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A week of services leading up to Easter Sunday have been planned for those hoping to commemorate Holy Week.
Back in the late 1980s, several members of the local clergy got the idea to hold a noon service in a different church every weekday during Holy Week. It’s a tradition that has endured through the years, enabling Christians to experience churches, pastors and fellowship with congregations other than their own. All the services were short so that people could attend during a workday.
A 1987 flyer lists the pastors and churches involved: Rev. Mann Valentine, St. Stephen’s Episcopal; Father Michael McGuiness, St. Maurice Catholic Church; Rev. Lawson Bryan, Brewton First Methodist; Rev. Robert Oates, First Presbyterian; and Rev. Terry Rhodes, North Brewton Baptist. The pastors also did a “pulpit swap” with each conducting a service at a church other than their own. Services were followed by lunch (the flyer asked for a one dollar donation.)
Rev. Chris Patterson of Brewton First Methodist says the tradition is one that unites the religious community.
“Churches may worship in varying ways and they may have different beliefs, but for one week the whole of Christendom agrees that Jesus reveals himself as one who forgives, dies and rises again,” Patterson said.
Father Patrick Madden of St. Maurice Catholic Church applauded the service plan.
“The Holy Week tradition is one of the best qualities of our community,” Madden said.
The Revered Carrie Wright of St. Stephen’s Episcopal says the tradition is one enabling Christians to remember the great sacrifice of Jesus.
“Throughout Holy Week, we are able to enter into the historical events of the passion and we can move with Christ through his last days,” Wright said.
This year’s schedule for the noon services is as follows. Lunch will be served Monday through Thursday. Friday will feature a one hour service focusing on the “7 Last Words of Christ.”
Monday: St. Maurice Catholic Church, located at 202 East Jackson Street, with Father Patrick Madden speaking.
Tuesday: East Brewton Methodist Church, located at 616 Forrest Avenue in East Brewton with Pastor Pat Poole speaking.
Wednesday: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at 1510 Escambia Avenue, with the Rev. Carrie Wright speaking.
Thursday: First Presbyterian Church, located at 336 Belleville Avenue, with the Rev. Parker Johnson speaking.
Friday: Brewton First Methodist Church, located at 820 Belleville Avenue, with the Rev. Chris Patterson speaking.
A light lunch will follow each noon service at the host church. All services are open to the public.
In addition, churches are also holding additional services on Thursday, Good Friday and Saturday:
Scheduled for special services are St. Maurice: Holy Thursday: Mass of the Lord’s Supper, 6 p.m.; Friday: Stations of the cross, 3 p.m.; Good Friday Service of the Lord’s Passion, 7 p.m.; and Holy Saturday: Easter Vigil Mass at 7 p.m.
St. Stephens: Thursday, 5:30 p..m. Good Friday, Services at 3 p.m.
First Methodist of Brewton: Good Friday Services at 6 p.m.
East Brewton Methodist: Maundy Thursday Service at 6 p.m.
All services are open to the public at no charge.