While Easter is still a little under two weeks away, the lead-up to one of Christianity’s holiest times of the year begins sooner than that. Holy Week, which commemorates the final seven days of Jesus’ life, begins Sunday with Palm Sunday.

Area churches, depending on the denomination, will reconvene later in the week for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday services, which observe the Last Supper, Jesus’ crucifixion and his resting in the tomb. Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor Matthew Sprunger says the final days of Lent are a period of reflection for area Christians.

According to Lifeway Research, Easter is consistently the highest-attended church service of the year in the United States, with Christmas and Mother’s Day as the only other challengers. This year, Easter coincides with the Jewish celebration of Passover, which commemorates the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.