As the Lenten season deepens, Christians worldwide commemorate the somber

events that lead up to the bright dawn of Easter.

Christ Our Shepherd Lutheran Church in Peachtree City will hold a special

series of services during Holy Week, in remembrance of the last week of

Jesus' life.

On Maundy Thursday evening, April 1, a covered-dish congregational meal

will begin at 6:30, followed by worship and the Lord's Supper.

Worshippers depart after the traditional stripping of the altar, which

points to the next day, Good Friday.

The choir and soloists will present a short cantata, "Jesus Christ, Our

Lord Most Holy" at the Good Friday evening service, April 2 at 8 p.m. The

traditional Tenebrae service ends in darkness.

For the first time, Christ Our Shepherd will conduct a Vigil of Easter on

Saturday, April 3, beginning at 7 p.m. This unique worship service begins

with lighting the Paschal candle from a newly-kindled fire and processing

with it into the church.

The Service of Light, the Service of Readings, and the Service of

Baptism/Renewal of Baptismal Vows comprise the vigil, which is

abbreviated from the all-night vigil of ancient times.

On Easter morning, four joy-filled services celebrate the Resurrection,

at 7:30, 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m. Choirs, both vocal and hand bells, will

present special music. The sacrament of Holy Communion will center each

service.

Nursery will be available for all services except 7:30 a.m.

Pastors John Weber and Miriam Beecher said the public is warmly invited

to join the congregation in worship. The church is located at Peachtree

Parkway and Ga. Highway 54.

For further information: 770-487-8717 or www.coslutheran.org.

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