More information about the Holy Week and Easter
Services
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 - 28th March
12.45pm - 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 - 29th March
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 - 31st March
7.30am - Easter Dawn Communion Service :
11am - Easter Day Holy Communion : We always celebrate Holy
Communion on Easter Sunday.
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 .
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.
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