Holy Week is a time when we walk with our Lord through the final dark days of the journey to the Cross, before joining in celebration of his resurrection on Easter Sunday morning. As is fitting in such a significant season of the Christian year there will be a number of opportunities for us in St Cuthbert's to join in worship together through Holy Week and on Easter Sunday as we reflect upon the mystery of Christ's suffering and death and celebrate his resurrection. 

Maundy Thursday - 21 April

1.00pm - Maundy Thursday Service : A lunchtime service of reflection on the events of this day on which Jesus washed his disciples' feet, celebrated Passover and instituted the Lord's Supper, endured the agony of Gethsemane and was betrayed. A snack lunch will be available from 12.30pm and also following the service.  

7.00pm - Holy Communion and Tenebrae Vigil On the night on which Jesus shared his Last Supper with the disciples, we will gather around the Table to remember, reflect upon and receive the signs of his broken body and shed blood.  

This service will conclude with the 'stripping of the church' when all hangings and decorations are removed in preparation for Good Friday and then we will observe the Tenebrae Vigil. 'Tenebrae' is the Latin for shadows, and in this vigil, through scripture readings and the extinguishing of candles, we will recall the abandonment of Christ who goes alone to the Cross. 

The vigil ends without a benediction or blessing and we depart in silence. The Triduum (the Three Days of Easter) has begun. 

The Maundy Thursday liturgy is deeply moving and inspiring. All who are able are warmly encouraged to come and prepare in this way for the commemoration of our Lord's suffering and death and the celebration of his resurrection.  

Good Friday - 22 April

11am - Good Friday Service : On this day on which our Lord went to the Cross, we will ponder his suffering and self-sacrifice for us.  

7.00pm - Good Friday Evening Reflection : This act of worship will take place in the Memorial Chapel as, in reading, prayer and symbol, we reflect upon the events of this day. We will use music from the Taizé tradition in this service, and again the service will end without benediction or blessing as we depart in silence.  

Easter Sunday - 24 April

7.30am - Easter Dawn Communion Service : in St John's churchyard.  

10.45am - Service of Light : A very short service just prior to the organ voluntaries preceding 11am worship when the Easter Candle will be lit and brought into the sanctuary. Gather in the Lammermuir Hall for this brief act of worship if you are able.  

11am - Easter Day Holy Communion with Baptism and Confirmation : We always celebrate Holy Communion on Easter Sunday. This year we are delighted that we will also be celebrating the baptism and confirmation of several people who will be publicly professing faith in Jesus Christ.  

Easter is a traditionally appropriate time for Baptisms and this will be a most significant and joyful service in the life of our congregation. The Ministry Team, along with the organist and choir, have been preparing a service for this day which will be appropriately joyful as we incorporate these various celebrations while ensuring that other sections of the service are abbreviated so as to keep to reasonable time. 

6.30pm - Easter Sunday Evening Reflection : A quieter service for Easter Sunday evening including the 'service of light', reflection, symbolic action, prayers for the sick and the ministry of healing.