Holy Week at St. Paul Lutheran Church: Receive Christ’s Mercy in Word and Sacrament
Holy Week is the Church’s most solemn and most hopeful week of the year. At St. Paul Lutheran Church, we gather to hear again the saving story that stands at the center of Holy Scripture: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, goes to the cross for sinners and rises in victory for our justification. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures… He was buried… He has been raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). If you are looking for an Easter service, Holy Week services, or a reverent Good Friday service in the Clarence Center area, we warmly welcome you to worship with us.
In the historic Church, Holy Week is not treated as religious theatre or a sentimental tradition. It is proclamation and participation in the Church’s confession: Christ crucified and risen for you. The liturgy places God’s Word in the foreground so that the Gospel is not reduced to “religious inspiration,” but delivered as divine promise and comfort. Jesus Himself says, “The Son of man came… to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45), and again, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:28).
Holy Week Schedule
Confession Absolution
Wednesday, 4/1 — 4:00–6:00 PM (or by appointment)
Holy Week begins with honesty and consolation. The Scriptures teach that Christians live by repentance and faith: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves… If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:8–9). Confidential Confession and Absolution is a gentle, evangelical gift for burdened consciences. Here, you do not come to negotiate with God or prove yourself; you come to receive the sure Word of Christ’s forgiveness spoken personally. On Easter we do not celebrate a vague “fresh start.” We celebrate the concrete victory of Jesus over sin and death. Confession helps us enter Holy Week with hearts aimed at Christ’s mercy rather than our own self-defense.
If you would like to schedule an appointment outside the listed time, please contact Pastor Rako (716) 529-9201 or Pastor Ben (716) 316-8776.
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, 4/2 — 7:00 PM
Maundy Thursday places before us the night in which our Lord was betrayed and instituted His Supper. The Church calls it “Maundy” from the mandate of love (John 13:34), and it is marked by a deep focus on Christ’s self-giving. The heart of the evening is not our devotion, but His gift: “This is my body… This is my blood… for the forgiveness of sins” (Matthew 26:26–28). In the historic liturgy, the Church does not treat the Lord’s Supper as a mere symbol or memory exercise. It is Christ’s testament, His promise attached to bread and win, given to strengthen faith and forgive sins.
Mt. Olive service at 5:00 PM.
Good Friday
Friday, 4/3 — 7:00 PM
Good Friday is the Church’s solemn contemplation of the cross of Christ. The name “Good” is not irony. It is confession: the cross is good because it is where salvation is accomplished. “He was wounded for our transgressions… and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). St. John tells us that when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Holy Week teaches us to hear that word properly: finished means the sacrifice is complete, the debt is paid, the wrath against sin is satisfied, the accuser is answered, and the sinner has peace with God through Christ.
This is why the historic Church treats Good Friday with reverence rather than entertainment. The cross exposes our sin, but it also reveals God’s love: “God commendeth his own love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). If you are seeking a Good Friday service near Clarence Center, we invite you to come and rest in the finished work of Jesus.
Mt. Olive service at 5:00 PM.
Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, 4/4 — 2:00 PM (at Mount Olive Lutheran Church)
On Saturday, families and neighbors are invited to an Easter Egg hunt at Mount Olive at 2:00 PM. Youth volunteers, please come at 12:45 PM to help hide eggs and enjoy the afternoon together. This is a simple way we share joy with children and welcome guests as Holy Week reaches its great feast.
Easter Sunday
Sunday, 4/5 (St Paul Lutheran Church)
Sunrise Service: 6:30 AM
Breakfast: starting at 8:00 AM
Easter Divine Service: 9:30 AM
Easter is not merely a spring tradition; it is the Church’s proclamation that death has been conquered by the risen Christ. The angel’s word to the women at the tomb still stands: “He is not here; for he is risen, even as he said” (Matthew 28:6). Because Jesus is risen, sin’s accusation is answered and the grave’s power is broken. St. Paul says, “If Christ hath not been raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins… But now hath Christ been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:17, 20). That is why Christians gather in joy: Easter is the announcement that forgiveness is real, life is given, and a living hope is placed in the hearts of sinners who trust Christ. Don’t forget, services at St Paul on Easter Sunday.
Come and Worship With Us
Whether you have attended church for years or you are seeking again after a long absence, Holy Week is a fitting time to return. The Church does not ask you to bring a resume of spiritual achievements. She invites you to come empty-handed and receive Christ. As Jesus says, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
If you are new and want to learn more about what we believe, you can also browse recent church posts or explore our midweek study at New Testament. For additional background on Christian worship and the Church’s confession, you may find these resources helpful: who is Jesus and liturgy parts. Come walk with us through Holy Week—quietly, reverently, and with real hope—in the mercy of Jesus Christ. We would be honored to welcome you.
