The lunar calendars used by both Jewish and Christian faith communities in determining holy days and devotion often overlap about this time of the year. Today marks not only the observance among Christians of Maundy Thursday in Holy Week, but also the 5th day of the eight-day Jewish observance of Passover. For Christians, Maundy Thursday revisits the celebration of the Passover by the Jewish rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth, gathered with his disciples in Jerusalem.
Local observances that we are aware of as we go to press include:
The nearest Jewish synagogues celebrating Passover are the conservative United Hebrew Center, 106 West 15th, Pueblo, 719-544-9897, and the reform Temple Emmanuel, 1325 North Grand Avenue, Pueblo, 719-544-5448. A Zissen Pesach!
Local faith communities observing Holy Week and Festival of the Resurrection with devotion and services include:
Community United Methodist Church, 202 S. 6th, Westcliffe: Maundy Thursday, Prayer Vigil and Communion, 3-5 p.m.; Good Friday, Service, 4-5 p.m.; Sunday, Easter Worship, 9 a.m.
Custer County Church of Christ, 1005 Oak, Silver Cliff: Sunday Service, 10:30 a.m.
First Baptist Church, 410 S. 6th, Westcliffe: Sunday, Sunrise Community Service, The Bluff, 8 a.m.; Easter Service, 10:45 a.m.
Hope Lutheran Church, 510 S. 3rd, Westcliffe: Maundy Thursday, Service, 2 p.m.; Good Friday, Service, 2 p.m.; Sunday, Service, 10 a.m.
Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic, 109 S. 5th, Westcliffe: Maundy Thursday, Mass, 5:30 p.m.; Good Friday Service, 3 p.m.; Saturday, Easter Vigil beginning 7:45 p.m.; Sunday, Mass 11 a.m.
Sangre de Cristo Cowboy Church, 6026 State Highway 69, Westcliffe: Sunday Service, 11 a.m.
Sangre de Cristo Fellowship, 120 Jerry Drive, Westcliffe: Maundy Thursday, Living Live Supper, 5 and 7 p.m.; Sunday Sunrise Community Service, The Bluff, 8 a.m.; Service at the church, 9:30 a.m.
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 201 S. 3rd, Westcliffe: Good Friday, The way of the Cross, noon; Sunday, Easter service, 10:30 a.m.
Valley Bible Fellowship, 115 Hermit Lane, Silver Cliff: Sunday, Morning Prayer, 8:30 a.m.; Morning Service, 10 a.m. (NB: Apologies—we could not navigate the online calendar to determine if other Holy Week services were being held; call 719-581-7572 for details)
Wetmore Baptist Church, 26252 State Highway 96, Wetmore: Sunday, Service 10:45 a.m., 1 p.m.
Wetmore Community Church, 699 CR 395, Wetmore: Sunday, Easter SON Rise Service, 6 a.m., Jackson Hill (1 ½ miles east on 69, turn left); Church Service, 10 a.m.
As of press time, these were the observances the Tribune was aware of.
Faith community Easter related programs include First Baptist Church’s Easter Egg Hunt on The Bluff, Saturday, 10 a.m. A number of the faith communities are hosting potlucks between or after worship services; details are available directly from the host faith community.
All are welcome and invited to all services and events!
The Tribune wishes all our readers a Happy Easter holiday weekend! May spring and blooming new life be kind to all of us.
– W.A. Ewing