Cloaks

We gave George Smith a cloak when she left but it wasn't quite ready for people to see here before she went.  Here she is in it.  We'll pick it up as a theme on Sunday - and, among other things, pray alongside the woman who crept up and touched the hem of Jesus' garment.

4th May

Next Sunday at St Nicolas' the theme set by the church's large Easter Candle will include decorating some candle-shaped biscuits, setting fire to some prayers and exploring the Greek alphabet.

At the foot of the cross

Here are some of the prayers created during this morning's service now literally laid 'at the foot of the cross'.

Passion Sunday

We meet in St Nicolas' tomorrow - our venue for the next six months.  David McCormick has been preparing things round the theme of Jesus' cross and 'passion' - the approaching story of Jesus' death.

Preparing for Lent

Here are three things from the 'scribble wall' this morning - three takes on what Lent will mean to us.  One is traditional 'giving up', one is the reverse of 'making positive steps', and the third comes from a totally different angle.

From Crib to Cross 2

Here are some of the things contributed to our worship yesterday.  They have been put as this month's prayer focus in the south chapel at St Nicolas', the church in the parish which we leave open during the day.  Looking back to the crib (and hearing Simeon say he can depart in peace) we have things which help build peace.  Looking on to the cross (and hearing Simeon say a sword will pierce Mary's heart) we have things which lead to conflict.

From Crib to Cross

Sunday is exactly forty days after Christmas - and new born first sons were taken to the Temple when they were forty years old.  So Sunday has the last of the story in the Christmas cycle.

When Jesus was 'presented' in the Temple, the elderly prophet there warned his mother of the suffering ahead of her.  So Sunday also has one of the first stories pointing forward to Jesus' death.

So 'the feast of Candlemas' is sometimes seen as the day 'we turn from the crib to the cross'.  We will be acting this out on Sunday. - aware of peace-making and war-mongering either side of us.