Hymns are normally sung at all our Common Worship (CW) services and services of Evening Prayer but not at Book of Common Prayer (BCP) services of Holy Communion, unless stated.
The homilies project was developed so that a congregation can engage in study and discussion of the lectionary when a Priest or Reader are not available to lead the service. The files include the gospel reading, details of the other readings for the week, the homily itself which can be read out loud, discussion points and the collect for the week. They are written by a variety of people, including our bishops and archdeacons, and they are intended to be used by lay leaders who are not authorised to preach.
The Walesby Group is now fortunate to be able to call upon the resources of three clergy licensed to their churches, supported by a wide team of lay and retired ministers. In addition to her role as Vicar for the Market Rasen Group, Revd Claire Burnett is Priest in Charge for the parishes of Brookenby, Claxby, Croxby, Kirmond le Mire, Normanby le Wold, North Willingham, Stainton le Vale, Thoresway and Walesby. Revd Bryan Dixon, Rector for the Middle Rasen Group, is Priest in Charge for the parish of Tealby and the Barkwith Group of parishes.
(For specific parish enquiries, please see the contact details on the website A Church Near You)
Tuesday 8th April: 6pm - Reflective Service of Holy Communion (Iona)
at Claxby Village Hall (refreshments from 5:30pm)
Monday 14th April: Holy Monday services of Evening Prayer with Hymns
at North Willingham at 6:30pm
Tuesday 15th April: Holy Tuesday service of Evening Prayer
at Stainton le Vale at 6pm
Wednesday 16th April: Stations of the Cross at Thoresway at 6pm
Thursday 17th April: Maundy Thursday service of Holy Communion
at Kirmond le Mire at 6pm
Friday 18th April: An Hour Around the Cross at Tealby at 2pm
Sunday 20th April: Easter Day Dawn Service of First Light
at Walesby 'Old Church' at 6am
Sunday 20th April: Easter Day Service of Holy Communion (BCP)
at Claxby St Mary's at 9am
Sunday 20th April: Easter Day Group Service of Holy Communion
at Walesby St Mary's at 10:30am
There are a wide range of theological opinions within the church, this article reflects the views of the author
'Easter Vigil'
The Easter Vigil is the first service of Easter and begins sometime on the evening of Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Day). It begins with a symbolic expectant waiting (usually outdoors around a fire) for the resurrection of Jesus on Easter morning, and this is represented visually by a large Easter candle, which is lit from the fire and brought into a darkened church. This depiction of new life and light represents Jesus’ resurrection on the first Easter morning. The congregation then light their own candles from the Easter candle, representing their own new life as followers of Jesus. The service will contain a number of readings from the Bible, and also an opportunity for all the participants to renew the promises made at their baptism. The Easter Vigil is generally a quiet and thoughtful service, but one full of joy.
On Easter Sunday, churches across England will celebrate because Jesus died for our sins and then rose again.
On the third day after being crucified, Jesus' tomb was found to be empty. He had risen from the dead. Life triumphs over death! The joy of resurrection is possible only because Christ endured death and conquered it.
Some churches celebrate Jesus' bringing life from death by making and blessing an Easter garden. Throughout Lent, churches are kept stark and bare but on Easter Sunday, the churches are decorated with flowers and the sombre purple of Lent is replaced with celebratory white or gold. There is a real party feel to many services with uplifting music and repeated alleluias (an exclamation of joyful praise).
Easter Day marks the beginning of fifty days of celebrating Jesus' resurrection. The final ten days begin on Ascension day where we celebrate Jesus' ascension into heaven. Churches around the country mark the day with services, sometimes outside or on church roofs. Finally, at the end of the fifty days, we celebrate Pentecost (sometimes called Whitsun) when Jesus' disciples received the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is often referred to as the birthday of the Church and is celebrated with parties and Whit walks (processions through town).
A Prayer for this Week
Lord God our Father,
through our Saviour Jesus Christ
you have assured your children of eternal life
and in baptism have made us one with him:
deliver us from the death of sin
and raise us to new life in your love,
in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,
by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Amen.
