Holy Week 2026
Experience the Journey from Palm Sunday to Easter
Holy Week traces the last week of Jesus’ life: his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his final meal with his disciples, his betrayal and arrest, his crucifixion, and his empty tomb. As we follow Jesus into his death and resurrection, we find our own faith is renewed and strengthened.
All services are held at Zion Lutheran Church, 74 First Street, Pittsfield, unless otherwise noted. All are welcome.
Palm Sunday – March 29, 10am
What to expect:
- Gathering to wave palm fronds and sing before processing into worship
- Commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem
- A longer reading of the story of Jesus’ last week from Matthew’s gospel
Jazz Vespers – April 1, 6pm
In the midst of Holy Week, we pause for an evening of contemplative jazz and worship. Our sanctuary opens at 3pm for prayer, stillness, and rest. Join us for free pizza at 5:30pm, then experience the beauty of Jazz Vespers at 6pm.
What to expect:
- 3-5pm: Sanctuary open for prayer, stillness, and rest
- 5:30pm: Free pizza
- 6pm: Jazz Vespers featuring our house ensemble:
- Marisa Massery, vocals
- Ben Kohn, piano
- Dan Broad, bass
- Sturgis Cunningham, drums
Maundy Thursday – April 2, 5:30pm
What to expect:
- A full dinner served as part of worship, a reminder of Jesus’ last supper
- Remembering Jesus’ command to love one another as he has loved us
- The altar is stripped at the end of the service, a symbol of Jesus’ betrayal, arrest, and humiliation
- A solemn and moving experience
Good Friday – April 3, 6:15pm
What to expect:
- Reading the story of Jesus’ death from John’s gospel as we sit around a large cross
- A “Bidding Prayer” where we pray for the whole universe, ringing a bell with each prayer we make
- A quiet, contemplative service
- No communion is served on this day
Holy Saturday (Easter Vigil) – April 4, 7pm
Joint Service with Pittsfield Campus of Downtown Churches
Location: St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
What to expect:
- An Easter Vigil with the Pittsfield Campus of Downtown Churches
- Fire and candles lighting the darkness
- Creatively told stories from scripture
- A baptism
- Announcing the resurrection
- Sharing communion
- A reception celebrating new life
This service is hosted at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.
Easter Sunday – April 5, 10am
What to expect:
- Flowers throughout the sanctuary (order yours by 3/27!)
- Special music from the Bell Choir
- Resurrection joy and celebration
Accessibility & Hospitality
All of our services are held in our newly renovated, fully accessible sanctuary. If you have questions about accessibility, childcare, or any other needs, please contact us at (413) 442-3525 or office@zionlutheranpittsfield.org.
We welcome people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and stages of faith. Whether you are a longtime churchgoer or exploring Christianity for the first time, you belong here.
Questions?
Zion Lutheran Church of Pittsfield
74 First Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201
(413) 442-3525
office@zionlutheranpittsfield.org
www.zionlutheranpittsfield.org
Never perfect. Always beloved. Always being made new.