Holy Week celebrations at the First Presbyterian Union Church in Owego (North Avenue and Temple Street) will include a variety of special worship services, with the public invited to them all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The April 14, Palm \/ Passion 10 a.m. worship service will include the invitation for everyone to parade in with palm branches at the beginning of the worship service, “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” led by Derek Green, the Chancel Choir singing “Hosanna in the Streets” by Pepper Choplin, and the Contemporary Choir singing “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us” by Stuart Townend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The whole congregation will participate in the dramatic reading of the story of Holy Week found in the Gospel according to Luke. Pastor Bruce Gillette\u2019s sermon will be \u201cThe Week That Changed the World.\u201d Children are welcome in worship, and nursery care is also provided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The April 18 Maundy Thursday worship service will begin at 7 p.m. and will include the story of the Passover meal that Jesus shared with his disciples that night, as well as the story and the celebration of the Lord\u2019s Supper. This intergenerational service is appropriate for all who want to remember the story of God\u2019s love in Jesus. The Chancel Choir will present special music. Pastor Bruce Gillette\u2019s sermon is \u201cTable Talk.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On April 19, Good Friday, at noon, there will be an Ecumenical Service at First Presbyterian Union Church based on Jesus\u2019 Seven Last Words from the cross. Local pastors (Baptist, Gospel Chapel, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, United Methodist and Common Ground), will be preaching brief homilies and the congregation will sing Good Friday hymns (traditional hymns and a new hymn by Pastor Carolyn Gillette). The offering will go to support the work of Tioga County Rural Ministry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On April 21, Easter Sunday, the Sunrise Worship Service at 6 a.m. will be outdoors (inside if it rains) at Ginny and Terry Hills\u2019 home with breakfast after the service. Easter Worship Service at the church will include Pastor Carolyn Gillette\u2019s sermon, \u201cThe Promise of Easter.\u201d There will be special choral and instrumental music, and the singing of the Hallelujah Chorus concluding worship. Children are welcome in worship and nursery care is also provided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n