Easter 2015

What a super Easter!

All three parishes enjoyed terrific congregations over Easter, and had a wonderfully inspiring Holy Week as we prepared to celebrate Jesus' Resurrection together.

In North, the Easter congregation filled the church to bursting, and it was terrific to have our newly re-licensed Lay reader Richard assist Marcus is the service. The night before we had been treated to one of the most special events the church has seen in a long time as people gathered for "Bach and St John": Marcus read out the second half of St John's Gospel, and Peter Read, Tackley's regular organist, played some superb Bach pieces to highlight the readings and help us feel the power of every last word. Very special.

In Tackley, Robin brilliantly led the Maundy Thursday service. Though the building was cold, our hearts were warmed by the worship and our fellowship together. Easter Sunday was a wonderful time - the service was a little unusual, beginning with communion as the Rector joined us between services elsewhere in the Benefice, but we were delighted to have our Lay Reader Richard take the rest of the service and join with us for our Easter worship.

In Steeple, the Maundy Thursday Communion around the table, followed by the prayer vigil, was a beautiful peaceful time. And the Good Friday hour at the Cross was one of thos moments no-one will forget. One member of the congregation said afterwards: "I have been drawn closer to the cross today than ever before in my life". The choir began our worship on Easter morning with the Hallelujah Chorus as the Paschal Candle was lit, and we had the joy of welcoming four of our children to Communion ahead of Confirmation during the service. It was lovely to have so many friends and family with us for the day.

What were you Easter highlights this year? And do you feel that Lent was a good preparation for us?