Lent offers a counter-cultural invitation to each of us, providing streams in the desert of our lives. We are invited to slow down for a time of reflection and prayer – connection with God – as we prepare for a more meaningful, joyful and hopeful Easter. This year at Trinity during Lent we begin The Year of One: One People, One Planet, One God. We are focused on Christ’s deep desire for us expressed in one of his last recorded prayers, found in the Gospel of John: “Father, may they be one as you and I are one.” In 2021 we face complex challenges on a personal, community and global level. As Christ-followers, in these unprecedented times, let’s explore together how unity can positively change our experience and our world.
This year we hope to celebrate together in person (COVID-19 and weather-permitting). We also invite you to join us online for worship on Sundays during Lent, as well as Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday.
Why is Holy Week so special? Without the events of this week, there would be no Christian faith. Before we can learn the power of God through the Resurrection, we need to learn about God’s faithful love through Jesus’ obedient death. There were more than 30 Messiah figures who lived and died, often crucified, before and after Jesus, but only Jesus went willingly to death for our sake and only Jesus came back to proclaim victory over death.
Below you can find some ways to think more deeply about the meaning of this season and share with our families or friends the significance of Jesus’ last words and actions.
Lenten Devotionals
This Lent we encourage you to join us every Sunday for worship. And choose one or more of the following devotionals to deepen your connection with God, one another and creation:
One God: For those who receive our weekly E-News, a special daily devotional written by the folks at The Presbyterian Outlook will come to you via email every Sunday to help you connect with God throughout the Lenten season. You will be invited to pray with one passage from Scripture each day and prompted to reflect on what it discloses to you about movement toward God and movement away from God in your life.
One People: Lent of Liberation: Confronting the Legacy of American Slavery invites readers to learn more about the brutal institution of slavery and its impact on Black people in America, and to recognize how its legacy continues today. Each of the forty devotions includes the testimony of a person who escaped slavery through the Underground Railroad, a Scripture passage, and a reflection connecting biblical and historical themes to challenge modern readers.
One Planet: This Lenten season the great state of Texas was brought to her knees by a powerful winter storm caused, surprisingly, by the warming of the Arctic. More than ever, we are acutely aware that what happens elsewhere has a profound impact on us. Explore our inter-connectedness and accept the invitation to join in communion with all creation in the Presbyterians for Earth Care Online Lenten Devotional which is available on Sundays and during Holy Week.
Youth Devotionals: The season of Lent is a time for reflection and preparation for Easter. Our Christian Education leaders have selected a daily devotional from Sparkhouse.
Activities for Children and Youth
Drive-Through Egg Hunt
March 28, 2021
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
All are welcome to join us for a drive-through Easter egg hunt! Children will be given a card and can mark all the large eggs they see around Trinity’s campus. All of this will be done in the safety of your own vehicle.
Lenten Activities for Children
The Early Childhood and Elementary ministries at Trinity are providing activity egg kits to help families reflect on Lent and Easter in a meaningful and fun way. The egg cartons each have twelve Easter eggs that your family can open together throughout the seasons of Lent, Holy Week, and Easter. Each egg has a unique item that corresponds with a short devotional and optional family activity. Activity egg cartons will be available for pickup at the church. Kits are available outside the south entrance of the church.
Palm Sunday
PALM SUNDAY
March 28, 2021
On what is now known as Palm Sunday Jesus entered Jerusalem, the religious and political center of his people. He did not come in with power or might, but humbly, riding on a donkey. Nonetheless the people spontaneously gathered to praise and even to worship him, recognizing that he was no ordinary man. Was he the Messiah, come to save them from the domination and oppression of the Roman Empire?
In Person Outdoor Worship:
COVID and weather-permitting, we hope to gather at 11:00 am on our south lawn for joyful outdoor worship. How good it will be to gather together in prayer and praise! In addition to uplifting music and an inspirational sermon, Jesus will enter and together we will greet him as Christians have done throughout the ages – with palms and shouts of “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD!” Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on. Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing observed.
Online Worship:
Join us online for joyful Palm Sunday worship featuring our amazing Trinity musicians and choir, as well as our children waving palms and shouting “Hosannah!”
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday
April 1, 2021
The Thursday before Easter is known as “Maundy Thursday.” This is the day that Jesus gathered with his disciples in the Upper Room, sharing a special Passover meal with them, and giving them a New Commandment, to love one another (John 13:34). The word “Maundy” is derived from the Latin word for Commandment. Following their meal together, Jesus and his friends went to the Garden to pray, and it was there that he was arrested and subsequently executed. If we skip the observance of this solemn day, we miss the full power and joy of Easter morning.
In Person Opportunity for Prayer, Reflection and Communion:
COVID and weather permitting, you are invited to join us in the Celebration Garden any time between 6 – 8 pm. In this beautiful and reverent setting, there will be interactive prayer stations as well as sharing of Holy Communion. Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing observed.
Online Worship:
Beginning at 7 pm, join us online for solemn, meaningful Maundy Thursday worship which will include both Holy Communion and a Tenebrae service.
Easter Sunday
HE IS RISEN!
On that first Easter morning women went to the tomb to finish anointing Jesus’ body. To their surprise, the stone at the entrance had been moved and the tomb was empty. Even more astonishing, Jesus himself appeared to Mary Magdalene, to Peter, and later to all the disciples. This is the most important day of the year for Christians, for we worship and serve a risen Christ! In this we find hope for re-birth, a second chance at an abundant and meaningful life now and for eternity. Thanks be to God!
Every Easter we have the privilege of participating in a special offering, One Great Hour of Sharing. Your gifts restore hope, feed the hungry and empower the oppressed. What better way to put our faith into action during this Year of One than to make a gift to these lifegiving ministries?
In person outdoor worship:
COVID and weather permitting, we will joyfully gather to celebrate the risen Christ at 11 am on the south lawn of the church. As is our tradition, we will “flower the cross,” so plan to bring something from your garden or a purchased bloom to add to the vibrant display. “He is risen, He is risen indeed!” Bring chairs or a blanket to sit on. Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing observed.
Online worship:
Joyful, joyful we adore Thee, God of Glory Lord of Love! Join us online on Easter Sunday for glorious music and inspiring words of hope. Christ IS risen! Let us rejoice and be glad!