Lent, Paschal Triduum and Easter at All Saints Radford
The congregation of All Saints Church Radford enjoyed a well-attended Lent study group, following Lent Wise: Spiritual Essentials for Real Life by Paula Gooder. The course focused on finding direction, keeping going, gaining wisdom, finding security, and enjoying refreshment in the journey of Christian discipleship.
Each session concluded with a celebration of the Eucharist, and relationships with Jesus and with one another were strengthened and deepened. Everyone expressed a desire to continue meeting as a regular study group after Easter.
The church has also recently been blessed by the presence of some younger adults, who have expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and the traditional Anglican liturgy on offer. Despite facing an uncertain future, there is a growing sense of hope and confidence at All Saints.
On Maundy Thursday, the congregation gathered for a moving service of foot washing, followed by the Eucharist and the stripping of the altar.
On Good Friday, they reflected on the sayings of Jesus from the cross, followed by the Veneration of the Cross, leading up to 3pm. Those attending were invited to lay their hopes and sorrows at the foot of the cross and to dedicate themselves afresh to our Lord and Saviour.
On Easter Sunday, the paschal flame was joyfully kindled, followed by a triumphal entry into church. All present were invited to renew their baptismal vows through the sprinkling of water around the font.
Revd Gill Page shared: “We are grateful to God for the way we have walked through Lent, Holy Week and Easter, and look forward to exciting times ahead for our congregation and the area we serve.”