We wanted to write again with an update on where things are in the Benefice as we head towards Passiontide and Holy Week. We have had the news that Daniel’s leave will be extended further as he continues to recover. This sadly means that he will not be with us for Holy Week and Easter. We know that this news will be disappointing, but it is important that he is given the time he needs. Please continue to pray for him and the family and for us as we continue in his absence. The life of the church continues, and we have some important events coming up.
Holy Week
Holy Week starts on the 13th April and is the most important week of the Christian year. From Palm Sunday to Easter Day we mark the story of the Passion, final acts of Jesus’ life on Earth. Please come and be with us to retell this story afresh and to enter into the mystery of Easter.
We will begin the week with a joint service for Palm Sunday and will be joined that day by Bishop Steven. We will start at St Giles’ at 10.15am and walk in procession along the Woodstock Road to St Margaret’s where the service will continue. (You are very welcome to join us straight at St Margaret’s if you would prefer).
Services will take place on each day of the week with Stabat Mater on Sunday evening, reflective sung compline on Monday and Tuesday, the dramatic service of Tenebrae in which the church grows into darkness on Wednesday evening. The Triduum (a three-act service over three days) begins with the Maundy Thursday service and Watch at St Margaret’s, services will take place throughout Good Friday and we reach the climax on Holy Saturday evening with the new fire being lit and the light spread throughout the church at the Easter Vigil.
Full details of services can be found here. Please come and invite others along with you. Thank you to all those who will contribute to the week.
For Younger Church Members
In Holy Week children are especially invited to a special SAMMYs music and craft event on Saturday 12th April and to the Palm Sunday service the following day. There will be children’s activities taking place at St Margaret’s after the procession. A Hot Cross Bun service at 10am at St Margaret’s on Good Friday will be aimed at families and there will be an Easter Egg Hunt at the end of the 10.30am St Margaret’s service on Easter Day.
On Saturday 26th members of St Giles’ choir will be taking part in a staging of Noah’s Ark as part of the St Edmund’s Hall mystery play cycle. All are invited to go and watch – from 12noon in the college.
Eva is sending out regular updates for children, please email her to be added to the mailing list.
APCMs (Annual Parochial Church Meetings)
Both churches have APCMs coming very soon. If you are on the Electoral Roll for St Giles’ you will already have received the papers for the meeting which is taking place at 12.15pm this Sunday.
St Margaret’s APCM will be on the 27th April at 12noon following the morning service.
We look forward to seeing you over these coming few weeks as we walk with Jesus into Jerusalem, to the cross and beyond.
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