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

The Sunday of the Passion: Palm Sunday

March 29, 2026

Palm Sunday holds two moments in a single liturgy that seem impossible to hold together: the jubilant procession, branches and cloaks spread on the road, voices crying “Hosanna!” — and then the Passion, the arrest, the denial, the cross. In Matthew’s telling, the same crowds who welcomed Jesus will call for his crucifixion before the week is out. Palm Sunday does not let us look away from that reversal. We are in this story — not as distant observers, but as the ones who carry palms and make promises we may not keep. Yet even knowing what lies ahead, we process. We sing. We follow him into Jerusalem because he has asked us to, and because we believe, even now, that the road through suffering leads somewhere.

Upcoming Events

Holy Week and Easter at Saint John’s.

Holy Week & Easter

✚ Holy Week Schedule
• Holy Monday, March 30 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Chapel
• Holy Tuesday, March 31 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist, High Altar (guest celebrant: Fr. Scott Riekert, St. George’s, Mt. Savage)
• Holy Wednesday, April 1 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist, Saint Mary’s Chapel
• Maundy Thursday, April 2 — 7:00 p.m., Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing & Stripping of the Altar
• Good Friday, April 3 — 12:00 noon and 7:00 p.m., Church
• Holy Saturday, April 4 — 10:00 a.m., Church
• The Great Vigil of Easter — Saturday, April 4, 7:00 p.m., St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Lappans
• Easter Day — Holy Eucharist at 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., with incense
For all weekday services, please enter through the Elevator or Tower doors.

✚ Maundy Thursday: Altar of Repose Vigil
Following Holy Eucharist on Maundy Thursday, the Sacrament will be placed in the Callis 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). Sign up in Trimble Hall or by calling the parish office.

✚ 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.

✚ 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.

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 — Cancelled for Holy Week
Bible Study is cancelled on Tuesday, March 31 (Holy Tuesday). It 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.

Community & Outreach

✚ Easter Invitations — Door Hangers Available
Help spread the Good News! Door hangers are available near the Baptismal Font and at the back of the nave. Hang them on doors in your neighborhood or share them with family, friends, and colleagues — invite them to Saint John’s for Easter Day.

✚ Easter Egg Hunt — Easter Sunday, April 5, 12:00 p.m.
The Annual Easter Egg Hunt takes place on the church playground immediately following the 10:15 a.m. service. All children are welcome!