Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Members of the Bethlehem Lutheran Church congregation lined the church pews as the BLC youth weaved themselves down the center aisle and around the perimeter. While waving their palm branches and singing a Hosanna-filled hymn, members started the Palm Sunday service off in a similar fashion to how Jesus entered Jerusalem years ago.
Bethlehem's youth group and King's Kamp volunteers came together after church to ready their makeshift tomb as they prepare for a walk-through Holy Week experience this Wednesday. The experience includes the washing of the children's feet, entry into the tomb, a children's version of the Last Supper meal and the telling of the Easter story.
Sunday was the commencement of the annual Christian observance of Holy Week.
Holy Week starts on the Sunday before Easter with Palm Sunday, the celebration of Jesus' arrival into Jerusalem. The waving of palm branches signifies what His followers did upon His entry years ago.
Monday is when Jesus cleansed the temple, overturning tables and driving out those who sold and bought there.
On Tuesday the chief priests challenged Jesus' authority and Jesus taught in the temple for the last time.
Maundy Thursday signifies when Jesus offered His body and blood in the Last Supper (establishing Holy Communion). On this day Jesus awaited His fate in the garden of Gethsemane and was betrayed with a kiss by Judas.
Good Friday is the most solemn day of the church year and is the observance of when Jesus was crucified and paid for the sins of all mankind.
Holy Saturday marks the day that Jesus rested in the tomb, His body was guarded by Roman soldiers. It is a time of mourning through the night as all await the joy that comes in the morning.
Easter Sunday is the most important day in the Christian faith. This date marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. On this date several women went to Jesus' tomb only to find that the large stone that once enclosed the entrance had been moved aside. Upon their discovery, an angel appeared to the women announcing Jesus' resurrection. As recorded in the gospels, Jesus Christ made at least five appearances following his crucifiction. Jesus' resurrection means our sins are forgiven and our earthly life will be followed with our eternal life in Heaven after.
