Easter in Bethlehem
Moravians are often called “The Easter People” for our joyful belief in the resurrection of Jesus. During Lent, we gather for worship, midweek meals, and community programs that enrich our spiritual journey.
Holy Week Services
Readings for Holy Week
Each night from Palm Sunday through Maundy Thursday, we meet at 7 p.m. to reflect on Jesus’ actions and teachings during his last week in Jerusalem by reading and singing together from Readings for Holy Week. See the Church Calendar for specific dates and places.
Good Friday Services
Our Good Friday services include a communion in the Old Chapel at 10 a.m., A historic Crucifixion service at 2:15 p.m., and a contemporary Tenebrae service at 7 p.m. See the Church Calendar for specific dates and places.
Great Sabbath Lovefeast
Saturday at 2 p.m. Worship includes a traditional song service honoring the quiet rest day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
God’s Acre Preparation
God’s Acre is the first Moravian cemetery in Bethlehem. It’s located north of the Christian Education Building and parking lot and south of Market Street. In preparation for the Bethlehem Area Moravian Easter Sunrise Service, which concludes in God’s Acre, Central’s Youth Group and friends gather on the Saturday before Easter at noon to place potted hyacinths on the gravestones in the cemetery.
Holy Week Schedule
21 – 25
March
Readings for Holy Week
Each night during Holy Week, we gather at 7 p.m. to reflect on Jesus’ final days through Scripture, readings, and song.
7 p.m. See the Church Calendar for specific dates and places.
25
March
Maundy Thursday | Holy Communion
Join us in commemorating the Last Supper with Holy Communion.
7 p.m. Sanctuary
26
March
Good Friday Services
Good Friday services include Communion at 10 a.m., a historic Crucifixion service at 2:15 p.m., and a contemporary Tenebrae service at 7 p.m., offering opportunities for worship and reflection throughout the day.
10 a.m. & 7 p.m. Old Chapel | 2:15 p.m. Sanctuary
27
March
Great Sabbath Lovefeast
On Holy Saturday, we gather at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary to rest together between the solemnity of Good Friday and the joy of Easter Sunday, with readings, inspiring music, and warm fellowship.
2 p.m. Sanctuary
28
March
Easter Sunday Services
Join us for Easter worship throughout the morning, beginning with the 6:30 a.m. Easter Dawn Service, followed by Festival Worship at 9 a.m. and the Festival Triumph Service at 11 a.m.
6:30 a.m. Easter Dawn | 9 a.m. Old Chapel | 11 a.m. Sanctuary
Easter Sunday Celebrations
Easter Dawn Service
- March 28 at 6:30 a.m.
- Gather in person in the Sanctuary at 6:30 a.m. and move to God’s Acre for the second section of the Easter Dawn Service. 7 a.m. Refreshments following the service.
Morning Worship
- March 28 at 9 a.m. & 11 a.m
- Our Morning Worship services are held at 9 a.m. in Olde Chapel and 11 a.m. in Sanctuary with traditional Moravian liturgies and hymns.
Egg Hunt & Workshop
- March 28 at 10 a.m.
- Held on the Church Green at 10 a.m. between services, featuring crafts, treats, and fun for all ages.
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