A review of Holy Week and Easter services 2019
Throughout Holy Week and Easter Day, a number of All-Parish services were held. Read on for details and click on any picture for a full-size image.
Palm Sunday Procession and Holy Communion
After our long-serving ‘star of the show’, Sally the donkey, passed away recently, her place at the head of the procession was taken at short notice by her namesake, Sally the Shetland pony. For a creature with such short legs, she had a surprising turn of speed and some at the rear of the procession struggled to keep up! Marchers then joined others already in St Andrew’s Church for a Communion service led by Rev Keith Turner. NP
Maundy Thursday Evening Holy Communion
28 people joined in with a poignant service at the little church of Holy Trinity, Tythby, entering into the experience of Jesus’ final hours before his arrest. The service was led by Rev Fred Connell and had a wonderfully warm quality about it. Hands were washed and towelled dry at the altar as a way of thinking about servanthood and submission. The choir sang a moving anthem ‘Love One Another’ by Alan Bullard. The service continued with a celebration of Holy Communion, before finally stripping the altar table and leaving the church in silence. HT/KB
Good Friday Pilgrimage and Service
We were blessed with the warmest weather in years for this annual pilgrimage from Cropwell Bishop via Colston Bassett to Langar. A large cohort of dogs joined the human pilgrims for the journey. The service at Langar was led by Rev Clare Connell and the congregation were encouraged to lay strips of red ribbon at the foot of the cross in recognition of the sacrifice of Christ for our sins. After the service, we all enjoyed hot cross buns donated by folk across the parish. NP
Good Friday Passion Narrative
A dramatic reading of the Passion Narrative from St John’s Gospel was given by nine narrators at 7pm at All Saints, Granby. It was preceded by Barber’s Agnus Dei and ended with Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. We had a small audience and very much hope to attract more people, who perhaps cannot take part in the earlier Pilgrimage, to come another year. But the main thing was how the different voices brought the text to life and then how the music lifted our minds into reflection on this special day. KB
Easter Day Sunrise service and breakfast
The late Easter this year meant an early start but that did not deter the 32 (plus 1 dog) who attended the service at the ruined church of St Mary’s in Colston Bassett. We were rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise of the 10 years we have been holding the service here. Hymns were sung unaccompanied, prayers said and praise given to celebrate Jesus’ joyful resurrection. Most of the congregation then retired to the Village Hall for a wonderful breakfast prepared by Nick & Katharine Bacon. Alleluia! EH
Easter Day Holy Communion services
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Easter worship continued with services of Holy Communion, central to how we celebrate and are fed in our faith. We were able to offer these in four of our churches, thanks to our visiting retired priests, and a total of 116 people attended. HT
Easter Day JOY! service
Easter JOY! was richly blessed and was truly joyful. Bishop Paul was great, giving us an inspiring talk that enthralled all ages. He told the leaders that he “loved what you are doing” which was extremely encouraging. We had more than enough sandwiches to feed the full church afterwards, thanks to the many who gave food. Thanks too go to the many busy helpers. But thanks, most of all, be to our risen Lord, Jesus Christ! VH