Holy Week and Easter
In Jesus Christ we find Life
Palm Sunday to Easter Day
at St. James Church, Beauchamp Lane, and St. Francis Church, Hollow Way, Cowley and the Asian Anglican Living Church
We have many special events during this period which is the most important festival for Christians. There are times to be quiet and sad, times to eat a meal together, and times to shout and praise God. Sometimes we are in church, sometimes walking along the street, sometimes in our church centre.
Why not come and join us for Holy Week and Easter
Preparing for Easter
During the last days of Lent, as we prepare for Holy Week we invite the pupils of our local schools to come into the church for our Easter Prayer Spaces.
This is a special programme during which small groups of children visit different parts of the church and engage in practical activities as the events of Jesus' life and death are explained to them.
Full details of dates and times will be announced at school.
Palm Sunday:
This is the day that we remember that Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey. People thought he was coming as a warrior king to overthrow their oppressive rulers but instead he came in love and prepared to die. Christians use this day to help them understand the power of love in our world today. Our 2016 events are as follows.
8.00am. Holy Communion at St. James Church, Beauchamp Lane (a quiet service)
9.30am. Parish Eucharist at St. Francis Church, Hollow Way (a family friendly service)
11.00am. Parish Eucharist at St. James Church with procession (a service for all the family)
Maundy Thursday:
This is the day when Christians remember that just before Jesus was executed he had a very special meal with his best friends (his disciples). The men and women who shared that meal with him were so changed by the experience that they decided to share a similar meal every time they met.
On this night we meet around tables at the St. James Church Centre and share a meal together as we retell the story of what happened on this same night almost 2,000 years ago.
7.30pm. Passover Supper at St. James Church, Beauchamp Lane
Good Friday:
On this day Jesus Christ died and all hope was lost. Christians gather in churches all over the world on this day to reflect on what the death of Jesus means for us today. All decoration has been removed from our churches, everything is dark and quiet. Typically our events follows this pattern.
10.00 - 11.00am. at St. James Church Centre, Beauchamp Lane Good Friday Family Reflection and Crafts A time together for all the family
12.00 - 1.00pm. at St. James Church, Beauchamp Lane Prayers at the Cross.
2:00 Stations of the cross –
2.30pm. Asian Anglican Living Church (at St. James Church) Good Friday Service
Holy Saturday : 26 March 2016
This is a day of waiting, a day for asking questions about life, a day of preparation for the future. At the end of the day Christians gather in church to read the Bible together and then wait to see what God will do. Our time together ends with a wonderful noisy celebration of the new life which God gives us through the resurrection of Jesus.
Just after Sunset at St. James Church, Beauchamp Lane Lighting of the Easter candle and redressing of the Altar - with soup and hot dogs.
Followed by. Easter Vigil in the St Lukes Chapel
Easter Sunday :
A day of celebration. Jesus Christ is alive, he has overcome the power of death, 'life and everything' will never be the same again. Our 2016 serves are as follows.
8.00am. Holy Communion at St. James Church, Beauchamp Lane (a quiet service)
9.30am. Parish Eucharist at St. Francis Church, Hollow Way (a family friendly service)
11.00am. Parish Eucharist at St. James Church
1.30pm. Asian Anglican Living Church at St. James Church - Easter Service followed by fellowship in the Church Centre.