Churches celebrating Easter across the diocese
It was such an incredible Holy Week and Easter across our Diocese. Read below for some short stories and highlights from across the diocese.
Holy Week and the Easter weekend were filled with inspiring moments and meaningful community gatherings at St Michael’s Bramcote.
Maundy Thursday began with a Holy Communion service with a reading from Exodus 12, recounting God’s command to commemorate the Passover with a special meal. This was followed by a reading from John 13, describing Jesus washing the disciples’ feet at the Passover Festival: an act of humility just before His arrest, betrayal, and crucifixion.
Holy Week at St Swithun’s was a powerful journey from quiet contemplation to joyful celebration, as the church community gathered to reflect, worship and rejoice together.
Maundy Thursday offered an intimate evening of heartfelt worship. With acoustic music and a Spirit-filled atmosphere, it was a space to pray and draw near to the heart of Jesus, creating space to prepare for the days ahead.
Wiverton in the Vale were delighted to welcome back LAMPs Collective to St Andrew’s Church, Langar on Palm Sunday to stage their production of The Passion on 13 April. This was following a success of a wonderful performance of ‘Salt and Light’ also by LAMPs collective in October last year.
St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Mansfield
Holy Week at St Peter and St Paul’s was a moving journey through reflection, remembrance, and resurrection joy shared with friends, families, and churches across Mansfield.
Palm Sunday marked the beginning. Joined by friends from St Mark’s Church, a walk between the two churches remembering Jesus’ humble arrival into Jerusalem-riding on a donkey, as people waved palm branches to hail him as king – the start of a week which was to see him die and then rise again.
Palm Sunday at St Saviour’s, Nottingham was an amazing gathering, with a bit of a twist. Church was taken beyond the building – similar to an ‘Open House’. There was gardening, hospitality outside, prayer on the streets, litter picking, and child-friendly activities, including a family prayer trail through The Meadows.
St Cyprian’s & St George in the Meadows, Nottingham.
St Cyprian’s Nottingham saw nearly doubled numbers on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday this year! They also have a new Easter Garden which was enjoyed by many in the community.
St Martin’s, Sherwood
Revd. Sue Pendenque, Vicar at St Martin’s shared: “We had the most amazing Easter Sunday – in our 3rd service of the morning we baptised two young women, one our intern who finally took the plunge (no pun intended!) , and the other a 17 year old who has recently come to Christ as she responded to the prompting of God to buy and read the Bible, find a church and be baptised! It was an absolute joy to hear their testimonies and see the church packed with our regulars, supporting family and friends and visitors alike.”
St Helen’s, Thorney
It was a joyous lay-led Morning Worship on Easter Sunday at St Helen’s Thorney, with extra visitors attending and some great hymns! The service was followed by an outdoor Community Easter Celebration in the afternoon including egg hunting, a short reflection time, quiz, decorated hats, ice cream and lots more. It was a joyful day and great chance to spend time with the local community.
St Mary’s in the Lace Market
St Mary’s in the Lace Market had well-supported services during Holy Week, including a solemn and reflective Maundy Thursday and followed by a Watch into the night. The rendition by St Mary’s Choir accompanied by 18th Century Sinfonia of Handel’s Brockes Passion drew a large congregation and audience. Easter Sunday’s service was also a magnificent celebration of Christ’s resurrection.
It so wonderful to hear the many ways God’s Living Hope is being shared across the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond. Do you have an Easter Story to share? Use the link below to let us know