Among Christians, today is Maundy, or Holy Thursday, the day on which Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples and a solemn step on the path to Easter.
Most churches in the area are marking the days until Easter Sunday with services and fellowship. Here are the plans of just a few:
First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, Route 8 at Heckert Road, Richland:
Today -- 7:30 p.m., Communion service, choral music, meditation by Pastor Dan Muttart.
Tomorrow -- Noon to 3 p.m., sanctuary open for personal meditation; 7:30 p.m., "This Man," a drama and music presentation in the sanctuary, led by the drama team and praise band.
Saturday -- 10 to 11 a.m., Easter egg hunt for children age 2 through fourth grade. Please register in advance with church; bring your own basket.
Easter Sunday -- 6:30 to 7 a.m., sunrise service led by pastor, East Cemetery; 7 to 8:30 a.m., Easter breakfast in fellowship hall, please make reservations, pay at the door, cost is $4 per person, $12 per family; 8:45 a.m., "The Answer," a sermon by pastor with contemporary music; 11 a.m., "The Answer," with traditional music.
Call 724-443-1555 for more information about any of the activities or services.
North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Road, Ross:
Today -- 7 p.m., service of the Last Supper.
Easter Sunday -- 9:30 a.m., breakfast of bread and fruit in fellowship hall; 11 a.m., worship.
St. Richard, Dickey Road, Richland:
Today -- 7 p.m., Mass of the Lord's Supper.
Tomorrow -- 1:30 p.m., Stations of the Cross; 2 p.m., Liturgy of the Word, veneration of cross and Holy Communion; 7 p.m., Tenebrae service.
Saturday -- Noon, blessing of Easter baskets; 8:30 p.m., Easter vigil.
Easter Sunday -- Mass at 8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon in the church and social hall.
Wexford Community Presbyterian Church, 10645 Perry Highway, Pine:
Today -- 6 p.m., covered-dish dinner in fellowship hall; 7:30 p.m., worship with Communion.
Tomorrow -- Noon, beginning of 24 hours of prayer.
Easter Sunday -- 6:30 p.m., "SonRise" service outside, weather permitting; 9 a.m., New Direction worship; 10 a.m., Christian education hour; 11:15 a.m., blended traditional service.
St. Stephen's Church, 405 Frederick St., Sewickley:
Today -- 6:30 p.m., a dinner of lamb stew with a dramatic reading of St. Luke's account of the Last Supper; 7:15 p.m., service of Holy Communion, concluded by stripping the Holy Table.
Nursery care for children up to age 3 is available. Cost is $6 for bread bowl and stew, $3 for alternative children's meal, $20 max per family. Register at church office, call 412-741-1790.
Tomorrow -- Noon to 3 p.m., service, sermon and choral presentation on the Seven Last Words of Christ.
Saturday -- 6 p.m., Easter Eve service: Sat@Six, Easter message with informal Communion.
Easter Sunday -- 7:45 a.m., celebration of the resurrection of Christ, traditional worship, Easter message and Communion; 9 and 11:15 a.m., celebration of the resurrection of Christ, traditional worship with choir and extra orchestration, Easter message and Communion; 11:15 a.m., Grace Commons celebration of the resurrection of Christ for families and children.
Ascension Lutheran Church, 8225 Peebles Road, McCandless:
Tomorrow -- 7 p.m., Good Friday Tenebrae service.
Easter Sunday --10 a.m. service, followed by Easter brunch and Easter egg hunt for the children.
Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1400 Boyle St., North Side:
Easter Sunday -- 9 a.m., Resurrection celebration including breakfast, egg hunt, performance art and more; 11 a.m., worship, skit and more, carriage rides, petting zoo and refreshments after service, free, bring canned goods for the food drive. Call 412-321-2240.
First Published: April 9, 2009, 9:30 a.m.