The following congregations have provided Holy Week service information for The Icon. Churches not listed may send their workshop schedule to [email protected].

Good Friday community service

Each year, the Bluffton Area Ministerial Association plans an ecumenical Good Friday service.

"We begin by carrying a cross to local Bluffton Area Ministerial Association churches, pausing to pray at each church entrance," said Louise Wideman.

This year the processional will begin at the English Lutheran Church at 11:30 a.m. From there, the cross will be carried to St. John's United Church of Christ, then to St. Mary's Catholic Church, to the Bluffton Presbyterian Church, Bluffton First United Methodist Church and finally to First Mennonite Church.

The cross will be carried into the sanctuary at First Mennonite, where we will gather at noon for a service of worship. An offering will be received for the Bluffton Food Pantry. All are welcome to participate.

Bluffton Presbyterian

The church sanctuary is open for prayer (Monday to Wednesday) over an extended lunch time from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guided prayer sheets are available for those who want them and a pastoral prayer will be shared each day at 12:30 p.m.

A Maundy Thursday service is at 6 p.m. with an opening sharing of music and prayer in the sanctuary starting at 5:45 p.m.

At 6 p.m. the congregation will enter the fellowship hall for a dinner and service commemorating the Last Supper.

Friday, will include a 7 p.m. service lead by youth of the congregation and Rev. Dr. Matthew Zuehlke, pastor.

Sunday is an Easter breakfast from 8:30 to 10 a.m. An Easter egg hunt is at 9:30 a.m. for children. The Easter worship service is at 10:15 a.m.

English Lutheran Church

On Maundy Thursday at 7 p.m., a service with Holy Communion will be held, which will conclude with the ritual stripping of the altar for Good Friday.

On Sunday, April 8, a contemporary sunrise Easter service of Holy Communion is at 7:30 a.m., followed by a potluck breakfast at 8:45 a.m. At 10:15 a.m. is an Easter service of Holy Communion, that will feature an instrumental ensemble. This service will also include the sacrament of Baptism and first communion for six youth.

First Mennonite Church

Maundy Thursday - 7 p.m. Fellowship Hall - Gathered around tables, our worship will include scripture, singing, faith stories, and a service of communion. An offering will be received for the deacons' benevolent fund.

Easter Sunrise Service, 7 a.m. Nature Preserve Pond - Gather by the pond at the nature preserve for a brief service of worship to celebrate Christ's resurrection.

Easter Brunch, 9:15 a.m. Fellowship Hall
Plan to bring egg casseroles, fruit, baking to share. Juice, coffee and table service will be provided.

Easter Morning Worship, 10:30 a.m. Sanctuary

St. John's United Church of Christ

Maunday Thursday service at 7 p.m.

Easter breakfast prepared by men of the congregation, beginning at 9 a.m. Easter Sunday service at 10:30 a.m..

Trinity Lutheran, Jenera

On April 5, Pastor Al Schmitzer will lead the Maundy Thursday service which begins at 7 p.m.

The Good Friday service on April 6 begins at 7 p.m. Pastor Jeff Bolwerk will conduct the service. Special music will be a hymn composed by a member.

The Easter Sunrise Service is planned for 6:30 a.m. and an Easter Celebration service begins at 9:30 a.m. An egg, sausage, fruit, sweet roll, juice and coffee breakfast will be served after the Sunrise Service until 9 a.m. in the school gym. Special Easter art by the school students in grades 5-8 will be displayed.