God's Forgiveness on Offer in Holy Week

We have been given a formal assurance by Pope Francis that in these exceptional circumstances we are dispensed from the requirement to perform our Easter duties. So today's short service invites you to make a searching examination of conscience. Not to make you feel bad. But on the contrary; to engage directly with God's tender mercy by acknowledging those aspects of your life that you know in your heart require forgiveness. The Act of Contrition then becomes a true moment of grace and release.

The Bethany Anointing

Today's reflection considers a very significant incident in the days leading up to Jesus's crucifixion. During a meal, a woman (sometimes identified as Mary Magdalene) performed a radical act of homage. Taking a most expensive ointment she anointed Jesus totally at her own initiative. The reflection for today acknowledges her great act.

Invite Jesus to Your Home this Holy Thursday

Today is the day on which we recall the Last Supper. This year it is not possible for this to be done as a congregation at church.  So you are invited to have an Agape Meal at home. Preferably nothing too fancy. Neither should it attempt to mimic a Eucharist by using only bread and wine. Perhaps it might be reserved for the desert after the usual evening meal.

Later in the evening there will be an opportunity to remember Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane with a 30 minute broadcast service on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ablessingonourhomes/

For several years now we have topped and tailed the great Solemn Commemoration of the Lord's Passion with two more reflective services.

In the morning a more interactive service using material refashioned from the Wild Goose Worship Group based on an imagined Trial of Jesus. This usually takes place in front of an image of a fabulous piece of art by Mark Wallinger - Ecce Homo Behold the Man.

Then in the evening we have a service focusing on the women who witnessed Jesus's death and the women of faith throughout the ages who have been sidelined, overlooked or put down. The tow images lie at the heart of this service: the Cross that has been centre stage since the afternoon liturgy, and a Pieta, with Mary cradling the dead body of the son she first cradles in Bethlehem.

 Join us on our Facebook A Blessing on Our Homes Page on Easter Sunday Morning at 11 am for:

An Easter Message from Father Peter

https://www.facebook.com/ablessingonourhomes/