Thursday 25 March 2021

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

This Sunday is Palm Sunday, when we remember Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and begin Holy Week. Sadly, we will not be able to have our usual procession this year, but we will be blessing the palm crosses. The service will be available also online from Saturday evening. Thank you to Hector, Martin and Art, as always.

Holy Week

Diocesan Service, 11 am, Wednesday 31st March:
During this service, Bishops, priests and lay ministers will renew their vows. The service will be led by Bishop Robert and Bishop David will preach. This service will be streamed live on Youtube.
Everyone is welcome.

Maundy Thursday Eucharist, 6.30pm, 1st April:
This is a special service when we remember the last supper Jesus shared with his friends and his washing of their feet. After the service there will be opportunity for silent prayer as we remember Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Good Friday, 2nd April:
On Good Friday, 4th April, there will be another prayer and fasting day. Material for prayer and reflection will be provided and there will be two short zoom meetings at 9am and 5pm for those who want to join in. Let me know if you want to do this. I will send out the prayer material early next week.

Online Family Service: there will be a short online service for families with small children at 10.30am.

Liturgy of the Cross, 2pm (in church): a service of readings, prayers and silence as we reflect on Jesus' death on the cross.

If you would like to attend the Maundy Thursday Eucharist or Good Friday Liturgy of the Cross service, please email or ring the office to book a seat before next Tuesday lunch time. Currently there are still some seats left. (NB Maria only works Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings). Both these services will also be available online.

Services on Easter Day
There will be two services on Easter day: one at 8.30am, and the other at 10.30am (which will include the baptism of Delali, Joana and Edem-David Agoba). Thank you to all who have already rung the office to book a seat. If you would like to attend one of these services please email or ring the office before next Wednesday lunch time.

Priority at the 10.30am service will be given to those who particularly know the Agoba family and want to support them and those who have a long distance to travel to church. We will be requesting that others kindly come at 8.30am. The good thing about having two services is that far more people, in total, will be able to attend an Easter Sunday Eucharist at St Ursula's than would have been the case with one service. Thank you for your understanding, and thank you to Maria in the office for organising this, which is not an easy task!

Men's Group
The group will be meeting, via zoom, every Sunday, 10.45am, until Easter. If you are not on the mailing list for the zoom link, and would like to be, please let me know.

Sunday Coffee Time
Every Sunday, now at 11.30am to allow those at church to get home first. We meet together, via zoom, to share reflections on the readings and sermon. Ask if you need to know the zoom link.

Lectio Divina continues on Thursdays, 10.30-11.15am, as we meet, via zoom, to meditate in silence on a short biblical passage and then share our reflections. Come and join us! Let me know if you would like more details.

Below is a canticle and a prayer appropriate for Holy Week:

Saviour of the World
Jesus, Saviour of the world, come to us in your mercy:
we look to you to save and help us.

By your cross and your life laid down, you set your people free:
we look to you to save and help us.

When they were ready to perish, you saved your disciples:
we look to you to come to our help.

In the greatness of your mercy, loose us from our chains,
forgive the sins of all your people.

Make yourself known as our Saviour and mighty deliverer:
save and help us that we may praise you.

Come now and dwell with us, Lord Christ Jesus:
hear our prayer and be with us always.

And when you come in your glory:
make us to be one with you and to share the life of your kingdom.

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you
for all the benefits that you have won for us,
for all the pains and insults that you have borne for us.
Most merciful redeemer,
friend and brother,
may we know you more clearly,
love you more dearly,
and follow you more nearly,
day by day.
Amen
(Richard of Chichester)

With love in Christ,
Helen