Knox Presbyterian Church in Pasadena will mark Palm Sunday on April 13 with a traditional 10 a.m. service featuring palm branches for all congregants to recreate the biblical scene of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
The service launches Holy Week at the South Hill Avenue church, which describes itself as “a diverse, intergenerational people of genuine Christian faith who engage the local community and the world as agents of spiritual and social transformation.”
Palm Sunday commemorates the Gospel accounts of Jesus riding into Jerusalem on a donkey while crowds spread palm branches and garments along his path. The celebration marks the beginning of Christianity’s holiest week, culminating in Easter.
Following Sunday’s service, Knox Presbyterian will host several Holy Week activities, including daily morning prayer sessions via Zoom at 7:30 a.m. starting April 15.
A special “Sculpting Holy Week” event on Wednesday, April 16, will feature sculptor Chris Slatoff sharing how he has depicted Jesus’ final days in clay and bronze. Attendees will also participate in a clay sculpting experience at the 6 p.m. gathering.
The church will observe Maundy Thursday on April 17 with a 7 p.m. Tenebrae Service, also called a Service of Shadows, recounting Jesus’ last supper, betrayal, trial and crucifixion. A separate program will be available for children.
A prayer vigil will be held on Good Friday, April 18, from noon to 6 p.m., and continue on Holy Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sanctuary will remain open for prayer, with guides available for reflection.
The week culminates with Easter Sunday services on April 20 at 10 a.m., featuring Easter lilies decorating the sanctuary, followed by a pancake brunch and children’s egg hunt on the church lawn.
Knox Presbyterian Church holds regular worship services every Sunday at 10 a.m. at 225 South Hill Avenue in Pasadena.
