According to Rev. David Myers, Holy Week in 2023 will be truly special at First Congregational Church of Wiscasset, UCC, from the commemoration of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to his last supper with his disciples and the resurrection on Easter Sunday. The Good Friday and Easter Sunrise services will be combined with St. Philip’s Episcopal Church.  

Myers’ sermon, “Everybody loves a parade,” will highlight the April 2 Palm Sunday service at 10 a.m. at First Congregational Church. Music will include “This is my Father’s World” performed by the chimes choir, “Fanfare for Palm Sunday” by Mary MacDonald performed by the choir and “The Palms” and “Toccata on Hosanna, Loud Hosanna” by organist Joel Pierce.  

On April 6, the Maundy Thursday combined Tenebrae communion service will take place at First Congregational at 7 p.m. The candlelight service will include readings from the gospels describing the time between the Last Supper and the Passion of Christ. Choir music will include “Ubi Caritas” and John Stainer’s “God So Loved the World.” A duet, “Were you There?” will be performed by Margot Stiassni and Martha Speed. All are welcome to take communion.    

On Good Friday, April 7, the FCCW sanctuary will be open from noon to 3 p.m. for quiet prayer. A Taize combined service at 7 p.m. will be held at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 12 Hodge St., Wiscasset. Taize services use short musical phrases with simple melodic units that can be easily memorized by all. Rev. Tom Junket’s sermon will be “The Emptying.” The service will also include readings from the gospels describing the time between the Last Supper and the Passion of Christ.

On Easter, April 10, a sunrise combined service with St. Philip’s will be held at 6 a.m. at the Wiscasset waterfront. Music will be provided by Dr. Jeffrey Grosser and Sarah Whitfield.  

“See you in Galilee” is the title of Rev. Myers’ sermon at the 10 a.m. traditional Easter service in the FCCW sanctuary. The choir will perform “Easter Celebration” by Craig Courtney.  The “Easter Toccata” by Percy Fletcher will be organist Joel Pierce’s postlude.

First Congregational Church of Wiscasset is at 28 High St. All services and events are open to the public and everyone is welcome. For more information, call 882-7544.