LCIF Observes Holy Week

Lutheran Church in the Foothills (LCIF) invites the community to observe the journey from reflection to celebration during its upcoming Holy Week services. The week’s observances begin with the Palm Sunday worship service on March 29. Attendees are asked to gather in the church courtyard at 9:45 a.m. for the traditional “Procession of the Palms” where palm fronds are handed out and are carried inside the sanctuary. The ceremony commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where crowds laid palm branches in his path and greeted Jesus as “king” the week before his crucifixion.  

On April 2, the church will hold a Maundy Thursday service at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. In the Lutheran tradition, Maundy Thursday commemorates Jesus’ final celebration of Passover, or the Last Supper, with his disciples. 

The solemnity continues April 3 with a Good Friday service at 7 p.m. to commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

The week will culminate with the celebration of Easter on Sunday, April 5, marking the resurrection of Jesus and the triumph of life over death. Worship will be held at 10 a.m.; however, all are invited to arrive early and enjoy breakfast in the Fellowship Hall at 8:30 a.m. Families with young children can enjoy an Easter egg hunt, as well as a “bunny cuddle corner.” Worship will be led by Pastor Viv Vega. The service will include music under the direction of Mark Anzelon, as well as Holy Communion. Holy Communion at LCIF is open to all with an open heart. 

For more information about all activities at LCIF, please visit the church’s website: lcifoothills.org. Those who need pastoral care can email office@lcifoothills.org or call (818) 790-1951. 

The church is located at 1700 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada Flintridge. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Holy Week Services at La Crescenta Presbyterian

La Crescenta Presbyterian Church has a full calendar of worship services to celebrate Easter, all open to the community:

On Maundy Thursday, April 2, a simple meal of soup, bread and oranges will be served at 5:30 p.m. in Koopmans Hall, followed by a worship service including communion at 7 p.m. in the LCPC sanctuary.

On Good Friday, April 3, there will be a moving worship service focusing on the power and meaning of the cross beginning at 7 p.m. in the LCPC sanctuary.

On Easter Sunday, April 5, LCPC will offer two opportunities to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The 9 a.m. service will feature contemporary worship led by our praise band. The 11 a.m. traditional service will feature the choir, organist and pianist.

All Easter events and services will take place on the La Crescenta Presbyterian campus at 2902 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta. For more information, visit lcpc.net or call (818) 249-6137.

Holy Week at Mount Olive Lutheran Church

On Sunday, March 29 at 9:30 a.m., Mt. Olive begins one of the holiest of weeks in the church calendar, Holy Week, with Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday commemorates when Jesus made His triumphant entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey to the cries of the people, “Hosanna, blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” Palm branches were spread before His path and His name praised – only for the words “Crucify Him” to be yelled five days later.

Thursday, April 2 at 7:30 p.m. commemorates Maundy Thursday. Maundy Thursday service marks the beginning of the three days leading up to Easter. The focus of this service is on two commandments that Jesus gave in the upper room at His Last Supper: the first was to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion. “Do this in remembrance of me;” the second commandment that night was, “A new commandment I give you, that you love one another even as I have loved you.” John 13:34 (NASB)

On Friday, April 3 at 7:30 p.m. the Good Friday service is held. It is a solemn service where the altar has been draped in black, the candles and lights are dimmed and the Scriptures are read that tell of Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross. The service ends in darkness and silence as all leave to wait for the news of Jesus’ resurrection. 

On Saturday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m., it’s the candlelight Easter vigil service.

Easter Sunday, April 5 at 9:30 a.m. Make plans and come celebrate the news that Jesus has conquered death and has risen from the dead! “He is risen! – He has risen indeed!”

Mt. Olive is located at 3561 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta. For more information, call the office at (818) 248-4253 or visit MOLC.org.

Red Cross Blood Drive in La Crescenta

The community is invited to give the life-saving gift of blood at a Red Cross Blood Drive on Sunday, March 29 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The blood drive will be held at La Crescenta Presbyterian Church, 2902 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta. Visit lcpc.net/giveblood to sign up. 

Blood is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses and traumatic injuries. Those who have been looking for a local venue to donate, are encouraged to sign up and attend!

For more information, contact La Crescenta Presbyterian at (818) 249-6137.

CSL Offers Gentle Movement Class

The Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta is offering a gentle stretch and relax chair movement with Michelle Gillette. It takes place every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is a $10 donation.

The class is at Chaffee Hall in the Center for Spiritual Living – La Crescenta.

The Center for Spiritual Living is located at 4845 Dunsmore Ave. in La Crescenta. For more information, call (818) 249-1045.

Walk and Word 

Walk and Word participants will meet in the parking lot of Deukmejian Wilderness Park, 3429 Markridge Road in La Crescenta/Glendale at 8 a.m. on March 29. Participants will walk for the first hour and then gather to read a selection of Scripture. About a half hour will be spent journaling about what was read and then there will be conversation, sharing thoughts.

Participants are asked to bring something to write with, anything wanted to eat or drink, and a chair to use for the writing part of the morning. Because people will be outdoors and social distancing will be practiced, masks will be optional. 

Those with questions can email Jeanne at jnlavieri@earthlink.net. 

All are welcome. If the hike is too strenuous, there are level paths at the park. There are ramps from the parking lot to the field where the group gathers after the hike.