Celebrate Holy Week and Easter at Memorial Lutheran Church and Student Center, Ames, Iowa
Palm Sunday – March 29, 2026, 8:30 and 11 AM – Join us as the children process in with palm branches as we remember Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Then listen to the Passion account, as we hear of all that happened to Jesus during his last days on earth. culminating in his death on the cross for us.
Holy (Maundy) Thursday – April 2, 7 PM. We have been reflecting a great deal on the phrase “for us.” Tonight, though, we will hear about the phrase “for many” as Jesus gives His own body and blood for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:26–28). Jesus and the disciples are celebrating the Passover, but Jesus does something new. We hear echoes of how Moses and the elders saw God (Exodus 24:3–11), recognizing that the sacrifices of old will not satisfy (Hebrews 9:11–22). When Jesus says the phrase “for many,” He is clearly pointing the disciples to the fact that His death was not only for them alone, but for the sins of the world. Because you are a part of the many, “for us” still holds true. We remember Jesus’ mandate to love one another and to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
Good Friday – April 3, noon and 7 PM. Jesus is betrayed into the hands of sinners. He is mocked while wearing a purple robe and a crown of thorns. He must carry His own cross to Golgotha, the Place of a Skull. All of this happens until the last, when “for us He gave His dying breath” (LSB 544:5). It is completed. Salvation has been won for us. It is finished; He has loved us to the end. We follow a traditional tenebrae service, showing the seeming triumph of darkness.
Easter Saturday – April 4, 5 PM. Join us for our simplified Easter celebration!
Easter Sunday, April 5, 8:30 and 11 AM. Join us for a celebration of Jesus’ resurrection! We celebrate Easter with special music from the Memorial Choir and the Memorial Brass, including students from Iowa State University’s music department. An Easter breakfast is also served between services.