Easter Stories – Part 2
We’re pleased to share some more great stories from across our Diocese this Easter!
There’s been a wonderful series of services and events in the churches of Wiverton in the Vale. One of which included a reenactment of the Last Supper and the trail and crucifixion of Jesus. This took the form of a passion play and pilgrimage, as church congregations travelled across the surrounding area as the scenes unfolded. Many people attended services on Easter Sunday, Sue writes how joyful it was to ‘watch the queue for Easter Holy Communion outlast the tape of accompanying music’
Two standout occasions at East Leake this Easter have been their Holiday Club and Good Friday Walk. At the easter holiday club they welcomed 58 children with 14 teenage junior leaders leading, as they dived deep into the love of Jesus. While the Good Friday Walk was a day long 15 mile walk involving 160 people (and 9 dogs) visiting every church in the benefice.
St. Andrew’s, Skegby
The team at St Andrew’s helped to run a hugely successful Messy Good Friday (Messy Church). The service was packed with children and adults taking part in Easter crafts and the Easter Story. Ciaphas, Pontius Pilate, Mary Magdalene, Roman Soldier Maximus, Simon Peter all made an appearance, with Angel Raphael watching over them all!
Easter at the Churches of Sherwood Forest (Edwinstowe, Clipstone and Perlethorpe)
The churches of Sherwood Forest welcomed schools for Easter services and in the evenings held a united service each evening. These included a moving Taize service at Perlethorpe, Maundy Thursday communion and foot washing at Clipstone, and the last hour at the cross on Good Friday at Edwinstowe. On Good Friday and Easter Saturday there were over 60 children and adults to share in the Easter story through crafts, activities and worship.
Outdoor stations of the cross, Good Friday reflective services and meditations, Agape meals, and much more for St Michael’s this Easter! In their story they walk you through all the services and activities from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday.
St Ann with Emmanuel Church, St Anns
3 local schools came in to “Experience Easter” in the church a fantastic and full Messy Church! During Holy Week, people from the community enjoyed the Easter garden, as well as Easter characters in the front window. On Good Friday many in the community joined for a walk of witness and prayer as the cross was carried around St Anns – followed by food and a joint service. Sunday morning saw people from several churches joining for a sunrise service in the Easter garden – with breakfast provided by the Baptist church! The main service was a joyful celebration, with the children’s leaders having to get out extra things for all the children who came!
Woven St Margarets
Woven St Margarets had a number of amazing baptism testimonies at their Easter Sunday service as a number of people were baptised. Each story was a powerful testament to God’s love and faithfulness. The church was packed for the celebration, with balloons and bubbles filling the space!
Clifton
There were some wonderful events and services in Clifton over Easter. From Afternoon Tea, to Palm Sunday fun at @4 Service, Year 2 and Year 5 children coming to an Easter Experience and much more. There was a great turnout for their Messy Church, and with so many coming they were very thankful that they were able to make the food go twice as far as expected!