WOODBURY, MN (WNN) – Holy Week, culminating in Easter Sunday, is the most sacred time on the Christian calendar. While many Woodbury residents have a church home and plan to attend special services this week, others who are new to the community or not part of a congregation may be looking for a chance to join in worship. WNN is not aware of every service or even every congregation but we would like to offer information about some of the church services in Woodbury during Holy Week.

Maundy Thursday, also known as Holy Thursday, services commemorate the Last Supper and the institution of communion.

Tenebrae services involve the gradual extinguishing of candles to symbolize the darkness that accompanied Jesus’ death and the abandonment he experienced. The service often includes scripture readings, hymns, and prayers, and may also feature a strepitus (a loud noise) at the end to represent the earthquake at Christ’s death. These services can be held any day during Holy Week.

Good Friday worship services are a somber and reflective celebration of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion. These services typically involve scripture readings, hymns, prayers, and often include the Stations of the Cross, a ritual walk through symbolic stations representing Jesus’ journey to the cross. 

The Easter Vigil is a significant Christian worship service that marks the beginning of Easter celebrations, typically held on Holy Saturday evening. It’s a powerful liturgy that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and often includes baptisms and the renewal of baptismal vows. The service is divided into four main parts: the Service of Light, the Liturgy of the Word, the Liturgy of Baptism, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. 

Easter Sunday services are joyful, crowded celebrations of the Resurrection. Many churches include special music, meals, and time for community.

You would be welcome at any church in Woodbury in addition to those with services listed below. Some congregations offer services in other locations as well as online services. Check details on the church’s website and plan ahead for crowded parking lots and pews.

Catholic Churches

• Guardian Angels, Holy Thursday 6:30 p.m., Good Friday 3:00, Easter Vigil 8:00 p.m., Easter 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
• St Ambrose, Holy Thursday 7:00 p.m., Good Friday 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., Easter Vigil 8:00, p.m., Easter 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Non-Denominational Christian Churches

• Chinese Christian Church of Woodbury, Good Friday 7:30 p.m., Easter 9:15 a.m.
• Crossroads Church, Good Friday 6:00 p.m., Saturday 2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 p.m., Easter 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.
• Eagle Brook Church, Thursday 6:00 p.m., Friday 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Saturday 2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 p.m., Easter 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
• Five Oaks Church, Good Friday 4:15, 5:30, and 6:45 p.m. Easter Services Saturday 3:00, 4:15, and 5:30 p.m. Sunday 8:45, 10:00, 11:15 a.m.
• New Life Church, Good Friday 7:00 p.m., Easter 9:00 and 10:45 a.m.

Lutheran Churches

• King of Kings, Maundy Thursday, 5:30p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Good Friday 6:15p.m., Easter Services, 7:30 9:00, and 10:30a.m.
• Resurrection, Maundy Thursday Worship, 6:30 p.m., Good Friday 6:30 p.m., Easter Worship, 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
• Saint John, Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m., Good Friday 7:00 p.m., Easter Sunday 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.
• Salem, Maundy Thursday 6:30 p.m., Good Friday 6:30 p.m., Easter 9:00 a.m.
• Woodbury, Maundy Thursday noon and 6:30 p.m., Tenebrae Friday noon and 7 p.m., Easter 8:00, 9:30 , and 11 a.m. Breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Christ Episcopal Church, Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m., Good Friday noon and 7:00 p.m., Easter Vigil 8:00 p.m., Easter 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
• The Grove United Methodist Church, Good Friday 7:00 p.m., Easter 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Family activities from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Trinity Presbyterian, Maundy Thursday 7:00 p.m., Easter 10:00 a.m.