Welcome to Saint John's Episcopal Church in Hagerstown, Maryland

Easter Day

April 5, 2026

Holy Week draws us through sorrow, silence, and waiting into the radiant joy of Easter morning. The Resurrection is not simply a happy ending to the story of Jesus. It is God’s declaration that love is stronger than death, mercy stronger than fear, and hope stronger than despair. Easter calls us to see the world differently: not as a place abandoned to darkness, but as a place where Christ is alive and still at work, bringing new life where we least expect it. As we gather to sing, pray, and celebrate the risen Lord, we do so with grateful hearts and renewed hope. Whether you have walked through every service of Holy Week or are coming freshly on Easter morning, you are warmly invited to worship with us.

Holy Week & Upcoming Events

Join us for the sacred journey from Maundy Thursday to Easter Day.

Holy Week & Easter

✚ Maundy Thursday — April 2, 7:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar.
View Maundy Thursday Bulletin

✚ Maundy Thursday: Altar of Repose Vigil
Following Holy Eucharist on Maundy Thursday, the Sacrament will be placed in the Callas Garden near Saint Mary’s Chapel. You are invited to spend time in prayer — Thursday evening (8:30 p.m.–12:00 midnight) or Good Friday morning (9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon).

✚ Good Friday — April 3, 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m.
Solemn liturgies marking the Passion of our Lord.
View Good Friday Bulletin

✚ Reconciliation of a Penitent
This traditional service of confession and absolution with the priest is offered on Good Friday and Holy Saturday. To learn more or to arrange a time, contact Father Rick at rector1806@gmail.com.

✚ Holy Saturday — April 4, 10:00 a.m. in the Choir Stalls
A brief and quiet liturgy of prayer as the Church waits at the tomb.

✚ The Great Vigil of Easter — Saturday, April 4, 7:00 p.m.
Held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Lappans. This is the first celebration of Easter, moving from darkness into light.

✚ Easter Day — Sunday, April 5
Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., with incense.
View Easter Bulletin
Only the 10:15 a.m. service will be livestreamed.

For weekday services, please enter through the Elevator or Tower doors.

At Saint John’s

✚ Children’s Church & Nursery
Children’s Church resumes after Easter on the second and fourth Sundays of the month — next sessions are April 12 and April 26. Nursery care is available every Sunday. An Usher can direct you.

✚ Bible Study with Deacon Sue
Bible Study resumes on Tuesday, April 7, 7:00–8:00 p.m., in Saint Mary’s Chapel or via Zoom. Meeting ID: 827 3456 7853 • Passcode: 175639.

✚ The Bishop Is Coming — Sunday, April 19
The Rt. Rev. Carrie Schofield-Broadbent, Bishop of Maryland, will make her first formal visitation to Saint John’s at the 10:15 a.m. service on April 19. The service will include the confirmation of Shannon Sweeney. Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church, Lappans — with their parish choir and vicar, Fr. Brandt Montgomery — will join us and will present two members of their congregation for confirmation. All are warmly welcome.