Easter 2008

Beginning the Journey

6th February

Ash Wednesday - ‘turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ’
The season of Lent begins with the Solemn Eucharist during which the forehead is marked with a sign of the cross as a reminder of our baptism.

9.30 am & 7.45 pm

Eucharist – with Imposition of Ashes

Holy Week

16th March

Palm Sunday

8.00 am

Holy Communion with blessing and distribution of Palms

10.00 am

Parish Eucharist with blessing and distribution of Palms

6.00 pm

Towards Jerusalem: A service of poetry, music and prayer

17th March

7.45 pm

Evening Eucharist: focussing on Confession

18th March

7.45 pm

Evening Eucharist: focussing on Glory

19th March

7.45 pm

Evening Eucharist: focussing on Intercession

20th March

Maundy Thursday

7.00 pm

Liturgy of Maundy Thursday, Commemorative Meal, and ‘Watch of the Passion’
We recall the last meal Jesus shared with his disciples, his act of humility in washing the feet of his disciples and we keep watch, as the disciples were asked to do.
Commemorative supper at 7.00 pm in the Church Centre with Eucharist in Church at 8.15 pm and the Watch until midnight.

The Triduum (Three Holy Days)

21st March

Good Friday

10.30 am

Family Service
A simple 30 minute service to which all are invited to come to remember the events of Good Friday.

12 noon – 3.00 pm

The Liturgy of Good Friday
With the Ministry of the Word, The Proclamation of the Cross, Intercessions and Holy Communion.

7.45 pm

The Way of the Cross
This is a newly published Passiontide Sequence following closely the traditional ‘Stations of the Cross’.
Affording an opportunity for reflection on Christ’s journey towards his death, this will be a moving and powerful close to this day which is at once both the saddest and the one most filled with hope for the future. 

Easter Celebrations

Saturday 22nd March

Easter Eve

8.15 pm

Lighting of New Fire and Paschal Candle and Easter Vigil
Our celebration of Easter begins with the lighting of the new Easter Fire and the Paschal Candle. This is followed by the Easter Vigil during which the story of our Christian heritage is told again. All are invited to renew their Baptismal Vows.

Sunday 23rd March

Easter Day
The most important day of the Christian Year and we come together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the gift of Eternal Life. Alleluia!

7.00 am

Alleluia Chorus
An ecumenical service of early morning praise – on Berry Lane Open Space (please note new venue)

8.00 am

Said Communion (BCP)

10.00 am

Parish Eucharist

6.00 pm

Evening Prayer

Easter Monday

24th March

Pilgrimage to St Albans Abbey
A great event for all the family - walkers will leave St Mary's at 8.30 am, joining other pilgrims on the way to join the celebrations at the Abbey.

Regular Church Activities during Lent

Monday to Friday

9.00 am

Morning Prayer

Monday to Friday

5.45 pm

Evening Prayer

Tuesdays

9.30 am

Midweek Eucharist
The regular weekday Eucharist

Tuesday 11th February

7.45 pm

Tuesday Night Prayers at the Vicarage
Into the Desert

Tuesday 13th March

7.45 pm

Tuesday Night Prayers at the Vicarage
Towards the Cross

Housegroups during Lent

Lectio - A different style of Bible Study… not study at all in fact but simply sitting with the text and listening for the voice of God speaking through it.
There are a number of groups taking place at various times and locations during Lent. Click here for further details.

Theology and Film Series for Lent

Using the medium of film, we’ll explore Lenten and Easter themes by watching the film listed and then taking time to reflect on ideas and wonderings that arise. These will be held at The Vicarage.

Sunday 10th February

4.30 pm

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Exploring… themes of evil and redemption

Sunday 17th February

4.30 pm

The Mission
Exploring… guilt and forgiveness

Sunday 24th February

4.30 pm

Babette’s Feast
Exploring… complete service

Sunday 2nd March

4.30 pm

Amadeus
Exploring… confession

Organ Recitals during Lent

Friday 15th February

7.30 pm

The 'Classical' piano – Mozart and Beethoven

Friday 22nd February

7.30 pm

J S Bach on his contemporaries

Friday 29th February

7.30 pm

The French Symphonic Organ

Friday 14th March

7.30 pm

The music of Dietrich Buxtehude