celebrate Easter with open Communion, with all welcome to join in.
In a beloved tradition, attendees will be invited to come forward to sing the “Hallelujah Chorus” with the choir at the end of the service. This service also will be livestreamed to Facebook and YouTube.
Immediately following worship, there will be an Easter Egg Hunt for ages 5 and under and fun games and crafts for ages 6 and up in the Bates Hall gymnasium. To pre-register for this event, visit firstprescranford.org/ easter.
For more information, contact the church office at (908) 276-8440 or visit the website at firstprescranford.org/easter.Anewlyinstalled chair lift is available for the mobility-impaired at the Springfield Avenue office entrance.
