First Congregational Church of Rochester at 11 Constitution Way has planned several services for Holy Week, which are open to the community. 

On April 14 at 10:30 a.m. the church choir will present “The Beautiful Christ,” an Easter cantata arranged by Heather Sorenson, for Palm Sunday. The Pastor, Rev. Dr. Ron Cousineau, will encourage his listeners to “expect God powerfully” in his message. Palms will be distributed after the service, and Coffee Hour will follow in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

For Maundy Thursday on April 18 the church will hold a service of Tenebrae (meaning “darkness” or “shadows”) at 7:30 p.m. This services has been practiced by the church since medieval times. It is a tradition used during the last days of Holy Week to impress upon the hearts of believers the awful consequences of sin and the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice. This somber service includes communion, scripture reading, and the gradual extinguishing of the candles that light the sanctuary.

The next day, also at 7:30 p.m., the Congregational church will hold a “meet me at the cross” service. This Good Friday service will include special scripture readings interspersed with inspirational music that will draw attention to Jesus’ passion. The evening will conclude with participation in the Lord’s Supper in a unique way.

On April 21, the church will hold two services for Resurrection Sunday. A sunrise service will begin at 7 a.m. on the church green, and will immediately be followed by Easter breakfast in the Fellowship Hall. A second Easter worship service will be held in the Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. during which Pastor Cousineau will bring a first-person presentation of “a resurrection story.”

Between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, on April 20 from noon to 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Rochester, there will be a Easter Carnival, with games, a bouncy house, treats and toys. The carnival will be held rain or shine.