Confessions
We are offering many times for confession throughout Holy Week and we hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to come to Easter wiped clean of sin. Don’t worry if you’ve never made a confession before, the priest will help you. All Confessions are in the Chapel. “How to Make a Confession” pamphlet is available here to help you prepare.
Good Friday Service
On this day, Jesus was murdered, for us and for our salvation. It is a day to think on Christ crucified, to confess our sins, and to remember God’s incredible love for each of us. Service begins at 7:00pm
Easter Vigil
The Great Vigil of Easter on Saturday night is the most important of all Christian feasts and liturgies. It is the Church’s most ancient way of celebrating our Lord’s resurrection and is celebrated during the night which begins Easter Day.
On this most holy night our Lord Jesus Christ passed over from death to life. Thus the Church calls her children throughout the world to come together in vigil, prayer and celebration. Through the unique liturgy of this feast we celebrate not only Christ’s Victory but our share in it.
The Vigil is comprised of four elements:
The Service of Light: The Vigil begins outside the Church with a fire being kindled and blessed. From this fire, a very large candle, the Paschal Candle, is lit. This great candle represents the risen Christ, triumphing over darkness and death; it will burn throughout the fifty days of the Easter Season. From the light of this candle, the congregation’s candles are lit, and then all go in procession following the Pascal Candle into the Church. The Church is dark, like a tomb. Except for the flickering of the candles, the Church remains dark until the Mass of the Resurrection. As the people enter, the darkness of the Church is pushed back, the power of Christ’s resurrection to overcome death is seen, and we understand the words of St. John, “And the light shined in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it!” (John 1:5 ) The Service of Light concludes with the chanting of the Exsultet (“Rejoice!”), an ancient hymn in praise of our Lord’s Passover victory.
The Vigil Readings: We hear the record of God’s saving deeds throughout history as we read several Old Testament Lessons.
The Baptismal Liturgy: Easter and Holy Baptism are intimately connected. In “going down into the water” we are joined to Jesus’ death and in coming up, we are joined to His resurrection. Thus the Vigil proceeds to Baptism and the renewal of Baptismal Vows by all the faithful. For many centuries, this was the only time in the entire year when Baptism was administered.
The Mass: The Vigil reaches its consummation in the glorious first Mass of the Resurrection. As the bells ring, the Celebrant says “Alleluia, Christ is Risen,” suddenly the darkness is dispelled as all the lights in the Church are lit. Then we hear the news of the Risen Christ.
Easter Sunday
Join us for a glorious Easter morning as we celebrate the resurrection of our Savior. The Alleluias repeated again and again throughout the Masses of Resurrection Day signal the beginning of the Church’s fifty-day celebration of the Resurrection.
At 9:50am between the morning services, we’ll have a spectacular Easter brunch complete with mimosas and an Easter Egg Hunt for the kids.
Service Schedule:
8:30am
10:45am
Easter Brunch
Join us Easter Morning for an incredible Easter Brunch complete with bountiful food tables and mimosas! Both indoor and outdoor seating will be available. Come celebrate our Risen Lord with your St. Laurence family.
Easter Egg Hunt
Our Easter Egg Hunt will be held in the landscape areas between the Church and Children’s Ministry Building. Please bring 12-18 plastic eggs per child (filled with individually wrapped candy, stickers or trinkets). The hunt is for all kids 5th grade and under and will be divided by age. Kids should bring a basket for their eggs and parents should be ready for some incredible photo ops! A special food table for the kids and their parents will be available so they don’t miss out on anything.
Larry Votto's Funeral
The funeral for Larry Votto will be Sat, April 11 at 11:00am, followed by a luncheon reception in the Atrium. Everyone is welcome. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
XYZ Group Lunch
XYZ is a social group for senior parishioners and they’re meeting Sat, April 18 at 2:00pm at Armend’s Restaurant (2315 E Southlake Blvd).
Gainesville State School Visit
On Sun, April 19, the St. Laurence mission team will minister to the boys at the Gainesville State School. If you would like to come, please contact Carl Lapiska by Fri, April 10 so your name can be put on the list. Treats and letters for the boys are always appreciated but please contact Carl so he can advise what is needed.
Men's Bingo at UGM
All men of the Parish are invited to Bingo Night at UGM on Mon, April 20. Join in for a great night of fellowship with the men at Union Gospel Mission. Meet at Swift Lindley’s House at 6:00pm to car pool. Bingo starts at 7:00pm.
Care Givers Lunch
The Care Giver’s Ministry will have their next lunch on Sat, April 25 at 11:00am at Craftway Kitchen (2820 E. Southlake Blvd). All those who take care of ailing or disabled loved ones or have recently lost loved ones are invited.
Golf Tournament
Be a part of our 75th Anniversary Golf Tournament and Family Day on Sun, April 26 at Bear Creek Golf Club. There will be plenty of activities for golfers and non-golfers alike. The tournament is in the afternoon followed by a Fajita dinner and silent auction. All proceeds benefit our Youth Group Summer Mission Trips.
Stations of the Cross
Join us for Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at noon. Parishioners are invited to retrace the final journey of Jesus Christ to Calvary, moments lived in suffering for our sake. Walk the 14 stations or participate from the pews, it’s a truly personal and meaningful service.
Good Friday at Union Gospel Mission
We are once again heading to UGM to provide a wonderful spaghetti lunch on April 3, Good Friday! There are lots of ways to serve. Food donations, meal prep and cooking, serving drinks and the meal, singing hymns, and helping the youth hand out blessing bags to our friends on the street just to name a few! If you are interested in signing up to help or to donate a food item, please see Trudy Baade in the Atrium between the services on Sundays, or you can sign up at the link below:
The Watch
At the end of the Maundy Thursday service, the blessed sacrament (Christ’s presence) is removed from the Church and brought to the Altar in the Chapel. The Chapel is decorated with many flowers to represent the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus went after the Last Supper to pray. Jesus asked His disciples to watch with Him one hour. As Christians have for centuries, we say “Yes” to Christ and watch with Him in one-hour shifts throughout the night. Pray, read scripture or just sit in His holy presence. It is a beautiful experience that will enhance your Holy Week. Sign up for a time slot on one of the boards in the Church Narthex or just come at any time throughout the night.
Maundy Thursday Service
This is the night Jesus gathered with His disciples in an upper room in Jerusalem for one last supper.
This is the night Jesus took a towel and washed His disciples’ feet, manifesting the life of service to which He calls His followers.
This is the night Jesus instituted the Eucharist. On this night Jesus intended for every generation of His followers, through this meal, to enter into the sacrifice He was about to make and be nourished by Him on our journey to heaven.
All these elements of the first Maundy Thursday are part of the liturgy of every Maundy Thursday. It is one of the most beautiful and deeply moving of the Church’s liturgies. During the service, our priests will wash the feet of those parishioners who wish to participate.
Confessions
We are offering many times for confession throughout Holy Week and we hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to come to Easter wiped clean of sin. Don’t worry if you’ve never made a confession before, the priest will help you. All Confessions are in the Chapel. “How to Make a Confession” pamphlet is available here to help you prepare.
Family Night on Holy Wed
Bring the kids and join us for a fun evening on Holy Wednesday, April 1 outside on the lawn under the tree in front of the Children’s Ministry Building. The little ones will dye Easter eggs with the help of the God Squad. We do ask that parents stay and help as well. Please bring 1 dozen hard boiled eggs per child. The Middle and High School Youth will assemble Blessing Bags which will be handed out to the homeless on the street outside Union Gospel Mission on Good Friday. We’ll start at 5:00pm with activities, we’ll serve pizza and then end with Stations of the Cross at 6:30pm. What a great night!
Confessions
We are offering many times for confession throughout Holy Week and we hope you’ll take advantage of the opportunity to come to Easter wiped clean of sin. Don’t worry if you’ve never made a confession before, the priest will help you. All Confessions are in the Chapel. “How to Make a Confession” pamphlet is available here to help you prepare.
Newcomer's Brunch
All those new or somewhat new to St. Laurence are invited to a Newcomer’s Brunch on Sun, March 29 at 12:15pm right after the late service in the Atrium of the Children’s Ministry Building. You’ll get to meet some of the vestry and staff and have a chance to learn a little bit more about the Church. It’s also a great chance for you to ask questions. We want you to feel welcome here and to know about ways you can plug in if you wish. Please join us!
Youth Group Bake Sale
The annual Youth Group Bake Sale is Sun, March 29 at 9:50am in the Atrium of the Children’s Ministry Building. Come hungry and help the youth raise money for their summer mission trips. There won’t be any food served at coffee hour so if you want snacks, you’ll have to go to the Bake Sale!
Palm Sunday
On this day almost 2,000 years ago, our Lord entered the holy city of Jerusalem. It seemed to be His moment of triumph as the people welcomed Him in the way they welcomed their kings on great occasions, with shouts of praise and palm branches thrown in His path. But by the following Friday, the crowd’s “hosannas” had changed to “Crucify him!” and Jesus was being raised onto a cross. The Palm Sunday Mass highlights this shift from triumph to agony.
The Mass begins remembering Jesus’ “triumphant” entry into Jerusalem with the Liturgy of the Palms. This mini-liturgy will begin on our back lawn. There, the palms will be blessed and distributed to the congregation. We will then sing the traditional hymn, All Glory, Laud, and Honor and go all together in procession into the Church just as the people would have done that day in Jerusalem.
Beginning with the readings from Holy Scripture, the mood of the Liturgy changes dramatically. The focus shifts from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to His passion on the cross. The reading of the Passion Gospel reminds us that we are all part of this great drama of redemption. The truth of this day is that, by our sins, we all are responsible for the passion and death of our Lord. The glory of this day is that we know the Resurrection is coming, bringing with it the promise of everlasting life.
Truth and Glory - these are Palm Sunday’s gifts to the worshiper. Holy Week begins.
Meet outside the Children’s Ministry Building. The service will start there and then the congregation will process into the Church. We will have some chairs there for those who have trouble walking or standing.
Wednesdays in Lent
Join us for Wednesdays in Lent
6:30pm, Stations of the Cross in the Church
7:05pm, Stay in the Church for a short teaching by one of our clergy
St. Laurence Chorale Presents Christ on the Mount of Olives
You’re invited on Sun, March 22 to a special sacred music concert by our St. Laurence Chorale, performing Christ on the Mount of Olives. This oratorio by Beethoven portrays the emotional turmoil of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prior to His crucifixion. Join us for a truly bold and powerful experience on Sun, March 22 at 5:00pm in the Church, followed by a Wine and Cheese Reception in the Atrium of the Children’s Ministry Building.
God Squad
Our Youth Group just for 4th & 5th graders is meeting Sun, March 22 for a fun time of games, discussion, snacks & Jesus! 3:30-5:00pm in the Flex Room of the Children’s Ministry Building.
Gainesville State School Visit
On Sun, March 15, the St. Laurence mission team will minister to the boys at the Gainesville State School. If you would like to come, please contact Carl Lapiska by Fri, March 6 so your name can be put on the list. Treats and letters for the boys are always appreciated but please contact Carl so he can advise what is needed.
XYZ Group Lunch
XYZ is a social group for senior parishioners and they’re meeting for a potluck lunch on March 21 at 2:00pm in the Atrium of the Children’s Ministry Building. Please bring a dish to share and bring it ready to eat (there are no ovens for heating). Coffee and tea will be provided, but please bring anything else you would like to drink.
Family Mission Trip
Our Family Mission Trip is headed to Austin during Spring Break to help our ministry partner, Community First Village. This year’s trip will be March 19-22 and is for single adults, couples and families with elementary age kids and older.
Interested in going? Let us know here.
Wednesdays in Lent
Join us for Wednesdays in Lent
6:30pm, Stations of the Cross in the Church
7:05pm, Stay in the Church for a short teaching by one of our clergy
Men's Bingo at UGM
All men of the Parish are invited to Bingo Night at UGM on Mon, March 16. Join in for a great night of fellowship with the men at Union Gospel Mission. Meet at Swift Lindley’s House at 6:00pm to car pool. Bingo starts at 7:00pm.
Men's Retreat
All men of the Parish are invited to enjoy a weekend retreat at Camp Crucis full of faith-growing sessions, great food, campfires, fellowship and a service project. The theme this year is Living as Men of Faith, Hope and Love. The retreat starts at 6:00pm at Garcia’s restaurant in Granbury on Fri, March 13 and finishes before noon on Sun March 15. Cost is $165 (scholarships are available) and includes all food except dinner Friday night. Click the link below to register.
Wednesdays in Lent
Join us for Wednesdays in Lent
6:30pm, Stations of the Cross in the Church
7:05pm, Stay in the Church for a short teaching by one of our clergy
Care Givers Lunch
The Care Giver’s Ministry will have their next lunch on Sat, March 7 at 11:00am at Gloria’s Restaurant (1121 E Southlake Blvd). All those who take care of ailing or disabled loved ones or have recently lost loved ones are invited.
Wednesdays in Lent
Join us for Wednesdays in Lent
6:30pm, Stations of the Cross in the Church
7:05pm, Stay in the Church for a short teaching by one of our clergy
First Holy Communion Class
First Holy Communion Classes for children 5 years old or older begin March 1 and continue on March 8 and 22. These classes will prepare the children for their First Communion on Easter Sunday, April 5. 9:50-10:30am in the Children’s Chapel room in the Children’s Ministry Building.
St. Laurence Women's Group
All women of the Parish are invited to the Feb. St. Laurence Women’s Group meeting, our first meeting in the Atrium of the Children’s Ministry Building. We’ll celebrate that occasion by creating a collaborative art piece dedicated to the children and displayed in one of the children’s rooms in the building. Everyone who comes will have the opportunity to decorate a small canvas using paint, scripture, and simple embellishments (provided for you). These would be mounted together on a plywood cross with a small dedication plaque. If you don’t want to decorate, please come anyway and cheer on those who are decorating a canvas. Please bring a bottle of wine to share and $10 to offset the cost of dinner. Tip: wear clothes to craft and paint in. 6:30-8:00pm. Childcare for kids 5 and under is available in the new nursery for anyone who makes a reservation 24 hours in advance by clicking the link below.
Wednesdays in Lent
Join us for Wednesdays in Lent
6:30pm, Stations of the Cross in the Church
7:05pm, Stay in the Church for a short teaching by one of our clergy
God Squad
Our Youth Group just for 4th & 5th graders is meeting Sun, Feb. 22 for a fun time of games, discussion, snacks & Jesus! Plus they’ll be talking about the final part of the Armor of God passage, “praying at all times.” 3:30-5:00pm in the Youth Room.
Parent Meeting for First Holy Communion
There is a parent meeting on Sun, Feb. 22 at 9:50am in the Children’s Chapel room in the Children’s Ministry Building for all parents of kids who are ready to receive communion, usually age 5 and older. Then the classes for the kids will be March 1, 8 and 22. First Holy Communion is on Easter Sunday, April 5.
Parish Forum
Everyone in the Parish is invited to an All Parish Expansion Forum on Sun, Feb. 22 between the services at 9:30am in the Atrium of the Children's Ministry Building. Now that the Children's Ministry Building is finished, we'll give you an update on The Great Hall, the Vehicle Bridge and the Pedestrian Bridge and discuss their timelines. We'll also talk about the security enhancements that are being installed in all our buildings.
XYZ Group Lunch
XYZ is a social group for senior parishioners and they’re meeting for a potluck lunch on February 21 at 2 pm. We are meeting at the home of Garnet Murphey. Please bring a dish to share. Coffee and tea will be provided, but please bring anything else you would like to drink.
Confessions
Confessions will be heard in the Chapel.
This booklet is a great resource to prepare for your confession.