He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Matthew 28 : 6 – 7 Readings today : Matthew 28 : 1 - 10Thought for this weekMatthew’s Gospel account of the Resurrection of Jesus begins with a violent earthquake, an angel hurtling from heaven, throwing back the stone like a curtain, with the appearance of lightning, clothing like snow. With the events of the past weeks it has felt there is no longer ‘normal’. The virus has had such a major impact on every household, every business and organisation, big questions now need to be asked, and maybe the biggest questions, ‘What do we really need?’, ‘what is most important to us?’.However we emerge from the virus, Jesus’ Resurrection reveals how He is making all things new. New beginnings and new hope. As we come like the first disciples amidst so much that is unprecedented and uncertain, the power of Christ to conquer sin and defeat death is supreme. Jesus is alive! He has broken fear and offers eternity. Praise be to the Lord revealed in His Son Jesus. Rev Paul
Updated information from the Benefice concerning services for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday - all services to be livestreamd from the St Edmund's Facebook pageMaundy Thursday7.30pm Rachel livestream with a home liturgy reflecting on Jesus at the Last Supper9.00pm onwards - all night vigil at home – you are invited to spend an hour reflecting on Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. (Thank you to those people who have already committed to praying during the night). Good Friday 2.00pm Last Hour at the Cross - 15 minute livestream meditation from Rev Paul followed by an invitation to keep the hour to 3.00pm at home6.30pm livestream worship and activities for children and familiesEaster Day 9.30am Rev Phil livestream service of 'spiritual communion' for the celebration of Easter11.00am livestream Celebration service led by Rev Paul 6:30pm Sunday Club livestream by Rachel for childrenFurther details : Rev Paul : vicarattaverham@gmail.com 01603 868217
At 7:30pm on Maundy Thursday Rachel will lead a service via livestream to commemorate the final meal, i.e. The Last Supper, that Jesus Christ hosted for his disciples the night before he was arrested and crucified.A service sheet so you can join in is attached to this newsitem. This service will be followed by the invitation to use a home liturgy reflecting on the Last Supper.All welcome
The on-line services that will be available through the St Edmund's Facebook page during Holy Week and Easter 2020 are:Tues 7th April 9.00pm livestream Compline for Holy Week led by ValWed 8th April 10.30am - Rev Phil pre - recorded livestream - Holy Week serviceWed 8th April 9.00pm - Rachel's Holy Week meditation on the PsalmsMaundy Thur 7.30pm Rachel livestream followed by the invitation to use a home liturgy reflecting on the Last SupperMaundy Thur 9.00pm onwards - all night vigil in people's homes - individuals spending one hour during the night in their own homeGood Friday - 2.00pm Last Hour at the Cross - 15 min meditation from Rev Paul followed by invitation for people to keep the hour to 3.00pm at homeEaster Day - 9.30am Rev Phil pre - recorded 'spiritual communion' Easter Day - 11.00am - non - Communion celebration service Rev Paul Sunday 19th April - 10.30am Rev Phil pre - recorded - Jesus appearing to the disciples, Thomas' declaration of faithWe hope you will join us!
