Beginning the Journey

17th February

Ash Wednesday - ‘turn away from sin and be faithful to Christ’
The season of Lent begins with the Solemn Eucharist during which we are marked with the sign of the cross using ashes made by burning last year's palm crosses. This reminds us of our baptism.

9.30 am & 7.45 pm

Eucharist – with Imposition of Ashes

Passiontide

Passion Sunday

10.00am

Confirmation Service

12.15pm

Lent Lunch

A simple soup with bread and cheese (proceeds will go towards our Lent Collection)

6.00pm

Revealing Passion

Music, paintings and poetry from the ages to open our eyes and ears to the Passion of Christ.

Holy Week

Palm Sunday

8.00am

Holy Communion with blessing and distribution of Palms

10.00am

Parish Eucharist with blessing and distribution of Palms and Palm Sunday procession

6.00pm

Rutter Requiem

A popular setting of the Requiem with members of the St Mary's choir and other musicians.

7.45pm

Simply Sacrament: A simple Eucharist Service

7.45pm

Simply Sacrament: A simple Eucharist Service

7.45pm

Simply Sacrament: A simple Eucharist Service

Maundy Thursday

7.45pm

Liturgy of Maundy Thursday 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.

The Triduum (Three Holy Days)

Friday 2nd April

Good Friday

12 noon-3.00pm

The Liturgy of Good Friday

With the Ministry of the Word, The Proclamation of the Cross, Intercessions and Holy Communion this stark and moving service affords an opportunity to reflect more deeply on the passion of Our Lord. At the close there is also time simply to sit and pray, and contemplate this Holy Day.

4-6.00pm

Children's Good Friday Workshop

Making the Garden, eating Hot Cross Buns, decorating eggs and hearing together the story of Good Friday and Easter.

To book, phone the Parish Office. There is no charge but we invite donations on the day.

Adult helpers also needed, as well as the loan of some breadmakers, please! Call the Parish Office if you can help.

7.45pm

The Stations of the Cross

Using traditional and contemporary images, this service provides space for reflection on Christ's journey towards his death. It provides a moving and powerful close to this day which is at both the saddest and the one most filled with hope for the future.

Easter Celebrations

Saturday 3rd April

Easter Eve

8.00pm

Lighting of Easter 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 4th April

Easter Day

The most important day of the Christian Year. We celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the gift of Eternal Life. Alleluia!

7.00am

Easter Alleluia!

An ecumenical service of early morning praise (venue tbc; please check the pew sheet nearer the time)

8.00am

Said Communion (BCP)

10.00am

Parish Eucharist (Family Service)

6.00pm

Said Evening Prayer

At this service we journey with Jesus and the disciples through the events of the Resurrection and beyond.

Easter Monday

Monday 5th April

8.30am

Easter Pilgrimage to St. Albans

Geoff Hall will, once again, be leading a party of walkers, leaving St Mary’s at 8.30am to make the 12 mile pilgrimage to St Albans. If you wish to join his merry band, please sign up at the back of Church.

There are opportunities to join the walkers further along the route, so speak to Geoff if this option appeals (720543).

If you would like to join in the celebrations at the Abbey but prefer not to walk, a party will be leaving The Vicarage by car later in the day - please speak to Deborah.

Any volunteers to drive walkers back at about 4.15pm would be gratefully received, again please speak to Geoff.

Regular Church Activities during Lent

Monday to Friday

8.30am

Morning Prayer

Monday to Friday

5.45pm

Evening Prayer

Tuesdays

9.30am

Midweek Eucharist

Tuesday 10th March

7.45pm

Tuesday Night Prayers at the Vicarage

Into the Desert

A service exploring temptation - and how to resist!

Coffee (or something stronger) Gatherings

Throughout Lent, around the Parish (and beyond) there will be a number of social gatherings hosted by members of the congregation. This is a fine opportunity to extend our fellowship and friendship.

There are sign-up sheets at the back of church. Visit someone and somewhere new!

Deanery Prayer Experiences

Extending our experience of prayer and how we might open ourselves up to new opportunities and possibilities, these evenings are open to all members of all churches across the Deanery.

Praying with the Senses

St Peter's, Mill End

Praying with the Movies

Christ Church, Chorleywood

Praying with Music

All Saints, Croxley Green

Praying with Art

Chipperfield

Praying with Scripture: Lectio

St Mary's, Rickmansworth

Challenge 2010

An initiative from the Diocese of St Albans to travel through Luke's Gospel this Lent and:

• Read the verse

• Learn it

• Pray about it

• Do something to make a difference

Visit the Challenge 2010 website for more information.