Lent
Lent marks a special six-week period in the Church’s calendar, starting with Ash Wednesday and concluding on Holy Saturday & Easter Sunday. This year, Lent begins on March 5, 2025.
During the forty days of Lent (excluding Sundays), worshippers remember Jesus’ fasting in the wilderness as mentioned in Matthew 4. Lent is a time for fasting, self-reflection, repentance, and preparation for the joyous celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection on Easter.
Palm Sunday - April 13, 10AM
Palm Sunday is an important Christian feast that commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It serves as a reminder for Christians to welcome Jesus into their hearts, and during the Palm Sunday service, palms are distributed to symbolize this event. Beyond historical commemoration, Palm Sunday also calls believers to open their hearts to Jesus and prepare to walk with Him through suffering to resurrection
Maundy Thursday - April 17, 6PM
Maundy Thursday services traditionally include a focus on the Last Supper, not only as the beginning of the Triduum (the Great Three Days), but also as the institution of the Lord’s Supper (or Eucharist, or Communion). We will have, a foot washing service included, and the service will end with the Stripping of the Altar, and prayer watch.
Good Friday - April 18, 6PM
On Good Friday, we remember the events leading up to and including the crucifixion and the crucifixion itself. The Solemn Collects are read, , keeping silence while the people pray. Eucharist is not celebrated on Good Friday because this is the day in which we try to live in the reality of the brutal starkness of the Cross of Christ.
The Great Easter Vigil - April 19, 6PM
At the Easter Vigil we gather in darkness, just as the women who went to the tomb went there before dawn. Our vigil begins in this darkness and the light is carried into the midst of the people, and spreads. We rehearse the story of our redemption. This is the story of the preparation for the Light to come into the world.
As the light grows, we welcome new members into Christ’s church through baptism. In the early church, this would have been the service where the catechumens were baptized and could then receive their first communion.
After the reading of the Story of Salvation, the light blazes as we celebrate the coming of the day of his resurrection, with shouts of Alleluia! And then we celebrate the first Eucharist of Easter
Easter Sunday - April 20, 9AM & 11AM
On Easter Sunday, we remember and celebrate the triumphant Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! Easter Sunday then kicks off a period of 50 days traditionally known as Eastertide—ending with Pentecost Sunday.
At Grace Anglican Church in Oceanside, we are a community of people being transformed by the love of Jesus Christ, and we are seeking to lead all people to the transforming ocean of God's grace! Whatever brings you to church, we hope that you will experience the presence and love of God through worship with our church family.
ABOUT OUR CHURCH
WHAT TO EXPECT
Make sure to stop by our greeter table and pick up a name tag. An usher will greet you at the door and hand you a worship booklet. Everything you need to follow along with the service is in the booklet. Worship in the Anglican Church is participatory, and we invite you to join us to whatever level you are comfortable.
