For the second year in a row, Holy Week and Easter observances took on a different form at Nokomis Heights, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Worship was online for Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday. The services included special music under the direction of organist Julie Urban and dramatic gospel narratives produced by Marti Priest, along with inspirational preaching by Pastor Kristen Capel and Pastor Steve Delzer, and other worship leading by a host of NHLC volunteers. Many thanks to Dana Lonn for his hours of recording and editing the videos! If you missed any of these worship services, you can still view them on our YouTube channel.
In addition to online worship, this year we offered three in-person opportunities. On Palm Sunday, members were invited to gather on the front lawn for a Spring Thaw Hangout with Annika Coyle, who is taking over the youth duties while Amy Snetting is on maternity leave. The afternoon event featured hot chocolate around the fire, lawn games, a chance to pick up a palm and bread and wine for Easter Communion, and lots of good conversation with friends we’ve not seen for a while!
On Good Friday, a multi-sensory Service of Healing was held at the church. The unique worship experience featured a display of original artwork by local artists that depicted the condition of human suffering, meditative music by a string ensemble, and stations in the sanctuary for prayer, healing, Baptismal remembrance, and Holy Communion.
On Easter Sunday, following online worship, we gathered out front for an “Easter on the Lawn” celebration that included coffee and donuts, alleluia launching, and a neighborhood egg hunt for the kids. Sunday School families also had the chance to pick up their final Faith at Home Box for the term.
COVID protocols, including mask wearing and social distancing, were followed at all events, in an effort to keep all in attendance safe.
Follow this link for an album of photos from the Holy Week and Easter activities!
