Holy Week and Easter

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 13 April 2004 18:48:33

I definitely will take my sleeping bag next year....

Monday - Homily (Mary Magdalene) and Compline, leave in silence.
Tuesday - Exeter Chamber Choir sing reflective, meditative Lenten music
Wednesday - Homily (Judas) and Compline, leave in silence.
Thursday - Commemoration of the Last Supper and Watch. Anthem 'A new commandment'. The first of the three services led by the Bishop of Plymouth. All left in silence, including the choir.
Friday - Youth service and workshop, meditation and readings. Last hour Liturgy from 'Lent, Holy Week and Easter' book. Anthem - 'We glory in your cross, O Lord'. Singing 'When I survey the wondrous cross' whilst kneeling, as the cross is processed up to the altar. Depart 'chaotically and in silence'.

Saturday - First Eucharist of Easter and Lighting of the Fire. The waiting seems interminable during the readings and prayers, then finally out into the evening air (sadly not dark) to light the Paschal candle, pierced with the incense pins. Very special atmosphere as we walk back up the aisle, stopping three times: 'The Light of Christ', 'Thanks be to God', lighting a few more candles as we go, passing the light to the back of the church. Then the exsultet sung by candlelight and a huge noise as the Gloria is finally sung and all the lights come on. My favourite service of the season! Anthem - 'This joyful Eastertide'.

Sunday - Easter Day. The vicar made the mistake of bringing the Easter Eggs into the vestry before the service! But we were very restrained. The church was packed - more so than previous years in recent memory. We joyfulled the Eastertide again, but should have had another anthem ready as there was a long queue for the communion rail. Instead we saved our voices for Evensong, when we sang the Hallelujah Chorus. Then home for a rest!

Alleluia, Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia.