Mossel Bay Methodist Church
In obedience to God: Live like Christ and make Him known.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday commemorates the triumphal entrance of Christ into Jerusalem when palm branches were placed in His path, before His arrest on Holy Thursday and His Crucifixion on Good Friday. It thus marks the beginning of Holy Week, the final week of Lent, and the week in which Christians celebrate the mystery of their salvation through Christ's Death and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday.
Sunday 13 April - Morning services
Lamentation Service
The book of Lamentations is a book of sorrowful songs or poems. The name implies that the topic is expressing grief over something (to lament). Jeremiah, also known as the “weeping prophet” writes this after the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. It was written soon after the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.; he was an eyewitness. He predicted this destruction (as did others), watched it take place, and now in this book he is sadly reflecting on it. Key personalities are the prophet Jeremiah and the people of Jerusalem. Its purpose was to express despair and teach God’s people that disobedience to the Lord results in immense suffering and distress. Jeremiah pours out his emotions in compassion, and empathy for God’s nation, as he watches them inhabit a foreign land.
Tuesday 15 April @ 18h30
Healing Service
Healing was central to the ministry of Jesus. It was a sign of God’s kingdom, bringing renewal and wholeness of life to those who turned to God in their need. Jesus sent his disciples with the commission to “proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal” (Luke 9:2).
In every act of worship, the Church celebrates the grace of God who desires wholeness of body, mind and spirit for all people. At the service healing, we focus on that aspect of God’s character. We bring to God our own frailty and brokenness – felt not just in physical illness, but in guilt, anxiety, and all the burdens which weigh us down. We also bring our concerns for others and for the world. Above all, we come to the God who knows our needs before we ask, and whose love revealed in Jesus Christ is stronger than suffering and death.
Wednesday 16 April @ 18h30
Tenebrae Service
The service of Tenebrae, meaning “darkness” or “shadows,” has been practiced by the church since medieval times. Once a service for the monastic community, Tenebrae later became an important part of the worship of the common folk during Holy Week. We join Christians of many generations throughout the world in using the liturgy (service) of Tenebrae. Tenebrae is a prolonged meditation on Christ’s suffering. Readings trace the story of Christ’s passion, music portrays his pathos, and the power of silence and darkness suggests the drama of this momentous day. As lights are extinguished, we ponder the depth of Christ’s suffering and death, and through the return of the small but persistent flame of the Christ candle at the conclusion of the service, we anticipate the joy of ultimate victory.
Thursday 17 April @ 18h30
Good Friday
Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is the most solemn day in the Christian calendar. It falls on the last Friday before Easter. It is the pinnacle of the Holy Week. All Christians observe this day with great humility and reverence. As early as the first century, the Church set aside every Friday as a special day of prayer and fasting. It was not until the fourth century, however, that the Church began observing the Friday before Easter as the day associated with the crucifixion of Christ. First called Holy or Great Friday by the Greek Church, the name "Good Friday" was adopted by the Roman Church around the sixth or seventh century.
A short service will follow at the Garden of Remembrance where we will be remembering loved ones lost.
(Offertory to go towards training of ministers throughout Southern Africa)
Friday 18 April @ 09h00
Sunrise Service
Easter is the day when we celebrate Jesus Christ rising from the dead. Jesus is the Son of God and heroically gave His life to die for our sins. On the third day after He died -- the day we now celebrate as Easter Sunday -- His friends went to His grave, and found that He had risen from the dead. They saw an angel who told them, "Don't be afraid! I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn't here! He has been raised from the dead, just as He said it would happen." Jesus rose from the dead on Easter Sunday; now He offers to you the gift of eternal life and forgiveness of sins.
06h30 - Sunrise Service (Cape St Blaze Cave)
08h00 - Holy Communion Resurrection Celebration (Church)
09h30 - All-Age Holy Communion Resurrection Celebration (Church)
An Afrikaans Sunrise Service will also be held at Santos Beach at 06h30
