Local churches hold services to help people commemorate Palm Sunday

BRADENTON -- It is the Sunday before Easter Sunday, and the day marked by churches and worshippers to commemorate the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem in the days before his Passion – Passion Sunday, Palm Sunday.

If you or your family would like to participate in a local Palm Sunday service, we have highlighted a few worship opportunities at some area churches.

Palm Sunday, March 28, 2010

First United Methodist Church

The First United Methodist Church in downtown Bradenton, located at 603 11th Street West, will host its Palm Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. In their musical presentation of Handel’s ”Messiah,“ people can listen to over 50 singers in the Chancel Choir joined by the Sarasota Professional Orchestra performing selections from Part Two (Passion) and Part Three (Resurrection). To contact this church call (941) 747-4406.

St. Joseph Catholic Church

St. Joseph Catholic Church at 3100 26th Street West will host its Palm Sunday Mass at  7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. This church is recognizing its regular Sunday Mass Schedule today. The Adoration Chapel at St. Joseph Parish is blessed to be able to make available the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Chapel on the south side of the Zacchaeus House.  The Zacchaeus House is located on the south side of the Church. To contact this church call (941) 756-3732.

Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

The Manatee Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is hosting a special guest who will focus on Passover and other important issues.  Her name is Rabbi Barbara Aiello, and she is the first woman rabbi ever in Italy. This is a different kind of experience for a Palm Sunday service, but one related to Jesus Christ – a Jew, says Rev. Bonnie Devlin for the UUA congregation. The Manatee UUA location is at 322 15th St. West in Bradenton. To contact the church call (941) 746-0067.

The First Baptist Church

The First Baptist Church will present "The Bradenton Passion Play" at 1306 Manatee Avenue West at 7:00 p.m. The church has performed this play for 24 years, which celebrates the last week of Jesus Christ and his ”early mission.“ The church’s Web site says that the play begins with the triumphal entry into Jerusalem and ends with the ascension. Their choir, orchestra and cast began preparations several months in advance to present to the community this musical and dramatic presentation. Tickets are free, but contact the church at (941) 746-2149 to ensure seating is still available.

Christ Episcopal Church

The Christ Episcopal Church will host its Palm Sunday beginning with the ”Rite I“ from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. and followed by the ”Family Eucharist“ from 9 to 10 a.m. Its ”Christian Formation“ is from 10 to 11 a.m., and the ”Rite II“ is from 11 a.m. to noon. The location of this church is 4030 Manatee Avenue West. To contact the church call (941) 747-3709.

First Presbyterian Church

The First Presbyterian Church is located in downtown Bradenton at the corner of Manatee Avenue and 15th Street West.  On Palm Sunday it will host two services, one at 8:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall in a contemporary worship style and another at 11 a.m. in a more traditional worship style. This church has a 123 year history, and it is the oldest Presbyterian Church on the Gulf Coast. To contact this church call (941) 746-6141.

Erica Newport is a daily reporter for The Bradenton Times. She covers art, culture and community. If you have a story that might interest Erica, please e-mail her using erica.newport@thebradentontimes.com address.  She also takes your questions related to our weekly theme days and provides advice and opinions for our readers.

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