Pastor’s Note
Dear Members and Friends of Montville Reformed Church,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
As we approach the most sacred time of the Christian year, we invite you to journey with us through Holy Week, walking in the footsteps of Christ from His triumphant entry into Jerusalem to His glorious resurrection. Each step of this journey reveals the depth of God’s love for us and calls us to reflect on our faith and commitment to Christ.
Palm Sunday (April 13, 9:30 AM, Montville Reformed Church)
We begin with Palm Sunday, the day when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah: “See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey” (Zechariah 9:9). The crowd’s cries of “Hosanna!” soon give way to the somber reality of Christ’s suffering and sacrifice. As we gather to wave palm branches and sing praises, we also prepare our hearts for the weight of the week ahead.
Maundy Thursday (April 17, 7:30 PM, Preakness Reformed Church, 131 Church Lane, Wayne, NJ 07470)
On Maundy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper, where Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment: “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). We will gather for a meaningful service at Preakness Reformed Church to reflect on Jesus’ act of humble service and His gift of the Lord’s Supper.
Good Friday Tenebrae Service (April 18, 7:30 PM, Montville Reformed Church)
On Good Friday, we solemnly meditate on Christ’s suffering and death. Through the Service of Tenebrae (Shadows), we will hear the Passion narrative and experience the growing darkness as candles are extinguished, reminding us of the weight of Jesus’ sacrifice: “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Easter Sunday (April 20)
Easter morning breaks forth with the joy of resurrection!
- 7:30 AM Sonrise Service – Outdoors, weather permitting, as we celebrate the empty tomb and proclaim: “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6).
- 8:30 AM Fellowship Hour – A time of community and rejoicing in our Risen Savior.
- 9:30 AM Easter Service – A glorious celebration of Christ’s victory over sin and death!
- 10:45 AM Easter Bubble Raising – A joyful moment for all ages, symbolizing our prayers and praises rising to God.
We encourage you to fully participate in this sacred journey. Whether you have been walking with Christ for years or are seeking to understand His love anew, Holy Week invites us to deepen our faith and experience the power of God’s redemption.
May this season draw us closer to Christ and to one another, as we proclaim with confidence: “Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).
In Christ’s Love,
Rev. Tom Henion Jr
Pastor, Montville Reformed Church