Dear Friends in Christ,
Spring has sprung and Easter is almost here, but we are still in Lent, so don’t rush it. I hope you are enjoying a prayerful, thoughtful, Lent. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday (March 29th) as we read the Passion narrative and remember our Lord’s death, as we await His resurrection. The 2026 Holy Week & Easter Services Schedule can be found below.
Starting on Thursday, April 2nd, we enter what is called the Triduum, three very holy days. First is Maundy Thursday, where we remember Jesus’ humbling of Himself at the Last Supper by washing each other’s feet as He did. Next comes Good Friday, when we ponder Jesus’ suffering and death. We will be following the liturgy as found in the prayer book with a passion reading and veneration of the cross at 12:00pm, followed by a lovely Tenebrae service at 7:30pm. The Triduum concludes with the Easter Vigil, where we will bless the holy fire and hear the story of our salvation by candlelight as we await Jesus’ Resurrection. Interestingly, after the Thursday service, there is no dismissal, and there is also no dismissal after the Friday service. This means that the Triduum is one long service that stretches over 3 days. Isn’t that neat?
Remember that once Easter begins, it is a 50-day long season in the church and lasts until Pentecost. During this time, we celebrate the Resurrection, which is rebirth, renewal, and change for the good. This celebration is ongoing and our mission as followers of Jesus never ends. We love God and love our neighbors as ourselves with joy in our hearts. Live out that Resurrection joy, not just in the Easter season, but every season.
Each year at St. Stephen’s, as we celebrate Easter, we decorate our church with beautiful lilies and worship with joyous music. Please consider making a special donation in support of these traditions, in remembrance, as a family memorial or in thanksgiving. Your gift will be graciously appreciated, and a listing of memorials and donors will appear in the Easter bulletins.
Click here to download the donation forms for Easter Lilies and the Music Fund.
Your completed form(s) should be returned to the Parish Office, along with your donation, by Palm Sunday, March 29th.
Blessings,
Mo. Lauren
The Rev. Lauren T. McLeavey
Rector
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In-Person Services:
Sundays at 8:00am. Holy Eucharist.
Sundays at 10:00am. Holy Eucharist.
Online Services: Sundays, 10am - Online Eucharist
On Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 845 1563 2737
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
On YouTube Live:
https://www.youtube.com/@st.stephenschurch-portwash6350/streams
News and Events
Sunday School & Youth Group
Sundays at 10:00am September-June
Registration is Ongoing
Click here for the Registration Form.
Questions? Contact Rhonda Fay, Children & Youth Ministries at
Paper & Personal Care Pantry at Lutheran Church of Our Savior
Low-income seniors, persons enrolled in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and others will be able to obtain items such as paper towels, toilet tissue, bar soap, laundry detergent, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. The pantry is open on the first Thursday of each month, 4:15pm-6pm. First-timers to the pantry need to bring this referral form signed by one of the authorized referring organizations listed. For more info, contact the Lutheran Church office (516) 767-0603 or .
Laundry Love is a partnership of the Port Washington Clergy Association.
The organization helps to wash the clothes and bedding of low-income families.
This event takes place on the third Thursday of the month.
Click here for more information
Información en Español