Dear all
As we embark on the Great Three Days which lie ahead, I am writing once more to invite you most warmly to share with us in the powerful and moving story of Jesus’s final journey, from Maundy Thursday to the first glimmers of the hope of the Resurrection on Easter Eve. If you have never taken part in these services, it is a wonderful experience. I would particularly commend to you one of my favourite services of the year – the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, which begins in darkness in the church with the story of God’s salvation of his people, followed by the lighting of the Easter Fire in the churchyard, and culminating with the first Gospel reading telling of the empty tomb, and the Baptism of five adults and older children, as they rise with Christ to their new life in him. Seeing the church move from darkness to light, hearing the beautiful singing of the choir (and of Fr Evan, as he sings the ancient hymn, the Exultet, which greets the rising of Christ from the dead) and feeling the excitement and anticipation of the full glory of Easter Day as the candles fill the church and the Gloria is sung once more, is both poignant and thrilling. We hope very much to see you there! On Easter Sunday, after the sadness of Holy Week and Good Friday, we come together at last in the church at all our services to unite in the Church’s cry of joy, “Alleluia, Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, Alleluia!” We rejoice in the glory and the joy, the flowers and the music and in the very foundation of our faith, as we remember that in rising from the dead Christ has opened for us the gates of heaven and given us the hope of eternal life. You are warmly invited to share with us in singing the familiar Easter hymns, praying together and reflecting on the Easter readings from Scripture. There will be an Easter Egg hunt for children, and we shall be serving drinks at 10.45 am between the Eucharist and Matins, for people from both services. May I wish you, on behalf of the clergy and all the parish staff, a blessed and joyful Easter when it comes! Risen Lord Jesus, as Mary Magdalene met you in the garden on the morning of your resurrection, so may we meet you today and every day: speak to us as you spoke to her; reveal yourself as the living Lord; renew our hope and kindle our joy; and send us to share the good news with others. Amen. With my love and prayers Mother Emma 16th April 2025 |
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The PCC of St Mary Abbots Church
Charity No: 1132235 |
