Easter at St Michael’s, Bramcote

Maundy Thursday
Holy Communion.

Jonathan Smithurst led and spoke on the set bible passage from John 13 with its description of the events surrounding the Last Supper. Jonathan emphasised the importance of Jesus’ example in serving one another and his command to love our neighbour.

Little Angels.

After a very well attended session of little Angels in the Church Centre the toddlers and their carers spend some time in church hearing about the story of Easter

Agapé Meal.

In the evening, there was an informal meal in the Church Centre to remember the last meal that Jesus had with his friends before the events of Good Friday. It was a simple but ample meal eaten in the context of Holy Communion. A very moving experience.

Good Friday
Voices from Calvary. In the morning there was a reflective service for Good Friday, with music, hymns and the written and spoken word. It had been expertly put together by Pat Ashworth with Jane Ashworth playing the piano and organ; members of the congregation contributing the readings that had been allocated to them. It was a very moving experience for everyone present as collectively we meditated on the events leading up to Good Friday and then on the crucifixion.

Crown of Thorns.
Our Good Friday evening service took the form of a prayer mediation. The seating in church had been re-arranged such that a wooden cross was at the the very centre of all that happened. The emphasis was on choral items, specially selected by David Hanford, that involved both choir and congregation. These were interspersed with bible readings, other special scripts for Good Friday, and prayers. Many thanks to everyone who took part in creating this very memorable experience.

Easter Day
The day started with Holy Communion in its traditional form at 8am, and then Family Holy Communion at 10am. The talks focused on the message of Easter and one of the talks can be viewed here. At both services it was a real pleasure to worship with people who do not come to church every week, as well as with the Sunday regulars. During the family service the children enjoyed special Easter acDviDes in the Church Centre before coming back into church for a blessing.

In the evening there was a service of Easter Praise led by David Edinborough. This was David last “official” service at St Michael’s. and the congregation was swelled by those who came especially to support David on this very special occasion. Again, this was an Easter experience that we all enjoyed very much.

Stations of the Cross
A huge cross was laid on the grass at the front of church and information was available from Wednesday to Sunday to enable visitors to move to different stations around the cross and spend time thinking, praying and meditating on the events leading up to Easter in the quiet beauty of the church surrounds at St Michael’s.