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…
Easter Saturday Family Church: 19th April
The advertised invitation read, “Come and explore the story of Easter through science experiments and sensory activities.” Is that what happened? Absolutely!
Led by Rev. Naomi, this hands-on family service was brimming over with energy and enthusiasm. Not only that, it encompassed all ages – from newborns to nineties! It was an extraordinary 90 minutes of worship, but probably, not as you’d know it!
The service began with a welcome and a wiggle (to burn off a bit of excitement and energy amongst the little ones). This was followed by the sharing of some personal ‘Good News’ amongst the congregation (there appeared to be a LOT of birthdays!) This in turn was linked to the ‘Good News’ of the day – the Resurrection!
High-energy songs, courtesy of a recent guest of the Over Wyre Benefice – Duggie Dug Dug, engaged everyone and within seconds, there was much activity, from toe-tapping to full-blown dancing.
Gathering the little ones together at the front of the hall, Rev. Naomi moved into a series of science experiments, showcasing some ‘disappearing’ tricks, much to the delight of those watching. This in turn was linked, but not likened to the disappearance of Jesus from the world before His resurrection. Unlike the quirky science demonstration, the evaluation was clear – Jesus IS alive in the world today and no tricks were involved.
The next part of the service moved into a range of Easter-themed sensory activities; there was something for everyone. Bread-making, bath bomb creations, cross-crafting, footsteps to the cross, water-beads in a jar, Play-Doh mats, Easter garden biscuits, word searches and activity sheets
Refreshments were served throughout this period: hot cross buns, fruit platters and Easter chick cupcakes, in addition to hot drinks and juices. They were much enjoyed by all.
Rev. Naomi brought everyone back together for the final stage of the service, where a simple, signed Communion was shared. The gifts of bread and ‘wine’ (fruit juice) were firstly given to the children, who in turn, shared them with the adults.
Final prayers and a great big wind-up Amen completed the service. On the way out of the church hall, the youngsters were given a chocolate egg and a lovely little book – ‘The Topsy Turvy King’ to enjoy at home.
Judging by the miles of smiles across the room, this creative service with a difference had been impactful in a profound way across the generations. Reaching out to the wider community, Rev. Naomi had brought together a wonderful group of people of all ages, keen to share in a multi-sensory church experience, sharing the Easter story.
In summary:
E = Extraordinary story and Easter Eggs
A = Activities for ALL ages
S = Science, Stories, Songs and Senses
T = Tapping toes and cups of Tea
E = Energy and Enthusiasm in abundance
R = Resurrection and Renewal
Happy Easter!
Dawn Communion at the Amenity Area, Pilling: 20th April
As the first streaks of light broke through the shadowy night sky, some members of St. James’ church gathered alongside those from other Christian Over Wyre churches to celebrate the first dawn Communion of Easter Day.
At the foot of the cross, and by the side of a blazing fire, the faithful came together to share Communion.
Reminiscent of Jesus’ followers over two thousand years ago in the eating of bread and fish, the congregation also sang joyful Easter hymns of renewal, affirming their faith in the Resurrection.
The transition from darkness to light and from death to new life, could not have been clearer.
“Colours of day, dawn into the mind,
The sun has come up, the night is behind.
Go down in the city, into the streets,
And let’s give the message to the people we meet.”
(Tim J Spencer and Steve Vent)
Holy Communion Service on Easter Day – 20th April
“Jesus Christ is Risen Today
Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day
Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross
Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss
Alleluia!
The opening hymn of the Easter Sunday service at St. James’ church neatly tied together the solemn events of Good Friday and the abundant joy of Easter Day. The darkness of the crucifixion had been eclipsed by the glory of resurrection.
In keeping with this bright new day of hope and renewal, the sun shone through the stained glass windows, throwing light around the worship space. The stark window ledges of Lent were now abundantly adorned in golden flowers; floral masterpieces were in evidence from stepping inside the porch right through to the great East window. Lush foliage, bright blooms and stylized arrangements dominated the scene. Good Friday’s bare wooden cross was now resplendently dressed in a swathe of white fabric and magnificent lilies.
Outside, in the church grounds, the scene was equally special. ‘Dottie the Donkey’ had left an amazing Easter Trail for youngsters to complete. Clues linked to the Easter story led little ones to some treasure (gold coins and Easter eggs) in addition to some activity stations, with opportunities to build crosses and decorate stones. Running around under blue skies and spring sunshine, the children met with God outdoors, whilst the adults were being treated to a glorious service inside.
Rev. Dyllis led the Holy Communion celebration and warmly welcomed a faithful congregation. Lighting the new Paschal candle, she spoke of new hope and renewal. The gospel reading blended grief with joy, darkness with light. death with resurrection. The narrative was one of transformation in which a key question was posed by Jesus to Mary Magdalene – “Who do you seek?” Fast forward over 2000 years and the same question is pertinent today.
Upbeat hymns loaded with joyful language, cheerful faces across the generations and a church brightly dressed in spring glory could only mean one thing – Easter Day had well and truly arrived.
Towards the end of the service, the youngsters loved sharing their outdoor experience, their crafting and their activity sheets with Rev. Dyllis and the congregation. Strangely enough – there was little evidence of any of the Easter egg finds!
Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son,
Endless is the victory, thou o’er death hast won;
Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away,
Kept the folded grave-clothes where thy body lay…
Happy Easter!
6️⃣ X Churches ⛪️💒⛪️💒⛪️💒
5️⃣ X Parishes 📍📍📍📍📍
1️⃣ X Easter Day 🙌🏻
= Immeasurable JOY 💛
