Holy Week Services at FPC in Stow

During Holy Week, First Parish Church of Stow & Acton (FPC) will offer three special services.

On Palm Sunday, March 20, FPC will look at the very human side of Jesus and what he taught. This service will be offered twice, at 9 and 11 a.m. The Unitarian faith has roots in 16th-century Europe, where its approach to Jesus focused on his teachings rather than his divinity. That tradition thrives today in places like FPC’s partner church in Transylvania, where Jesus is referred to as "The Best Teacher." The Rev. Tom Rosiello and intern minister Ilene Gillispie will each offer reflections on what they see as the most important teachings. The services will also feature beautiful organ, piano, and choral music and there will be great hymns to sing.

A Maundy Thursday candlelight communion service will be held on Thursday, March 24, at 7 p.m. The story of Jesus' final days will be told, focusing on the Passover meal that he shared with his disciples and what this ritual of "breaking bread together" means to us today. In this service, FPC honors its Unitarian Universalist history and celebrates its Christian roots while reaching beyond to the broader message of community and the ministry of humble service. The historic communion silver from both FPC and the Universalist Church of South Acton will be used in the service, which will be led by FPC’s minister, The Rev. Tom Rosiello and intern minister, Ilene Gillispie, along with FPC’s lay ministers and musicians.

On Easter Sunday, March 27, FPC’s services at 9 and 11 a.m. will focus on what the Easter message can mean in peoples’ lives today. After an Easter Message for All Ages, FPC’s children will leave for the "Great Easter Egg Hunt." Both services will be filled with "Hallelujahs" and other Easter music. Both will conclude with an invitation to join the choir in singing the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel's Messiah.

All are welcome to these special services. FPC is located at 353 Great Road in Stow, at the intersection of Routes 117 and 62, next to the Randall Library. FPC’s facilities are wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact FPC’s office at 978-897-8149 or visit www.fpc-stow-acton.org.