Christ is Risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Sunrise over the Sea of Galilee

With my sabbatical only two weeks away, this week I've been immersed in Holy Week and Easter in the Parish of Four Saints. The congregation have heard it too many times when I've said 'there can be no resurrection without death first.' For me, the journey is hugely emotional and I was 'pleased' on Friday when the weather was really rather dreadful - grey and very wet; I don't want a sunny, cheerful Good Friday - I want a dreary, grey, miserable day to reflect the tone of the occasion! It delivered and last night at the Easter Vigil the evening was beautiful - just as it should be and likewise today, this morning as we continue to celebration the Resurrection.

I'm remarkably blessed to be surrounded by an amazing group of people who share the ministry here with me. They've made Holy Week and the Easter Triduum incredibly special and moving. From Compline at the start of the week to the services of the last few days.

As a clergy team we were all at Winchester Cathedral for the annual Chrism Mass and renewal of our ordination vows. It was also Bishop David's farewell service. More clergy robing than I'd seen for sometime, a moving farewell sermon from Bishop David (as a guest preacher, now being, legally, the Bishop of Truro) and very warm words from Bishop Philip as we said our farewells.

After supper together as a parish, James led a remarkable Maundy Thursday evening service; preaching on the need for us all to take time to be served and for us to receive foot-washing. The clergy team washed the congregation's feet and all bar one or two received. The simple service was utterly beautiful as we then went into the watch in a dark chapel, with only a handful of candles around the sacrament.

There was a bit of a change to our usual Good Friday with us putting back by an hour the time for our crafts, stories and worship aimed primarily at children and families. We wanted them to engage a bit more with the solemnity of Good Friday with Stations of the Cross. Once again Renate, Lorraine, Alice and Dave came up trumps - a time of worship followed by crafts, engaging with some interactive stations of the cross before Lorraine and Renate led us around the stations.

St Francis for the final hour on Good Friday

We continued the weekend and lit the four Paschal Candles (one for each church of the parish) last night at the Easter Vigil. We do have the service a little earlier (acknowledging that some people struggle driving and getting to church in the dark). Coming out of church to be greeted by a most wonderful sunset was a real gift. And then, this morning - gathering at St John's for a continuing of our celebrations. More coming together as a church family. An absolutely packed church. The candles lit again. Processing around the church.  A remarkably moving sermon from Lorraine.Freshly made bread from Renate. Making a song and dance of the glorious resurrection! Christ is Risen! He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!

Our Easter Sunday bread