First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale Invites You to Celebrate Holy Week and Easter where Faith Comes Alive

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 15, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Holy Week and Easter are fast approaching, and everyone is welcome to celebrate these sacred seven days of worship with First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale. Beginning with Palm Sunday on April 9, 2017, and concluding with a joyous celebration on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017, Holy Week at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale will offer several opportunities for individuals of all ages to grow in faith and fellowship.

"Our annual Holy Week events give attendees a chance to celebrate Christ's resurrection and fully understand the sacrifices He made for us," said Rev. Dr. Christopher Benek, Associate Pastor of Family Ministries and Mission at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale. "Each year we are thrilled to offer unique opportunities besides our contemporary and traditional worship in which our parishioners can actively participate in the Easter story."

To celebrate the beginning of Holy Week, the First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale is holding a Lenten concert on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 7 p.m., featuring the Cathedral Choir and the Symphony of the Americas. The choir and orchestra presentation will include "Te Deum" by Franz Joseph Haydn and "The Seven Last Words of Christ" by Théodore Dubois.

Additional highlights planned for Holy Week 2017 include a Labyrinth Walk, which is a time of solace and contemplative prayer; a live dramatization of Leonardo DaVinci's "The Last Supper" on Maundy Thursday; a light luncheon following noon worship on Good Friday; and four opportunities to celebrate the resurrection on Easter Sunday.

"Our relationship with Christ is one of unconditional love, and that is the true meaning of being a Christian," said Rev. Dr. Benek. "We want people to be reminded of that when they attend our Holy Week events and Easter celebration."

The Easter Sunday celebration will begin with an 8 a.m. sunrise service in one of Fort Lauderdale's most beautiful waterfront parks, Colee Hammock Park (1500 Brickell Drive, Fort Lauderdale), followed by a 9:30 a.m. – Contemporary worship in Fellowship Hall, 9:30 a.m. – Traditional worship in the Sanctuary and 11 a.m. – Traditional worship in the Sanctuary.

The full Holy Week schedule of events includes:

Cathedral Choir and Orchestra Lenten Concert (pre-Holy Week)
Sunday, April 2, 2017, 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
The Sanctuary
Choir and orchestra will perform "Te Deum" by Franz Joseph Haydn and "The Seven Last Words of Christ" by Théodore Dubois

Palm Sunday
Sunday, April 9, 2017
8:30 a.m. – Traditional Worship in Chapel-in-the-Sky
9:30 a.m. – Contemporary Worship in Fellowship Hall
11:00 a.m. – Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary

Labyrinth Walk
Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13, 2017, 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Fellowship Hall
Contemplative time of prayer

Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 13, 2017, 7:30 p.m.
Worship service and dramatization of DaVinci's "The Last Supper"
Including Communion in the Sanctuary

Good Friday
Friday, April 14, 2017
Worship at Noon in the Sanctuary
Light lunch will be provided immediately following worship in Fellowship Hall

Easter Sunday
Sunday, April 16, 2017
8:00 a.m. – Sunrise service in Colee Hammock Park
9:30 a.m. – Contemporary worship in Fellowship Hall
9:30 a.m. – Traditional worship in the Sanctuary
11:00 a.m. – Traditional worship in the Sanctuary

For additional information about First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale's Holy Week, its worship schedule or its diverse array of faith-based and social programming, visit firstpres.cc or call (954) 462-6200. Like what First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale is doing? Show it by clicking here.

About First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale
Founded in 1912, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale is located on the banks of the New River in the historic Colee Hammock neighborhood in downtown Fort Lauderdale. With more than 1,800 members, and a strong core of volunteers, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale prides itself in offering something for everyone, regardless of age. Since 1947, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale has operated Happyland Day School, a preschool for ages 2 to Kindergarten that provides a quality Christian environment for the children of the community. Adult, youth and children choirs as well as youth groups offer ample opportunity for fellowship at any age. An Adult Activity Center is open to senior citizens and features weekly lunches, entertainment and monthly bus trips. First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale offers two regular Sunday services as well as special worship services held throughout the year to commemorate significant days. For more information, please visit www.firstpres.cc.

MEDIA RELEASE CONTACT
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SOURCE First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale