Next Sunday, March 29, begins Holy Week (also called Passion Week), a sacred time to ponder and remember Jesus’ death and celebrate his resurrection.

As usual, I’m posting the whole gamut of my interactive, dementia-friendly Holy Week resources a few days early so you can prepare to celebrate with your elders, including those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

I’ve updated most of these resources for 2026, including a brand-new Easter Sunday video service. I’ve also included updated the written agendas for those of you who want to provide the services yourself.

PALM SUNDAY: MARCH 29

• Palm Sunday video church service (42 minutes). If possible, purchase fresh or artificial palm fronds; give one to each elder (as appropriate) before the service begins.
• Palm Sunday written church service agenda.
• After Palm Sunday, use the fronds to make palm frond crosses (here’s a video tutorial), a traditional memento that elders can keep all year.

MAUNDY THURSDAY (THE LAST SUPPER): APRIL 2

• Bible study discussion video on Luke 22, the Last Supper.This 18-minute video can be broken into two parts. The Bible study portion goes to about 12:42; the remaining portion includes celebration of communion, the symbol of the Last Supper. If you plan to offer communion, gather the elements (bread, crackers, juice) ahead of time. (Learn more about serving communion to elders with dementia.) Or you can skip ahead to 15:16 for the closing prayer.
• If you’d rather lead a Bible study yourself (without the video), feel free to use my Maundy Thursday Bible study written guide.

GOOD FRIDAY: APRIL 3

• Good Friday video church service (31 minutes).
• Good Friday written church service agenda and accompanying hymnal.
  •  Note: Although many elders appreciate this short service, the topic and readings of Jesus’ death could upset some elders with dementia. Stay with your elders in the room, and skip or modify the scripture readings if you notice any agitation. 

EASTER SUNDAY: APRIL 5 

• Easter playlist on YouTube: This contains two videos to play back to back: my brand-new Easter worship service video (42 minutes), followed immediately by the sing-along Hallelujah Chorus video. (Used by permission. Because of copyright, the Hallelujah Chorus is a separate video.)
  • Start the playlist to watch my Easter service and then flow straight into the Hallelujah Chorus without interruption. 
• Stand-alone Easter video church service (42 minutes). At the very end of this video you can click on the thumbnail image to play the sing-along Hallelujah Chorus, but you might get an ad interruption. 
• If you plan to provide the service yourself, you can use my Easter written church service agenda and accompanying large-print hymnal (or YouTube videos with lyrics).

Have a blessed Holy Week! You are in my prayers as you serve elders during this special time.

Peace be with you,

Photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash