Palm Sunday – All Age Communion Service
It was a rowdy affair! The young donkey was being suitably awkward, and braying loudly, the streets were noisy as the gathering crowd jostled for space, children were running about excitedly, aware that something special was unfolding and palm branches were being ripped from trees to be used as giant fans. The occasion? A King was in town!
The familiar narrative of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem never fails to set the imagination alight. The sounds, smells and sights of the occasion are rooted deep in our consciousness. It’s a story which appeals to all ages and therefore it was totally fitting that the All-Age Communion service dramatised the entire scene in glorious colour!
Led by Rev, Naomi who in turn was ably assisted by Pam, Elaine and Sara and a supporting cast of ‘willing’ volunteers, the service burst into action. Leafy palm fronds, stripy headdresses and a very unruly colt recreated the age-old scene.
There was talk of heroes and superheroes, inspirational figures and influencers, men and women we admire and aspire to be like. Yet the scene just witnessed was nothing like the slick blockbuster movies containing such incredible ‘humans’. Instead, the congregation had seen a man, cloaked in humility and riding on a donkey as He entered the streets of Jerusalem. Shouts of ‘Hosanna’ greeted Him, and palm branches fanned Him along the dusty roads. God’s Son, did not wear a physical crown, but His crowning glory was evident to all his followers. The message was clear – where God is concerned, expect the unexpected!
Congregational participation was high throughout the service as ‘Part One’ of Holy Week began. Signing and singing, refrains and choruses echoed throughout. A blend of modern and traditional music wrapped around the narrative, spelling out the key messages of the highs of this joyful entry, a forerunner to the lows which will inevitably follow as Holy Week unfolds.
Spoiler alert! There IS a happy ending!
Maundy Thursday’s Agape Meal and Service: 17th April
The Last Supper of Jesus Christ was commemorated in an intimate and reflective Maundy Thursday service at St. James’ Church. Naturally, the occasion was immersed in Scripture readings, song, a shared Passover style meal and of course, Holy Communion. But that was far from all.
The service, led by Rev Dyllis, began prayerfully and quietly, against the stark backdrop of the wooden cross, draped only in a swathe of purple cloth and a crown of thorns.
Rev. Dyllis explained how this stage of Jesus’ ministry brings together the Old and New Testament and it is the point at which Jesus gives a new covenant. The pertinent question posed was, ‘Are we ready to receive Him?’
Old and new songs spelled out the messages of love and service modelled by Jesus, giving us a code by which to live.
The congregation were invited to literally get ‘hands-on’, when they were asked to place either a fingerprint or their initials on the heart shape under the cross, using some vivid blood-red paint. The image which emerged, clearly pointed to how each one of us is in God’s heart and how we also seek to place Him in our own.
The service then made a diversion, creating space to share an ‘Agape’ together. A simple meal of shepherd’s pie followed by cheese and biscuits was enjoyed by all in the meeting room. In a sense, it mirrored the evening when Jesus gathered his friends together to share bread and wine, an evening of highs and lows – where the animated chat of close friends conflicted with feelings of foreboding and impending doom.
Eventually, Rev. Dyllis led the final stage of the service, which included the washing of feet. Reaching out to Rose, Rev. Dyllis led her to the altar, where she washed her feet as an outward sign of our willingness to be cleansed and our recognition of Jesus’ humility performing this most menial task. The congregation were challenged by their leader: ‘Imagine Jesus, looking up at your face as He sits at your feet, washing the dust off them.’
It was explained how this is the point where we must accept the full extent of His love for us.
The Holy Communion liturgy followed, interspersed with the gospel narrative recalling the Last Supper, according to John. Bread and wine were shared from one to another, in much the same way as Jesus’ disciples did. The instruction to ‘Do this in remembrance of me’ was amplified through the actions.
The moving and memorable service closed with the stripping of the altar and the opportunity for the congregation to keep a silent vigil on this holy night.
The journey through Holy Week continues…
Good Friday’s Meditation and Prayer 18th April
Six readings from St. John’s gospel, recounting Christ’s Passion provided the framework for Good Friday’s Meditation and Prayer service at
St. James’ church.
Led by Music Director, Paul Buckmaster, the narratives were interspersed with sophisticated choral pieces, familiar hymns and periods of silence for individual reflection and prayer. Anthems such as ‘Ubi Caritas et Amor’ (liturgy for Maundy Thursday: traditional plainsong, arranged by John Barnard), ‘Ave Verum Corpus’ (William Byrd) and a Chorale: ‘Ah, Holy Jesu’ (Johann Crüger) were sung beautifully by the choir.
A sombre atmosphere, respectful periods of silence and ethereal music accompanied the congregation though the harrowing events of Jesus’ last days on earth, to the point of burial. Those gathered, were dismissed at the end of the service following the hymn, ‘When I survey the wondrous cross.’
Onwards to Easter Day…