Categories: uncategorized
Date: 01 April 2005 06:26:30
I know it's past Easter now, but I wish there was some kinda post Easter celebration. I see my Christ candle sitting on the table, and wonder what will be my response and reflections now. I took my Christ candle camping. It sat on the table unlit until breakfast on Easter Sunday. It was a really nice physical, and constant reminder about Jesus return from death to the land of the living.
The Good Friday service was fantastic, in a somber, reflective kinda way. Classical music played, with an image of nature on the screen, as people sat in the darkness. It really created a reflective atmosphere. Inbetween pieces, different people read bible passages about the choices people like Peter, Pilate, the criminal on the cross, made leading up to the death of Jesus. There were responsive readings about our choices and pain and sorrow. A group sang a hymn, which was like a gift from them. There was some great music by John Tavener and Bjork as people sat. Young children listened, before calling out to each other across the church. A bit like any funeral really. Kids always bring life.
There was a candle up the front which people could use to light a taper candle to place in the sand. It was beautiful. Whole families went forward to light candles together. One lady knelt, and then crossed herself. I've never seen it before. I still cry every time I think about it. Just the thought that a space had been created in church where people felt free to express their faith using their own traditions. It's a beautiful thing to be accepted and embraced regardless of your traditions.
I like participation, I like the gifts people bring in preparing and presenting at service, I like variety, so there is something for everyone, whether that be types of music, or art or lighting candles, or multi media, or nature, or silence or dancing.
The service is followed by hot cross buns at the priests house.