Holy Week 2026 at St. James Presbyterian Church, Hanwell
Dear friends in Christ,
As we enter into Holy Week, I find myself smiling at a story about a Sunday School class learning about Easter. The teacher carefully explained how Jesus died on the cross and how, on the third day, he rose again. After listening intently, little Sally raised her hand and said, “If it’s true that Jesus died, then why do they call it crucifixion? Shouldn’t it be crucifact?”
There’s something wonderfully honest in that question. Children have a way of cutting right to the heart of things. If Jesus truly died, then the story should end there. We would simply be a people who remembers. He would have a nice legacy to celebrate.
And yet… Easter tells us otherwise.
At the cross, even a Roman centurion—an outsider, a witness to countless executions—looked upon Jesus and said, “Truly this man was God’s Son!” In that moment, something didn’t fit the usual pattern. Even in death, there was a glimpse of truth breaking through.
And then came the third day.
Matthew tells us that at dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly, there was a great earthquake; an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled back the stone, and sat on it. The guards shook with fear. And the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid… He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said.” And as they ran to tell the others, Jesus himself met them and said, “Greetings.”
The crucifixion was not simply a fact to be recorded. It became something more—something transformed. The cross, which should have marked the end, became the place where God’s love was poured out most fully. And the tomb, which should have sealed the story, became the place where new life began.
That is the good news of Easter: sin and darkness do not have the final word. Death is not the end of the story. In Christ, God is always at work bringing life out of death, hope out of despair, and possibility where we see none.
“He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see…” (Matthew 28:6)
This Holy Week, we are invited to walk that journey again—to move from the table, to the cross, to the empty tomb, to where Jesus leads.
Join us:
- Maundy Thursday: 5:30 potluck and 7 p.m. Tenebrae and Communion service)
- Good Friday: 11 a.m. service
- Easter Sunday: 9 – 10:15 a.m. breakfast and 11 a.m. Communion service
- Bright Sunday (Holy Humour Sunday) (April 12): 11 a.m. service
A note regarding offerings during Holy Week:
No offering will be received during the Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. However, if you wish to make a special offering this Holy Week, envelopes are available in the entrance area. Offering plates have also been placed near the entrance of the sanctuary for Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, and special offerings in support of St. James can also be received during the Easter Sunday service or by e-transfer at [email protected].
If you feel moved to give a special offering, we invite you to consider:
- Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D): If you found meaning in the Lenten Lunch series, or wish to extend your care of neighbour globally, we invite you to consider a gift to PWS&D. These offerings support food security initiatives such as helping farmers improve and multiply crops, protect their land, raise livestock for income and nutrition, and provide seeds for household gardens.
- Easter Offering: An Easter envelope is also available if you feel moved to make a special offering in support of the ongoing ministries of St. James, through which we seek to share hope, love, and compassion in our community.
Friends, what looks like the end is not the end in Christ. The stone is rolled away, the tomb is empty, and new life is already breaking in.
May you know the promise of that hope this Easter.
God bless you,
Rev. Wendy
