Worship services throughout the season of Lent and Easter Sunday at Banner Elk Presbyterian Church will include special community services for Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The triumphant Easter Worship Service is 11 AM on March 31st.
The season of Lent is a time of prayer and self-examination in preparation for the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord at Easter. “Lent is a time to re-connect with our faith,” says Rev. Whit Malone, Pastor. “Some people give up damaging behaviors to draw closer to God. Others add new practices including service in the community.”
Ash Wednesday Community Service, February 14th at 12 Noon: Begin the season of Lent together by singing, praying, hearing scripture and a message, and receiving the imposition of ashes at this 40-minute service – representing the 40 days leading up to Christ’s resurrection. Ashes symbolize mortality of humans and our need for repentance. Ash Wednesday is a day of humility and of new beginnings. Watch the recording here.
Sunday Worship Services, February 18 through March 24 at 11 AM: Rev. Whit Malone presents a sermon series “Fruit of the Spirit”: love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, patience and self-control. Nina Allbert, Choral Director, and David Soyars, Pianist/Organist, also lead worship and choirs with a wide variety of music, ranging from Handel, Mendelssohn, Jackie DeShannon, to Third Day! Instrumentalists will join with handbells, tone chimes, flute, saxophone, cello, timpani and guitar.
Good Friday Community Tenebrae Service, March 29 at 6 PM: Music by the choir and soloists, along with readings, recount Jesus’ final hours on the cross – and the seven last words of Christ. “Tenebrae” is the Latin word for “darkness”. Throughout the service, the lights grow dimmer and dimmer until the church is in darkness. Worshipers leave in silence and darkness to ponder the impact of Christ’s death. Also watch our live stream on our YouTube Channel.
Community Sunrise Service: March 31 at 7 AM
Join several Banner Elk church congregations on Resurrection Hill, located on Lees-McRae College South Campus.
Easter Sunday: March 31 at 11 AM
Joyfully acclaim: Christ the Lord is risen today! Sing along with celebratory hymns accompanied by the pipe organ. Hear a special anthem by the Chancel Choir. Handbells join the celebration. After the inspiring sermon by Dr. Rev. Whit Malone, the traditional service concludes with communion and the singing of the Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. Bring flowers for the flowering cross on the lawn. Also watch our live stream on our YouTube Channel.
Special Offering for World Disaster, Hunger, and Oppression
For over 70 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided Presbyterians a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need around the world. This special offering received during the season of Lent supports efforts to relieve hunger through the Presbyterian Hunger Program, promote development through the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, and assist in areas of disaster through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Give your offering at church through Easter. Read more and give online.