For many churches, highlighting Holy Week is one of the best ways to connect with guests, reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, and celebrate the hope that comes with the resurrection. Being one of the most important events in the Christian calendar, Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday and ends with Resurrection Sunday (aka Easter Sunday). Putting thought into and planning how you are going to highlight Holy Week in church enhances worship experiences and leaves a lasting impression on everyone involved.
In this article, we will talk about how to highlight Holy Week and why it’s important to acknowledge it.
What Is Holy Week?
Holy Week is a time to remember and reflect on the last week of Jesus Christ’s life on earth. While it’s important to highlight the entire week, there are select days with unique importance that deserve attention.
Palm Sunday:
This day marks the beginning of Holy Week. Biblically, this is when Jesus rode a donkey into the city of Jerusalem while the crowd celebrated and laid palm branches before his path into the city.
Maundy Thursday:
Focused on the Last Supper, the day is when Jesus shared his last meal with his 12 disciples. From the supper is where the traditional steps and focal point of monthly communion come from, where Jesus took wine and bread and had his disciples take each in remembrance of the flesh and blood sacrificed. During this super, Jesus also washed the feet of all his disciples.
Good Friday:
Representing one of the most critical dates in Christianity, this is the day that Jesus sacrificed his life for all of humanity. Jesus was betrayed by one of his followers to the Roman soldiers and was tortured and eventually put to death on a wooden cross with a crown of thorns.
Holy Saturday:
This day intends to represent the reflection and mourning that humanity faced after the death of Jesus.
Easter Sunday:
Known as one the most important Christian celebrations, this is the day that Jesus rose from death – ultimately victorious over death and sin.
Understanding the meaning behind each day of Holy Week can help churches highlight this week appropriately so everyone can fully embrace the emotional and spiritual journey of this season.
Why Highlight Holy Week?
Highlighting Holy Week can enhance your congregation’s journey in faith in several ways:
This special week can help everyone connect with the rich Christian history that spans centuries. It creates an intentional space for people to pause and reflect on the incredible sacrifice that Christ made for us and the unconditional love he has shown us all. It is a good time for reflection on how our everyday actions can reflect this.
During this time, new and old faces come together to honor Christ’s journey to his resurrection. This is a good time to emphasize the importance of community, and churches should try to carry the momentum of this group mentality for as long as they can.
How to Host Church Services that Highlight Holy Week
- Start with Prayer and Vision
Before addressing logistics, gather your church leaders and volunteers for a prayer session. Seek God’s guidance on how He wishes Holy Week to be celebrated in your community. Set clear goals and vision for the week—whether it’s enhancing discipleship, connecting with new believers, or promoting community engagement.
- Map Out the Services
Most churches don’t have services on each of the days of Holy Week, so it’s important to build momentum during the Sunday services leading up to Resurrection Sunday. Select service before can be used to educate and inspire your congregation to reflect.
- Engage Your Congregation
In services or events that are relative to Holy Week, it’s recommended to use all tools and resources that help guests engage with the message shared. Creative elements like multimedia presentations, short drama, mini movies, and testimonies help being this story to life. Churches can also utilize interactive worship like responsive reading, prayer station, of symbolic actions.
- Decorate Thoughtfully
While this is not always a priority or the first thing thought of in correlation of Holy Week, it’s important to create an atmosphere where guests can focus and feel the full impact of the Holy Week message.
Some Ideas:
Palm branches for Palm Sunday.
Dimmed lighting and black drapery for Good Friday.
Bright colors, lilies, and white drapery for Easter Sunday.
- Promote Your Events
The Holy Week message is very important, and you have worked hard to put together wonderful service and events leading up to and surrounding this week. Churches should make sure that they are promoting their Holy Week event appropriately and with enough notice. Utilize social media, email newsletters, and community outreach efforts to spread the word.
- Equip Your Volunteers
First, make sure you have enough volunteers (if you need them). Then, make sure they are inspired and prepared to have your Holy Week services and events happen successfully.
Some of the areas you may need volunteers are:
Greet and direct visitors.
Assist with setup and teardown.
Lead children’s activities or childcare.
- Prepare for Follow-Up
Easter often brings visitors who don’t regularly attend church. Have a plan to connect with them afterward, such as:
Inviting them to a newcomers’ lunch or event.
Sending a personalized email or card.
Offering a sermon series or small group focused on the basics of faith
Conclusion
Holy Week serves as a sacred occasion to contemplate Christ’s sacrifice and rejoice in His resurrection. By intentionally organizing and executing your services, you can provide meaningful worship experiences that bring individuals closer to God and foster connections among them.
As you emphasize the significance of Holy Week, keep in mind that it’s not about achieving perfection but rather guiding people toward the hope and redemption that Jesus offers. Through prayer, preparation, and a genuine passion for worship, your church can turn this Holy Week into a spiritually enriching journey for everyone involved.