Celebrate Holy Week at The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township (PCCT) invites the community to experience a variety of meaningful worship services during Holy Week, leading up to the celebration of Easter. All services will be held at the church at 240 Southern Boulevard, with opportunities for in-person and online participation.

“Holy Week is an opportunity to reflect on the journey toward Easter and celebrate the hope it brings,” said The Rev. Tom Brown, Pastor of PCCT. “We invite everyone to join us—there’s something for everyone, and all are welcome.”

Palm Sunday – April 13, 10:00 a.m.
Palm Sunday starts Holy Week with a joyful children’s procession, as they wave palm branches to commemorate Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem. A beloved tradition, the Easter Cross—crafted from Christmas trees of previous years—will be displayed, symbolizing the connection between Christ’s birth and His ultimate sacrifice. Children in Kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to “One Room Schoolhouse,” a combined Church School, and nursery care is available for infants through Pre-K. The service will also be live-streamed on the PCCT YouTube channel.

Maundy Thursday – April 17, 7:30 p.m.
Maundy Thursday marks the Last Supper, where Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples before His death. All are invited to participate in communion during this solemn, in-person-only service.

Good Friday Tenebrae Service – April 18, 7:30 p.m.
The Tenebrae Service (Latin for “darkness” or “shadows”) is a powerful Good Friday tradition that moves from light to total darkness, symbolizing the death of Jesus, the Light of the World. As seven candles—representing Christ’s last words—are extinguished, the sanctuary gradually darkens. The service concludes in silence as the congregation departs in reflection.

Easter Sunday – April 20, 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.
Easter Sunday will be celebrated with two joyful services featuring scripture, inspiring music, and the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah, where attendees are invited to sing along. The 11:00 a.m. service will be live-streamed and available for later viewing. Nursery care will also be provided at the second service.

Following the 11:00 a.m. service, children can participate in the much-anticipated Easter Egg Hunt on the church lawn, with over 500 colorful eggs ready for gathering. Families are encouraged to bring a basket and camera for this fun-filled tradition.

The Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township is a vibrant, multi-generational congregation that celebrates the glory of God through faith, fellowship, and service. Drawing members from three counties and more than 20 communities, it welcomes all, whether you are a young family, a single adult, or a couple with grown children. The congregation reflects diverse perspectives, provides rich music and education programs for all ages, and through social outreach addresses hunger, homelessness, and recovery from disasters or other crises. Follow PCCT on Facebook and Instagram to see the church in action. For more information, visit http://www.pcct-nj.org or call 973-635-2340.