Easter is one of the busiest periods of the Christian calendar, and St Luke’s will be buzzing with activity over Holy Week.
Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter) commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, before the tide turned, leading to his crucifixion five days later. So on 20 March, in keeping with tradition, we’ll start our 11am service in the garden, before processing into the church carrying woven crosses and other symbols.
In the evening, our musical director, Justin Butcher, is staging his amazing one-man play, The Devil’s Passion – an evocative production to start Holy Week. You can find out more here: http://www.saintlukeschurch.org.uk/2016/03/08/the-devils-passion-at-st-lukes-2/
On 24 March, we’ll gather in the church for a Maundy Thursday meal at 8pm. Food is provided but you’re invited to bring a bottle. A relaxed and sociable meal will be followed by a brief meditation and table communion. (Please email patriciatomlinson@mac.com if you intend to come, so we know how many to cater for).
Good Friday meditations at 12 noon on 25 March will be a short, reflective service, when we’ll use a series of ‘stations’ to aid our contemplation. These are artworks or installations created by members of the congregation. This year, the theme is ‘Homeless Christ’, reflecting on the tragedy of homelessness and the global refugee crisis.
On Saturday 26 March, we’ll gather at 11.15pm for the most dramatic service of the year. The Vigil of Fire (midnight mass) uses darkness, fire and light to meditate on the dark hours after Christ’s death, followed by his glorious rising.
There won’t be a 9.15am communion service on Easter Sunday, 27 March, so we’ll all gather together for the family Easter celebration service at 11am – a light, bright service, including activities for the kids.
Whether you’re a regular at St Luke’s, an occasional visitor or have never joined us before, you’ll be very welcome at any of our Easter events.