Here you can find resources for our liturgy to pray at home or wherever you are.
The readings for today and some of the prayers of our liturgy are on the downloadable pew sheet.
Thank you for joining us for the Easter Vigil
as we continue our journey through the Easter Triduum
The Easter Fire and Blessing of the Paschal Candle
We hear the story of salvation as we journey from darkness to light
The renewal of Baptismal Vows and the first Eucharist of Easter
The angel said to the women:
Whom are you seeking?
Jesus of Nazareth, who died and was buried.
Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified.
He is not here, but has been raised from the dead.
So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples.
Alleluia, Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed, alleluia.
In church, there is a procession around the building while we sing Alleluia, alleluia, hearts to heaven and voices raise
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
God is love and we are God’s children, there is no room for fear in love.
We love because God loved us first. Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith.
Silence
God our Father, we confess to you
and to our fellow members in the Body of Christ
that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,
and in what we have failed to do. We are truly sorry.
Forgive us our sins,
and deliver us from the power of evil.
For the sake of your Son who died for us,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
God, who is both power and love,
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by the Holy Spirit
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God,
who, through your Son, Jesus Christ,
have overcome death and opened the gates of eternal life:
grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of his resurrection,
may be raised from the death of sin
by your life-giving Spirit;
through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you,
In church, we sing the hymn Jesus Christ is risen today
We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord,
Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one substance with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and was made human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord,
the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father.
With the Father and the Son,
he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
Let us present our offerings to the Lord. Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the splendour and the majesty; for everything in heaven and on earth is yours. All things come from you, and of your own we give you.
Please join in the prayer Jesus himself taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Do not bring us to the time of trial
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Lord, you have nourished us with the Easter sacrament:
fill us with the spirit of your love, and unite us in faith;
that we may be witnesses to the resurrection
and show your glory to all the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, alleluia, alleluia.
In the name of Christ, alleluia, alleluia.
Sunday 9th April
Easter Day
Tuesday 11th April
Thursday 13th April
Sunday 16th April
EASTER 2
Bishop Ian will be with us at HT on Sunday, 21st May, for a service of Confirmation. Should you have not been confirmed yet and wish to be included, please speak to the Rector or a member of the ministry team.
You might be interested in how best to help people in crisis in Ukraine.
The College of Bishops have highlighted these two organisations:
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal:
https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Among the DEC partners are Christian Aid, the British Red Cross, and Tearfund. The UK Government has pledged to match donations from the public to the DEC fund, pound-for-pound, up to £20 million.
The UK for UNHCR:
https://www.unrefugees.org.uk/where-help-is-needed/ukraine-situation/
Here you can find resources for our liturgy to pray at home or wherever you are.
The readings for today and some of the prayers of our liturgy are on the downloadable pew sheet.
Thank you for joining us for the Easter Vigil
as we continue our journey through the Easter Triduum
The Easter Fire and Blessing of the Paschal Candle
We hear the story of salvation as we journey from darkness to light
The renewal of Baptismal Vows and the first Eucharist of Easter
At church, we gather outside (weather permitting). All stand and face the Easter fire.
Dear friends in Christ, let us begin our solemn Vigil. On this most holy night when our Saviour Jesus Christ passed from death to life, we gather, with all the Church throughout the world, to watch and pray. This is the Passover of Jesus Christ. Through light and word, through water, bread and wine, let us celebrate the new life that Christ shares with us.
The presiding celebrant blesses the fire:
Almighty God, who gloriously raised your only-begotten Son from the dead: sanctify this fire, that it may be a sign of life and hope; may we, who celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, be set aflame with love, and renewed in faith, so that we may shine as a light in the world, and glorify you in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The presiding celebrant traces a cross in the Paschal candle, Alpha and Omega, and the numerals of the current year, saying,
Christ yesterday and today,
the beginning and the end,
Alpha and Omega,
all time belongs to him,
and all ages;
to him be glory and power,
through every age and for ever.
Amen.
Incense studs are inserted into the Paschal Candle as these words are said:
By his holy and glorious wounds may Christ our Lord guard and keep us. Amen.
The Paschal Candle is lit from the Easter fire. The presiding celebrant says:
May the light of Christ, rising in glory,
dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.
Carried aloft by the deacon, the Paschal Candle leads the congregation into the church.
Deacon: The light of Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
The clergy and servers light their candles from the Paschal Candle.
The Paschal Candle leads the congregation to the centre of the Nave.
Deacon: The light of Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
The candles of the congregation are lit from the Paschal Candle. The Paschal Candle leads the congregation to where its stand has been prepared:
Deacon: The light of Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
The Paschal Candle is placed on its stand.
The Exultet is sung (see pew sheet for the text)
As we await the risen Christ,
let us hear the record of God's saving deeds in history,
recalling how he saved his people in ages past
and in the fullness of time sent his Son to be our Redeemer;
and let us pray that through this Easter celebration
God may bring to perfection in each of us the saving work he has begun.
See the pew sheet for the six Old Testament readings with their psalms, canticle and prayers
In church, the candles of the altar are lit, and Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) is sung by all, during which bells are rung
O God,
who made this most holy night to shine
with the glory of the Lord’s resurrection:
stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption given to us in baptism;
that, being renewed both in body and mind,
we may worship you in sincerity and truth;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be destroyed, and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For whoever has died is freed from sin. 8 But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 The death he died, he died to sin, once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. 2 And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. 5 But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” This is my message for you.’ 8 So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, ‘Greetings!’ And they came to him, took hold of his feet, and worshipped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.’
See the text of the Easter Sermon here
In church, we sing the hymn Blest be the everlasting God (after 1 Peter 1.3-5) as the clergy and servers lead the procession to the font, where we all assemble
The presiding celebrant says:
Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whose great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope:
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give God thanks and praise.
Praise and thanksgiving be to you, Author of all being; for on this night your only-begotten Son passed through the waters of death, and rose to new life, the firstborn of your new creation. He that died upon the cross, was buried, and descended to the dead; he broke the chains of death, and opened for us the gates of salvation. As you delivered Noah from the waters of the flood, and led the children of Israel through the Red Sea, so you deliver your people from the waters of chaos. As your Son, when he hung upon the cross, gave forth water from his side along with blood, so you grant us a well-spring of life. Look therefore with love upon the face of your Church, and unseal for us, and all the world, the fountain of new birth.
The base of the Paschal candle is lowered into the water.
Send down upon the waters of this font and upon your people your holy and life-giving Spirit. Lead those who are baptised with Christ through the waters of death, to be one with him in his resurrection; and sustain your people by your Spirit to bring hope and strength to the world.
The Paschal candle is removed from the water.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord, with whom, and in whom, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all honour and glory be to you, Lord of all ages, world without end. Amen.
After the Baptismal Prayer over the waters of the font, all stand holding lighted candles in their hands, and renew the promise of baptismal faith. The presiding president addresses the congregation:
The Christian life means turning from evil and turning to Christ.
Do you renounce evil?
I renounce evil.
Do you repent of sin?
I repent of sin.
Do you turn to Christ?
I turn to Christ.
Will you follow Christ?
I will follow Christ.
Do you believe in God the Father, who made the world?
I believe.
Do you believe in God the Son, who redeemed humankind?
I believe.
Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit, who gives life to God’s people?
I believe.
This is the faith of the Church.
This is our faith. We believe in one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
As disciples of Christ, will you continue in the Apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and in the prayers?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you proclaim the good news by word and deed, serving Christ in all people?
With the help of God, I will.
Will you work for justice and peace, honouring God in all Creation?
With the help of God, I will.
This is the task of the Church.
This is our task: to live and work for the kingdom of God
The presiding president sprinkles holy water over all as a symbol of our renewed baptismal vows.
May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has given us new birth by water and the Holy Spirit, and has bestowed on us forgiveness of all our sins, guard us by his grace, and grant us, when our earthly course is ended, resurrection to eternal life, through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia.
We meet in Christ’s name. Let us share his peace.
As the grain once scattered in the fields, and the grapes once dispersed on the hillside are now reunited on this table in bread and wine, so, Lord, may your whole Church soon be gathered together from the corners of the earth into your kingdom. Amen.
Please join in the prayer Jesus himself taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Do not bring us to the time of trial
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Father of all, we give you thanks and praise that when we were still far off you met us in your Son and brought us home. Dying and living, he declared your love, gave us grace, and opened the gate of glory. May we who share Christ's body live his risen life; we who drink his cup bring life to others; we whom the Spirit lights, give light to the world. Keep us firm in the hope you have set before us, so we and all your children shall be free, and the whole earth live to praise your name; through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, alleluia, alleluia.
In the name of Christ, alleluia, alleluia.
Sunday 9th April
Easter Day
Thursday 13th April
Sunday 16th April
EASTER 2
Bishop Ian will be with us at HT on Sunday, 21st May, for a service of Confirmation. Should you have not been confirmed yet and wish to be included, please speak to the Rector or a member of the ministry team.
You might be interested in how best to help people in crisis in Ukraine.
The College of Bishops have highlighted these two organisations:
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal:
https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Among the DEC partners are Christian Aid, the British Red Cross, and Tearfund. The UK Government has pledged to match donations from the public to the DEC fund, pound-for-pound, up to £20 million.
The UK for UNHCR:
https://www.unrefugees.org.uk/where-help-is-needed/ukraine-situation/
Here you can find resources for our liturgy to pray at home or wherever you are.
The readings for today and some of the prayers of our liturgy are on the downloadable pew sheet.
Thank you for joining us on Good Friday
as we continue our journey through the Easter Triduum
Our service features the Passion Gospel according to John, the Sung Reproaches
and the Solemn Intercessions set for this day.
In church, we start the service in silence.
The presiding priest prostrates on the floor as a sign of humility in the sight of Christ’s passion
as we keep a time of silent prayer.
You may want to have a cross ready as you worship as a reminder
of the power and message of this day and this liturgy.
Almighty God,
look graciously, we pray, on this your family,
for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed
and given into the hands of sinners,
and to suffer death upon the cross;
who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
Please join in saying the text, pausing shortly at the *asterisk
Refrain: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *
and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress?
O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *
by night as well, but I find no rest.
Yet you are the Holy One, *
enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
Our forefathers put their trust in you; *
they trusted, and you delivered them.
They cried out to you and were delivered; *
they trusted in you and were not put to shame.
But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *
scorned by all and despised by the people.
All who see me laugh me to scorn; *
they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
‘He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; *
let him rescue him, if he delights in him.’
Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *
and kept me safe upon my mother's breast.
I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *
you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb.
Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *
and there is none to help.
Many young bulls encircle me; *
strong bulls of Bashan surround me.
They open wide their jaws at me, *
like a ravening and a roaring lion.
I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; *
my heart within my breast is melting wax.
My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *
and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.
Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *
they pierce my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.
They stare and gloat over me; *
they divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing.
Be not far away, O Lord; *
you are my strength; hasten to help me.
Save me from the sword, *
my life from the power of the dog.
Save me from the lion's mouth, *
my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.
Refrain: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
In the Liturgy of Good Friday, a simple wooden cross is brought among those assembled for worship for veneration and meditation.
Traditionally, the Reproaches are sung at this moment, and solemn intercessions are offered as we assemble at the foot of the cross.
This is the wood of the cross, on which hung the Saviour of the world.
Come, let us worship.
We reflect on the readings we have heard and meditate on the presence of the cross in our midst as the Reproaches are sung. You can join in singing the following antiphons.
I led you out of Egypt, from slavery to freedom,
but you led your Saviour to the cross.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
For forty years I led you safely through the desert,
I fed you with manna from heaven, and brought you to a land of plenty,
but you led your Saviour to the Cross.
What more could I have done for you?
I planted you as my fairest vine, but you yielded only bitterness:
When I was thirsty you gave me vinegar to drink,
and you pierced your Saviour with a lance.
Holy is God! Holy and strong! Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.
For your sake I scourged your captors and their first-born sons,
but you brought your scourges down on me.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I led you from slavery to freedom and drowned your captors in the sea,
but you handed me over to your high priests.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I opened the sea before you,
but you opened my side with a spear.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I led you on your way in a pillar of cloud,
but you led me to Pilate’s court.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I bore you up with manna in the desert,
but you struck me down and scoured me.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I gave you saving water from the rock,
but you gave me gall and vinegar to drink.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
For I struck down the kings of Canaan,
but you struck me with a reed.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I gave you a royal sceptre,
but you gave me a crown of thorns.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I raised you to the height of majesty,
but you have raised me high on a cross.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ taught us that what we do for others we do also for him:
give us the will to be the servant of others as he was the servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us;
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
In church, we sit or kneel as we make our prayer at the foot of the cross,
adapted from one of the most ancient litanies of the Church
I
Let us pray for the Holy Church of God (that our God and Lord will preserve it in peace throughout the whole world; and that we, leading a quiet and peaceable life, may glorify the Creator of heaven and earth).
A period of silent prayer
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Almighty and everlasting God,
in Christ you have revealed your glory among the nations:
preserve the works of your mercy,
that your Church throughout the world may persevere,
with steadfast faith, in the confession of your Name;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
II
Let us pray for all bishops, priests and deacons, and especially Ian, our Bishop (that God would clothe them with wisdom, and fill them with the Holy Spirit). Let us pray also for this congregation (that God would make us a royal priesthood, a holy nation, to the glory of Christ Jesus).
A period of silent prayer
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of your faithful people is governed and sanctified:
receive our supplications and prayers for all members of your holy Church;
that in their vocation and ministry
they may truly and devoutly serve you
to the glory of your name;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
III
Let us pray for the rulers of the nations (especially for Charles our King, the Government and Parliament of the United Kingdom, the Government and Parliament of Scotland, and all who serve the common good: that by God’s help they may seek justice and truth, and we may live in peace and concord).
A period of silent prayer
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace,
and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth;
that in tranquillity your kingdom may go forward
till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
IV
Let us pray for those preparing to be baptised (that our Lord and God may give them illumination and understanding, opening their hearts, strengthening their faith, and granting them the waters of rebirth, so they may be one with Christ Jesus our Lord).
A period of silent prayer
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Almighty and everlasting God,
you make your Church ever fruitful with new offspring:
increase the faith and understanding of those to be baptised;
that as they are buried with Christ by baptism into death,
so in Christ they may be raised to newness of life;
through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
V
Let us pray for those in tribulation and special need (for those weighed down with sickness or any trouble; for those who are in prison and captivity for the name of the Lord: that God would deliver them from every illness and disease, open the prisons, loose their chains, and restore them sound into the holy Church).
A period of silent prayer
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Almighty and ever-living God,
the comfort of the sorrowful,
the strength of those who suffer:
hear the prayers of your children who cry out in any tribulation;
that all may rejoice,
having known your merciful love in their time of need;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
VI
Let us pray for those who do not acknowledge the Lord our God (that, following what is right, in sincerity of heart, they may find the way to God’s own self).
A period of silent prayer
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Almighty and everlasting God,
you have made us for yourself
and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you:
have mercy on all who live in doubt and unbelief,
that they may know you, the one Creator God;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
VII
Let us pray for God’s ancient people, the Jews, who were the first to hear the word of the Lord our God (that together we may advance in the love of God’s name and in faithfulness to God’s covenant).
A period of silent prayer
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Almighty and ever-living God,
who bestowed your promises on Abraham and Sarah and their descendants:
bless the children of your covenant, both Christian and Jew;
take from us all blindness and bitterness of heart,
and hasten the coming of your kingdom,
when Israel shall be saved, the Gentiles gathered in,
and we shall dwell together in mutual love and peace
under the one God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
VIII
Let us pray for all our brothers and sisters who believe in Christ (that our Lord and God may be pleased to regard not our sins, but the faith of the Church, and would grant peace and unity to all Christian people).
A period of silent prayer
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Almighty and everlasting God,
you gather the scattered,
and unite those you have brought together;
look kindly on all who follow Jesus Christ, your Son;
that we, who are consecrated by one baptism into his life, death, and resurrection,
may be joined together in the fullness of faith,
and united in the fellowship of love;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
IX
Let us pray to Almighty God, the creator of heaven and earth, for the whole of creation, through Jesus Christ, in whom all things were made, and through whom all things were reconciled to the Father, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his Cross.
A period of silent prayer
Lord, in your mercy: hear our prayer.
Eternal God of unchanging power and light:
look with mercy on your whole creation;
and bring to completion your saving work,
so that the whole world may see
the fallen lifted up, the old made new,
and all things brought to perfection
by him through whom all things were made,
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
After praying the intercessions, we join in saying the Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Do not bring us to the time of trial
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.
In church, we sing the hymn See, Christ was wounded for our sake (see pew sheet)
After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Send down your abundant blessing, Lord,
upon your people who have devoutly recalled the death of your Son
in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection.
Grant them pardon; bring them comfort.
May their faith grow stronger and their eternal salvation be assured.
We ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen.
The service ends in silence.
Saturday 8th April
Holy Saturday
Sunday 9th April
Easter Day
The USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel), as part of this year’s Lent Appeal, encourages us to acknowledge that our neighbours are not just those in our hometowns. Your neighbour is the person that God calls you to love despite your differences. We pray with our Church partners around the world and stand with their mission to support vulnerable people in their local communities. Please join the global Anglican church in transforming lives.
To find out more about this year’s Lent appeal and make a donation, visit uspg.org.uk/lent
Bishop Ian will be with us at HT on Sunday, 21st May, for a service of Confirmation. Should you have not been confirmed yet and wish to be included, please speak to the Rector or a member of the ministry team.
You might be interested in how best to help people in crisis in Ukraine.
The College of Bishops have highlighted these two organisations:
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal:
https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Among the DEC partners are Christian Aid, the British Red Cross, and Tearfund. The UK Government has pledged to match donations from the public to the DEC fund, pound-for-pound, up to £20 million.
The UK for UNHCR:
https://www.unrefugees.org.uk/where-help-is-needed/ukraine-situation/
Here you can find resources for our liturgy to pray at home or wherever you are.
The readings for today and some of the prayers of our liturgy are on the downloadable pew sheet.
The beginning of the Easter Triduum:
We recall the Last Supper and the Washing of the Disciples' Feet
and watch with Christ in the Garden
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open,
all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God,
your Son Jesus Christ has left us this meal of bread and wine
in which we share his body and his blood.
May we who celebrate this sign of his great love
show in our lives the fruits of his redemption;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
1 I love the Lord, because he has heard
my voice and my supplications.
2 Because he inclined his ear to me,
therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
3 The snares of death encompassed me;
the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me;
I suffered distress and anguish.
4 Then I called on the name of the Lord:
‘O Lord, I pray, save my life!’
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous;
our God is merciful.
6 The Lord protects the simple;
when I was brought low, he saved me.
7 Return, O my soul, to your rest,
for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For you have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling.
9 I walk before the Lord
in the land of the living.
10 I kept my faith, even when I said,
‘I am greatly afflicted’;
11 I said in my consternation,
‘Everyone is a liar.’
12 What shall I return to the Lord
for all his bounty to me?
13 I will lift up the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord,
14 I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord
is the death of his faithful ones.
16 O Lord, I am your servant;
I am your servant, the child of your serving-maid.
You have loosed my bonds.
17 I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice
and call on the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all his people,
19 in the courts of the house of the Lord,
in your midst, O Jerusalem.
Praise the Lord!
(biblegateway.com)
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ taught us
that what we do for others we do also for him:
give us the will to be the servant of others
as he was the servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us;
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
Let us pray to the Father, as Christ prayed for his disciples.
Holy Father, as you are one, may we who are Christ’s Body also be one.
Let the Church in this place reflect your glory to the world. Silence
May we and all Christian people be united in your love.
Let us recognise in each other, and in all people, your image in which we are made. Silence
May your name be manifested in us. May we be sanctified in your truth.
May your love be in us. Silence
May we be united with those who suffer for their faith in your Son.
Let us be ready to meet the cost of following him. Silence
Bring us all, through the death and burial of your only-begotten Son,
to the joy of his resurrection. Silence
Send us out into the world in Christ’s name.
Let us follow his example, serving others as we would serve you. Silence
Father, accept the prayer of your Church on this day
when Christ, our high priest, gave himself to us (in the Eucharist);
who lives and reigns forever and ever. Amen.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you.
We meet in Christ's name.
Let us share his peace.
In church, we continue with the Liturgy of the Sacrament
Let us present our offerings to the Lord.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory,
the splendour and the majesty;
for everything in heaven and on earth is yours.
All things come from you, and of your own we give you.
Please join in the prayer Jesus himself taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Do not bring us to the time of trial
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Almighty God, source of all love,
whose only-begotten son, on the night of his betrayal,
gave his disciples a new commandment,
to love one another as he loved them:
write this commandment in our hearts;
and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all,
who gave his life and died for us,
yet is alive and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
In church, the remaining communion bread is carried in procession into the memorial chapel, where an altar of repose has been set up to symbolise Christ’s time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. The servers return to the sanctuary to remove ornaments and strip the altar while Psalm 22 is read:
Psalm 22
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *
and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress?
O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *
by night as well, but I find no rest.
Yet you are the Holy One, *
enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
Our forefathers put their trust in you; *
they trusted, and you delivered them.
They cried out to you and were delivered; *
they trusted in you and were not put to shame.
But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *
scorned by all and despised by the people.
All who see me laugh me to scorn; *
they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
‘He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; *
let him rescue him, if he delights in him.’
Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *
and kept me safe upon my mother's breast.
I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *
you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb.
Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *
and there is none to help.
Many young bulls encircle me; *
strong bulls of Bashan surround me.
They open wide their jaws at me, *
like a ravening and a roaring lion.
I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; *
my heart within my breast is melting wax.
My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *
and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.
Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *
they pierce my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.
They stare and gloat over me; *
they divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing.
Be not far away, O Lord; *
you are my strength; hasten to help me.
Save me from the sword, *
my life from the power of the dog.
Save me from the lion's mouth, *
my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.
I will declare your name to my brethren; *
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.
Praise the Lord, you that fear him; *
stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; all you of Jacob's line, give glory.
For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty; neither does he hide his face from them; *
but when they cry to him he hears them.
My praise is of him in the great assembly; *
I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.
The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *
‘May your heart live for ever!’
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, *
and all the families of the nations shall bow before him .
For kingship belongs to the Lord; *
he rules over the nations.
To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *
all who go down to the dust fall before him.
My soul shall live for him; my descendants shall serve him; *
they shall be known as the Lord's for ever.
They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *
the saving deeds that he has done.
In church, we assemble near the Memorial Chapel, as the Gospel of the Watch is read near the altar of repose. You are invited to remain praying silently.
Jesus came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ [[43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]] 45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’
The service ends in silence.
Friday 7th April
Good Friday
Saturday 8th April
Holy Saturday
Sunday 9th April
Easter Day
The USPG (United Society Partners in the Gospel), as part of this year’s Lent Appeal, encourages us to acknowledge that our neighbours are not just those in our hometowns. Your neighbour is the person that God calls you to love despite your differences. We pray with our Church partners around the world and stand with their mission to support vulnerable people in their local communities. Please join the global Anglican church in transforming lives.
To find out more about this year’s Lent appeal and make a donation, visit uspg.org.uk/lent
Bishop Ian will be with us at HT on Sunday, 21st May, for a service of Confirmation. Should you have not been confirmed yet and wish to be included, please speak to the Rector or a member of the ministry team.
You might be interested in how best to help people in crisis in Ukraine.
The College of Bishops have highlighted these two organisations:
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal:
https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Among the DEC partners are Christian Aid, the British Red Cross, and Tearfund. The UK Government has pledged to match donations from the public to the DEC fund, pound-for-pound, up to £20 million.
The UK for UNHCR:
https://www.unrefugees.org.uk/where-help-is-needed/ukraine-situation/
Here you can find resources for our liturgy to pray at home or wherever you are.
The readings for today and some of the prayers of our liturgy are on the downloadable pew sheet.
The angel said to the women:
Whom are you seeking?
Jesus of Nazareth, who died and was buried.
Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, but has been raised from the dead. So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell the disciples.
Alleluia, Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed, alleluia.
In church, there is a procession around the building, while we sing Jesus Christ is risen today
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Almighty God,
who, through your Son, Jesus Christ,
have overcome death and opened the gates of eternal life:
grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of his resurrection,
may be raised from the death of sin
by your life-giving Spirit;
through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
In church, we sing the hymn Paschal Feast! Upon the cross
We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty,
maker of heaven and earth,
of all that is, seen and unseen.
We believe in one Lord,
Jesus Christ, the only Son of God,
eternally begotten of the Father,
God from God, Light from Light,
true God from true God, begotten, not made,
of one substance with the Father.
Through him all things were made.
For us and for our salvation
he came down from heaven;
by the power of the Holy Spirit
he became incarnate of the Virgin Mary,
and was made human.
For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;
he suffered death and was buried.
On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures;
he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead,
and his kingdom will have no end.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord,
the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father.
With the Father and the Son,
he is worshipped and glorified.
He has spoken through the Prophets.
We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.
We acknowledge one baptism
for the forgiveness of sins.
We look for the resurrection of the dead,
and the life of the world to come.
Amen.
God is love and we are God’s children, there is no room for fear in love.
We love because God loved us first. Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith.
Silence
God our Father, we confess to you
and to our fellow members in the Body of Christ
that we have sinned in thought, word and deed,
and in what we have failed to do.
We are truly sorry.
Forgive us our sins,
and deliver us from the power of evil.
For the sake of your Son who died for us,
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
God, who is both power and love,
forgive us and free us from our sins,
heal and strengthen us by the Holy Spirit
and raise us to new life in Christ our Lord. Amen.
We meet in Christ's name.
Let us share his peace.
In church, we continue with the Liturgy of the Sacrament
Let us present our offerings to the Lord.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory,
the splendour and the majesty;
for everything in heaven and on earth is yours.
All things come from you, and of your own we give you.
Please join in the prayer Jesus himself taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Do not bring us to the time of trial
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia.
In the name of Christ. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia.
Sunday 24th April
Easter 2
Readings:
Acts 5.27-32
Revelation 1.4-8
John 20.19-31
online resources will be available on this website
Tuesday 26th April
Wellsprings: Praying through Lectio Divina
You might also be interested in how best to help people in crisis in Ukraine. The College of Bishops have highlighted these two organisations:
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal:
https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Among the DEC partners are Christian Aid, the British Red Cross, and Tearfund. The UK Government has pledged to match donations from the public to the DEC fund, pound-for-pound, up to £20 million.
The UK for UNHCR:
https://www.unrefugees.org.uk/where-help-is-needed/ukraine-situation/
Here you can find resources for our liturgy to pray at home or wherever you are.
The readings for today and some of the prayers of our liturgy are on the downloadable pew sheet.
The Easter fire and Blessing of the Paschal Candle
We hear the story of salvation and journey from darkness to light
The renewal of Baptismal Vows and the first Eucharist of Easter
At church, we gather outside (weather permitting). All stand and face the Easter fire.
Dear friends in Christ, let us begin our solemn Vigil. On this most holy night when our Saviour Jesus Christ passed from death to life, we gather, with all the Church throughout the world, to watch and pray. This is the Passover of Jesus Christ. Through light and word, through water, bread and wine, let us celebrate the new life that Christ shares with us.
The President blesses the fire:
Almighty God, who gloriously raised your only-begotten Son from the dead: sanctify this fire, that it may be a sign of life and hope; may we, who celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, be set aflame with love, and renewed in faith, so that we may shine as a light in the world, and glorify you in our lives; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The President traces a cross in the Paschal candle, Alpha and Omega, and the numerals of the current year, saying,
Christ yesterday and today,
the beginning and the end,
Alpha and Omega,
all time belongs to him,
and all ages;
to him be glory and power,
through every age and for ever.
Amen.
Incense studs are inserted into the Paschal Candle as these words are said:
By his holy and glorious wounds may Christ our Lord guard and keep us. Amen.
The Paschal Candle is lit from the Easter fire. The President says:
May the light of Christ, rising in glory,
dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.
Carried aloft, the Paschal Candle leads the congregation into the church.
At the door: The light of Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
The clergy and servers light their candles from the Paschal Candle.
The Paschal Candle leads the congregation to the centre of the Nave.
The light of Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
The candles of the congregation are lit from the Paschal Candle. The Paschal Candle leads the congregation to where its stand has been prepared:
The light of Christ.
All: Thanks be to God.
The Paschal Candle is placed on its stand.
The Exultet is sung (see pew sheet for the text)
As we await the risen Christ,
let us hear the record of God's saving deeds in history,
recalling how he saved his people in ages past
and in the fullness of time sent his Son to be our Redeemer;
and let us pray that through this Easter celebration
God may bring to perfection in each of us the saving work he has begun.
See the pew sheet for the six Old Testament readings with their psalms, canticle and prayers
In church, the candles of the altar are lit and Gloria in excelsis (Glory to God in the highest) is sung by all, during which bells are rung
O God,
who made this most holy night to shine
with the glory of the Lord’s resurrection:
stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption given to us in baptism;
that, being renewed both in body and mind,
we may worship you in sincerity and truth;
through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
In church, we sing the hymn Blest be the everlasting God (after 1 Peter 1.3-5) as the president and servers lead the procession to the font, where we all assemble
Blessed be God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whose great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope:
Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
The Baptismal Prayer is said (see the pew sheet)
Holding lighted candles, we renew our promise of baptismal faith
The president sprinkles all with holy water as a symbol of our renewed baptismal vows.
May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has given us new birth by water and the Holy Spirit,
and has bestowed on us forgiveness of all our sins,
guard us by his grace, and grant us,
when our earthly course is ended, resurrection to eternal life,
through the same Christ our Lord. Amen.
The risen Christ came and stood among his disciples and said, ‘Peace be with you.’
Then were they glad when they saw the Lord. Alleluia.
We meet in Christ's name.
Let us share his peace.
In church, we continue with the Liturgy of the Sacrament
Let us present our offerings to the Lord.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory,
the splendour and the majesty;
for everything in heaven and on earth is yours.
All things come from you, and of your own we give you.
Please join in the prayer Jesus himself taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Do not bring us to the time of trial
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Lord, you have nourished us with the Easter sacrament:
fill us with the spirit of your love, and unite us in faith;
that we may be witnesses to the resurrection
and show your glory to all the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Go in peace to love and serve the Lord, alleluia, alleluia.
In the name of Christ, alleluia, alleluia.
Easter Day
online resources will be available on this website
You might also be interested in how best to help people in crisis in Ukraine. The College of Bishops have highlighted these two organisations:
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal:
https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Among the DEC partners are Christian Aid, the British Red Cross, and Tearfund. The UK Government has pledged to match donations from the public to the DEC fund, pound-for-pound, up to £20 million.
The UK for UNHCR:
https://www.unrefugees.org.uk/where-help-is-needed/ukraine-situation/
Thank you for joining us on Good Friday as we continue our journey through the Easter Triduum
Here you can find resources for our liturgy to pray at home or wherever you are.
The readings for today and some of the prayers of our liturgy are on the downloadable pew sheet.
Our service features the Passion Gospel according to John, the Sung Reproaches
and the Solemn Intercessions set for this day.
In church, we start the service in silence.
The presiding priest prostrates on the floor as a sign of humility in the sight of Christ’s passion
as we keep a time of silent prayer.
You may want to have a cross ready as you worship as a reminder
of the power and message of this day and this liturgy.
Almighty God,
look graciously, we pray, on this your family,
for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed
and given into the hands of sinners,
and to suffer death upon the cross;
who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
Please join in saying the text, pausing shortly at the *asterisk
Refrain: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *
and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress?
O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *
by night as well, but I find no rest.
Yet you are the Holy One, *
enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
Our forefathers put their trust in you; *
they trusted, and you delivered them.
They cried out to you and were delivered; *
they trusted in you and were not put to shame.
But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *
scorned by all and despised by the people.
All who see me laugh me to scorn; *
they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
‘He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; *
let him rescue him, if he delights in him.’
Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *
and kept me safe upon my mother's breast.
I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *
you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb.
Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *
and there is none to help.
Many young bulls encircle me; *
strong bulls of Bashan surround me.
They open wide their jaws at me, *
like a ravening and a roaring lion.
I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; *
my heart within my breast is melting wax.
My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *
and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.
Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *
they pierce my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.
They stare and gloat over me; *
they divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing.
Be not far away, O Lord; *
you are my strength; hasten to help me.
Save me from the sword, *
my life from the power of the dog.
Save me from the lion's mouth, *
my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.
Refrain: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
In the Liturgy of Good Friday, a simple wooden cross is brought among those assembled for worship for veneration and meditation.
Traditionally, the Reproaches are sung at this moment and solemn intercessions are offered as we assemble at the foot of the cross.
This is the wood of the cross, on which hung the Ssaviour of the world.
Come, let us worship.
We reflect on the readings we have heard and meditate on presence of the cross in our midst as the Reproaches are sung. You can join in singing the following antiphons.
I led you out of Egypt, from slavery to freedom,
but you led your Saviour to the cross.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
For forty years I led you safely through the desert,
I fed you with manna from heaven, and brought you to a land of plenty,
but you led your Saviour to the Cross.
What more could I have done for you?
I planted you as my fairest vine, but you yielded only bitterness:
When I was thirsty you gave me vinegar to drink,
and you pierced your Saviour with a lance.
Holy is God! Holy and strong! Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us.
For your sake I scourged your captors and their first-born sons,
but you brought your scourges down on me.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I led you from slavery to freedom and drowned your captors in the sea,
but you handed me over to your high priests.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I opened the sea before you,
but you opened my side with a spear.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I led you on your way in a pillar of cloud,
but you led me to Pilate’s court.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I bore you up with manna in the desert,
but you struck me down and scoured me.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I gave you saving water from the rock,
but you gave me gall and vinegar to drink.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
For I struck down the kings of Canaan,
but you struck me with a reed.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I gave you a royal sceptre,
but you gave me a crown of thorns.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
I raised you to the height of majesty,
but you have raised me high on a cross.
My people, what have I done to you? How have I offended you? Answer me!
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ taught us that what we do for others we do also for him:
give us the will to be the servant of others as he was the servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us;
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
In church, we sit or kneel as we make our prayer at the foot of the cross,
adapted from one of the most ancient litanies of the Church
See the pew sheet for the text.
The Intercessions conclude with this prayer:
Eternal God of unchanging power and light:
look with mercy on your whole creation;
and bring to completion your saving work,
so that the whole world may see
the fallen lifted up, the old made new,
and all things brought to perfection
by him through whom all things were made,
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Please join in the prayer Jesus himself taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Do not bring us to the time of trial
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.
In church, we sing the hymn See Christ was wounded for our sake
After these things, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus, though a secret one because of his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate to let him take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission; so he came and removed his body. 39 Nicodemus, who had at first come to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with the spices in linen cloths, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41 Now there was a garden in the place where he was crucified, and in the garden there was a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42 And so, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation, and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.
Send down your abundant blessing, Lord,
upon your people who have devoutly recalled the death of your Son
in the sure and certain hope of the resurrection.
Grant them pardon; bring them comfort.
May their faith grow stronger and their eternal salvation be assured.
We ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen.
The service ends in silence.
Holy Saturday
We start with the Easter fire & Blessing of the Paschal Candle as we hear the story of salvation and journey from darkness to light
With the renewal of Baptismal Vows & the first Eucharist of Easter
Easter Day
online resources will be available on this website
You might also be interested in how best to help people in crisis in Ukraine. The College of Bishops have highlighted these two organisations:
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal:
https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Among the DEC partners are Christian Aid, the British Red Cross, and Tearfund. The UK Government has pledged to match donations from the public to the DEC fund, pound-for-pound, up to £20 million.
The UK for UNHCR:
https://www.unrefugees.org.uk/where-help-is-needed/ukraine-situation/
Here you can find resources for our liturgy to pray at home or wherever you are.
The readings for today and some of the prayers of our liturgy are on the downloadable pew sheet.
We recall the Last Supper and the Washing of the Disciples' Feet
and watch with Christ in the Garden
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hidden:
cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,
that we may perfectly love you,
and worthily magnify your holy name;
through Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, your Son Jesus Christ
has left us this meal of bread and wine
in which we share his body and his blood.
May we who celebrate this sign of his great love
show in our lives the fruits of his redemption;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.
please join in saying the text, pausing shortly at the *asterisk
Refrain: The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ.
I love the Lord, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.
How shall I repay the Lord *
for all the good things he has done for me?
I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the name of the Lord.
I will fulfil my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all his people.
Precious in the sight of the Lord *
is the death of his servants.
O Lord, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid; you have freed me from my bonds.
I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the name of the Lord.
I will fulfil my vows to the Lord *
in the presence of all his people.
In the courts of the Lord's house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Refrain: The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a sharing in the blood of Christ.
Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ taught us that what we do for others we do also for him:
give us the will to be the servant of others as he was the servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us;
who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, world without end. Amen.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, as I have loved you.
We meet in Christ's name.
Let us share his peace.
In church, we continue with the Liturgy of the Sacrament
Let us present our offerings to the Lord.
Yours, Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory,
the splendour and the majesty;
for everything in heaven and on earth is yours.
All things come from you, and of your own we give you.
Please join in the prayer Jesus himself taught us:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Do not bring us to the time of trial
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power
and the glory are yours,
now and for ever.
Amen.
Almighty God, source of all love,
whose only-begotten son,
on the night of his betrayal,
gave his disciples a new commandment,
to love one another as he loved them:
write this commandment in our hearts;
and give us the will to serve others as he was the servant of all,
who gave his life and died for us, yet is alive and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.
After Communion, the remaining communion bread is carried in procession into the memorial chapel, where an altar of repose has been set up to symbolise Christ’s time of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.
The servers return to the sanctuary to remove ornaments and strip the altar while Psalm 22 is read:
My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? *
and are so far from my cry and from the words of my distress?
O my God, I cry in the daytime, but you do not answer; *
by night as well, but I find no rest.
Yet you are the Holy One, *
enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
Our forefathers put their trust in you; *
they trusted, and you delivered them.
They cried out to you and were delivered; *
they trusted in you and were not put to shame.
But as for me, I am a worm and no man, *
scorned by all and despised by the people.
All who see me laugh me to scorn; *
they curl their lips and wag their heads, saying,
‘He trusted in the Lord; let him deliver him; *
let him rescue him, if he delights in him.’
Yet you are he who took me out of the womb, *
and kept me safe upon my mother's breast.
I have been entrusted to you ever since I was born; *
you were my God when I was still in my mother's womb.
Be not far from me, for trouble is near, *
and there is none to help.
Many young bulls encircle me; *
strong bulls of Bashan surround me.
They open wide their jaws at me, *
like a ravening and a roaring lion.
I am poured out like water; all my bones are out of joint; *
my heart within my breast is melting wax.
My mouth is dried out like a pot-sherd; my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; *
and you have laid me in the dust of the grave.
Packs of dogs close me in, and gangs of evildoers circle around me; *
they pierce my hands and my feet; I can count all my bones.
They stare and gloat over me; *
they divide my garments among them; they cast lots for my clothing.
Be not far away, O Lord; *
you are my strength; hasten to help me.
Save me from the sword, *
my life from the power of the dog.
Save me from the lion's mouth, *
my wretched body from the horns of wild bulls.
I will declare your name to my brethren; *
in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.
Praise the Lord, you that fear him; *
stand in awe of him, O offspring of Israel; all you of Jacob's line, give glory.
For he does not despise nor abhor the poor in their poverty;
neither does he hide his face from them; *
but when they cry to him he hears them.
My praise is of him in the great assembly; *
I will perform my vows in the presence of those who worship him.
The poor shall eat and be satisfied, and those who seek the Lord shall praise him: *
‘May your heart live for ever!’
All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, *
and all the families of the nations shall bow before him .
For kingship belongs to the Lord; *
he rules over the nations.
To him alone all who sleep in the earth bow down in worship; *
all who go down to the dust fall before him.
My soul shall live for him; my descendants shall serve him; *
they shall be known as the Lord's for ever.
They shall come and make known to a people yet unborn *
the saving deeds that he has done.
In the church, we assemble near the Memorial Chapel, as the Gospel of the Watch is read near the altar of repose.
Jesus came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. 40 When he reached the place, he said to them, ‘Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’ 41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, 42 ‘Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.’ [[43 Then an angel from heaven appeared to him and gave him strength. 44 In his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.]] 45 When he got up from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and he said to them, ‘Why are you sleeping? Get up and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.’
You might like to join us in staying for a time of silent prayer. We’ll watch until midnight.
Good Friday
We hear the Passion Gospel and meditate on the cross as we hear the Reproaches and pray the ancient solemn intercessions for Good Friday
Holy Saturday
We start with the Easter fire & Blessing of the Paschal Candle
as we hear the story of salvation and journey from darkness to light
With the renewal of Baptismal Vows & the first Eucharist of Easter
Easter Day
online resources will be available on this website
You might also be interested in how best to help people in crisis in Ukraine. The College of Bishops have highlighted these two organisations:
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal:
https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal
Among the DEC partners are Christian Aid, the British Red Cross, and Tearfund. The UK Government has pledged to match donations from the public to the DEC fund, pound-for-pound, up to £20 million.
The UK for UNHCR:
https://www.unrefugees.org.uk/where-help-is-needed/ukraine-situation/
