The Alternative Press

The community is invited to observe Holy Week and celebrate Easter with the congregation of the United Methodist Church in Madison, next to Drew University.

The Maundy Thursday service (April 5, 7:30 p.m.) will be planned and led by the youth and confirmation students, with the guidance of Pastor Amanda Rohrs-Dodge. The service will include Communion, music by the chancel choir, and stripping of the altar.

On Good Friday, April 6, a service of Tenebrae will be held at 7:30 p.m. Rev. Robb W. Shoaf will lead the congregation in contemplating the events recorded in the gospel of John and reflected in hymns sung by the congregation, as candles are extinguished.

On April 8, the celebration of Easter begins early with a Sunrise Service and Communion at 7:30 a.m. All are invited to enjoy Easter Breakfast at 8:30 a.m. At the 10 a.m. Family Worship service children may participate in the “Flowering of the Cross” during the children’s message given by Director of Christian Education Peggy Merrick. Children ages 3 through 3rd grade will be dismissed for a special program before the sermon, delivered by Rev. Shoaf. Each child will also be given a small flowering plant to take home. The Chancel Choir and Youth Bell Choir will provide joyous music, culminating with the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s Messiah, directed by Dr. Susan McAdoo, director of music/organist.

A special Easter offering will be taken for two projects the church has chosen to support: Morris Habitat for Humanity’s Peer Place housing construction in Denville; and South Sudan HEAL, a United Methodist Committee on Relief effort to improve health services in 17 rural villages in South Sudan.

The United Methodist Church in Madison is located at 24 Madison Avenue. Regular Sunday worship services are at 8:30 and 10 a.m. Sunday school classes for children, as well as childcare for infants and toddlers, are offered at 10 a.m. The church is handicapped accessible. For more information visit www.umcmadison.org or call 973-377-1231.