Holy Week kicks off Monday

“The primary purpose of our Holy Week services are to remember and reflect on the final days of Jesus’ life, ending in his crucifixion, burial and resurrection,” Cleburne Christian Business Club President Melinda Finnell said. “It truly is the most sacred week for us, as Christians, marking his final days on this earth and his ultimate sacrifice for humanity. We have wonderful speakers and special music every day of Holy Week, and we know those in attendance will be blessed. Please join us as we anticipate and celebrate Easter Sunday.”

Monday

Monday’s service will have Donnave Abt, co-site coordinator of Cleburne Christian Women’s Job Corps, bringing the message. The Journey-KJCR radio personalities Rich and Tanya Hooper will provide the special music. Serving as host of the day will be Marcus Hanna.

Abt, who flew the skies for 32 years as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines, is a founding board member of the Cleburne Education Foundation. She and her husband, Jim, are members of Henderson Street Baptist Church, where she has served as a youth Sunday School teacher, women’s fellowship leader and women’s Bible study facilitator.

Tuesday

Tuesday’s guest lay speaker is Spencer Thompson, with special music from singer/songwriters Britton and Carrie Hardcastle. Jennifer Burns serves as morning host.

Thompson is a graduate of Texas Christian University, where he was a member of Horned Frogs Football, receiving recognition in 2011 as one of only three collegiate football players nationwide to complete a master’s degree before playing their final game. He serves on the board of Texas Christian University Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Since 2012 he has served as a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Thompson and his wife, Cara, attend Field Street Baptist with their three sons, where he works with the church’s fourth through sixth grade choir.

Wednesday

Southwestern Adventist University will highlight Wednesday’s service as President Ana Patterson brings the message, sharing the stage with the University Singers. David Raybuck is host of the day.

Patterson became the 26th president of SWAU in July of 2021, with the distinction of being the university’s first female and first Hispanic to serve in the leadership position. She began her career in higher education as a business professor before transitioning into administration.

She and her husband, Greg, have resided in Cleburne for 25 years, where they have raised three children.

Thursday

Thursday’s service features seniors from Cleburne High School leading the morning worship. Alek Amyett will serve as speaker and nationally-recognized members of the CHS choir and theater arts programs bring special music. The ensemble members include Braedon Carlton, Preference Chola, Elijah Poole, Rhodora Hightower, Nevaeah Wilson and Maryah Turner, under the direction of Weslee Vance. Principal Karen Holweg serves as the service host.

Amyett is a member of the Golden Pride Band, Future Business Leaders of America, DECA and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Reflecting his interests in business and leadership, he is preparing for a career in the insurance industry following graduation. Amyett is a member of Cleburne Bible Church, where he plays several instruments in the worship band.

Friday

The Good Friday service opens with the combined choirs of Field Street Baptist and First Baptist Church of Cleburne. Featured speaker is Larry Larrison, and Cleburne Christian Business Club President Melinda Finnell will serve as host of the day. Finnell will also be honored as outgoing president for 2024-25.

A Cleburne resident for 38 years, Larrison retired from a career in the insurance industry in 2023. He continues to raise cattle in Walker and Madison Counties and serves on the board of the Phelps Special Utility District. He is a graduate of Sam Houston State University and is a past president of the SHSU Alumni Board.

His service to the agriculture community has included chairing the USDA County Committee representing Walker, Grimes and Brazos counties and Johnson County Junior Livestock Association board of directors. He and his wife, Marijane, attend First Baptist Church of Cleburne. They have four children and eight grandchildren.

Pianist Joe Martin will provide pre-service music throughout the week, with Teresa Graff leading the congregational singing. Janie Jones will perform the National Anthem each day. On Friday, outgoing CCBC officers will be recognized and leadership for 2025-2026 will be introduced.

“We believe the planning for these services, led by prayer, will prepare our hearts and minds as we worship together in the five days leading up to Easter,” Committee Co-Chairman Vance Castles said. “While our focus is on this year’s event, we are also looking down the road to 2026 and the opportunity to come together as a community for the 50th observance of Holy Week. That’s pretty exciting.”

Details relating to each weekday service can be found on the Cleburne Christian Business Club Facebook page or cleburnecbc.org.

In addition to sponsoring the annual Holy Week services, Cleburne Christian Business Club meets at 7 a.m. every first Monday of the month at the Cleburne Conference Center.