Daily Worship for Holy Week and Easter

The following liturgies are intended to guide worshipers who are sheltering at home through the patterns of worship, following the steps of Christ from Palm Sunday, through the pain and darkness of the events of the week, and into the joy of Easter resurrection. Two versions of this worship guide are available: one for families and small groups (series A) and another for individuals (series B). Created by Worship Ministries Endorsed Coaches, Joy Engelsman, Katie Roelofs, Ruth Ann Schuringa, Chris Walker, and Joyce Borger, director of Worship Ministries.

Holy Week 2020 is like no other year in our collective memories. A global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has swept around the world, changing every part of our lives including our worship practices. Yet, in spite of the fact that we are unable to worship with our church families, many of us still feel the nudge of the Spirit to remember and reflect on the most significant week in the life of Jesus.  

The following liturgies are intended to guide worshipers who are sheltering at home through the patterns of worship, following the steps of Christ from Palm Sunday, through the pain and darkness of the events of the week, and into the joy of Easter resurrection.

Two versions of this worship guide are available: one for families and small groups (series A) and another for individuals (series B). The entire week's worth are found in the pdfs below marked A (Families/Small Groups) and B (Individuals) with each day also saved as a single pdf if you prefer to print/use them that way (A.1-8) and (B.1-8). 

Each day follows a pattern of prayer, song, scripture reading, reflection and actions that we hope will set a reflective and memorable tone. If the song appears in the hymnal Lift Up Your Hearts (LUYH) we have indicated that and also provided links to videos and where possible lyrics and sheet music. We have included options so you can adapt these liturgies to your own needs.

If you are worshiping with children, we encourage you to repeat the same songs and prayers each day as this will allow them to participate and remember more easily. In fact, all of us, at any age, could benefit from the simplicity of familiar patterns in these days when so much of the rest of our lives seems like chaos.   

Each worship segment is intended to be 20-30 minutes long and is simple to prepare. Select a common space, find a candle, print the liturgy for the day, and have a computer on hand if you want to play some of the songs. Read through the plan ahead of time to collect the few other creative things suggested, e.g., coats, coins, vinegar, rocks, etc.  

Take your time. Be gentle with one another. Encourage participation, interaction and reflection. Above all, trust that the Spirit of God is with you.

Grace and Peace.