Beginning the Journey

9th March

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

Observing Lent - some thoughts and suggestions

The Revd Deborah Snowball has put together a booklet with suggestions as to how you might observe this holy season. [more...]

Lent Study Groups

Using the specially written Lent Course linked to the Diocesan 'Living God's Love' initiative, we will explore together what it means to:

• Go deeper into God
• Transform communities
• Make new disciples

Lent courses provide opportunities to study and pray together as well as get to know other members of the congregations in a relaxed and informal setting. All welcome. Sign up sheets are at the back of church.

Passiontide

Passion Sunday

Said Holy Communion (BCP)

10.00am

Parish Eucharist

Preacher: The Very Revd Jeffrey John on The Atonement

12.15pm for 12.45pm

Lent Lunch

A simple soup with bread and cheese (proceeds will go towards Wateraid - our charity for Lent)

6.00pm

With Passion

Music from our Church musicians with paintings and poetry, all to open our eyes and ears to the Passion of Christ

Holy Week

17th April

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

The Passion

The first episode of the 2008 BBC production, set within the context of simple Evening Prayer. There will also be quiet time for personal reflection

Monday 18th April
& Tuesday 19th April
& Wednesday 20th April

7.45pm

Holy Communion: A simple Eucharist Service with an episode of 'The Passion' being shown each evening. There will also be quiet time for personal relection

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 22nd 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.

4-5.30pm

Good Friday Family Workshop

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

Booking essential - call the Parish Office.

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 of the world.

Easter Celebrations

Saturday 23rd April

Easter Eve

8.15pm

Easter Vigil with the lighting of the Easter Fire and Paschal Candle

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 24th 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 at Verry Lane Field

8.00am

Said Communion (BCP)

10.00am

Parish Eucharist (Family Service) with Easter Egg Hunt for the children

6.00pm

Said Evening Prayer

Easter Monday

Monday 25th April

8.30am

Easter Pilgrimage to St Albans

Keen walkers leave early from St Mary's to get to St Albans, meeting other pilgrims along the way.

If you don't fancy walking, you can always meet up with everyone at the Abbey.

Further details will be available nearer the date.

Regular Church Activities during Lent

Monday to Friday

8.30am

Morning Prayer

Monday to Friday

5.45pm

Evening Prayer

Tuesdays

9.30am

Midweek Communion

Theology Group

Exploring God's Mercy: Five Images of Salvation

by Steven Croft

Tuesday 12th April

7.45pm

Tuesday Night Prayers at the Vicarage

'Seeking refreshment'

Lent Sermon Series: Living God's Love

Going Deeper into God

Revd Deborah Snowball

Transforming Communities

Revd Gareth Powell

Making New Disciples

Mr Michael Baker