Lent, Holy Week, and Easter

Lent is the period of forty days leading up to Easter. Christians around the world observe the season as a period of self-examination and repentance; prayer, fasting, and self-denial; and by reading and meditating on God's holy Word, following the example of Jesus’ own forty days in the wilderness. The season begins on Ash Wednesday, as ashes are imposed on the foreheads of the faithful, a mark and reminder of our own mortality and the need which all Christians have to renew their repentance and faith in Christ.

The season culminates in the observances of Holy Week, as we remember Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, and finally his crucifixion, death, and burial. St. John’s Church will share these most holy observances with St. Francis Episcopal Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church, both in Stamford.

Finally, on Easter Day, we celebrate our Lord’s resurrection from the dead, and the triumph over sin and death in which all Christians share.

Lenten Preaching 2025

Our Lenten series at for 2025 will focus on the distinctives of Anglican theology, identity, and practice. Each Sunday, the 10:15 service will be followed by a Sermon and Scripture discussion in the library, led by the preacher. The topics will be as follows:

  • March 9: Scripture > Tradition > Reason (the Rector)

  • March 16: The Sacraments (Deacon De Silva)

  • March 23: Common Prayer (the Rector)

  • March 30: Free Will, Grace, Justification (the Rector)

  • April 6: Prayer (Deacon De Silva)

Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Services

Ash Wednesday: March 5

  • 12:00 pm: Imposition of Ashes & Holy Communion, with sermon and music

  • 7:00 pm: Joint Ash Wednesday service with St. Francis Episcopal and St. John’s Lutheran churches, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 884 Newfield Ave, Stamford.

Mid-Lent Sunday: March 30

  • 4:00 pm: Choral Evensong, sung by the combined choirs of St. John’s Church, St. Francis Church, and St. John’s Lutheran Church. The Rev. Dr. Justin Crisp, rector of St. Barnabas Church in Greenwich, will preach.

Maundy Thursday: April 17

Good Friday: April 18

  • 12:00 pm: Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday, with sermon and music. The rector will preach.

  • 7:00 pm: Solemn Liturgy of Good Friday (at St. Francis Church, Stamford).

Easter Eve: Saturday, April 19

  • 7:30 pm: The Great Vigil of Easter, by candlelight, with Holy Communion, hymns, and choral music. The Rev. Martha McCreight, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Stamford, will preach.

Easter Day: Sunday, April 20

  • 8:00 am: Holy Communion, with sermon, in the chapel

  • 10:15 am: Holy Communion, with sermon, hymns, and choral music, in the church, followed by an Easter Egg Hunt on the lawn!