Easter at St Peter’s

Holy Week began on a rather damp day as we remembered the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. As usual, we began the service in the church hall, and then processed around the church to enter by the south door – one of the few occasions when it is used! As you can see, the weather brought out the umbrellas!

Palm Sunday procession

One highlight of the service was the singing of the hymn ‘Lift High the Cross’, during which we did just that.

Lift high the cross

The Monday to Wednesday evenings of Holy Week were marked by a series of meditations, led by our Vicar Chris, on the servant songs of Isaiah, then on Maundy Thursday we met to celebrate communion during a re-enactment of the Last Supper. We followed the format of the Jewish Passover meal which Jesus shared with his disciples. But he added one or two items – including the washing of his disciples’ feet, which we echoed.

Washing of the feet

As this was the last time Roz would organize this Maundy Thursday event, she gave the sermon. Despite leaving her sermon notes at home, she managed very well!

Roz preaching

Communion was a little different from usual, as we served ourselves with the bread and wine, passing them from one to another.

Taking communion

Good Friday was a mixture of activity and meditation. For the adults there was a period of quiet focussing on the seven last words of Jesus. But earlier, it was not so quiet as the children created the Easter Garden, complete with tomb and stone to roll away on Easter Day.

Easter Garden

On the Saturday, Easter Eve, we started our service outside the south door with a bonfire, from which was lit the Easter Candle.

Easter Eve outside

Chris carried the candle into the dark church, symbolising the light that Jesus brings to the world through his resurrection.

Easter Candle

The remainder of the service was in candlelight. The church looked beautiful!

Candle-lit church

And then came Easter Day. A day of celebration and joy. Once again we thanked God that death could not hold Jesus, but that he lives for us today and forever. When it came to sing the Gloria, it was time to make a joyful noise to the Lord – which both adult and child did!

Once again the age-old cry arose from lips old and young, male and female, black and white – He is Risen! Alleluia!