By Rev Daniel Valentine
As Easter approaches, the shops and media channels are filled with imagery of eggs, bunnies, and chicks, signaling a season that seems to demand lavish expenditure on chocolate and Easter eggs. All this stands in stark contrast to the true essence of Easter for Christians. The real significance of Easter, rich in emotion and spirituality, spans from Palm Sunday through Holy Week, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and culminates in the celebration of Easter Sunday. I invite you to join us at Holy Trinity to walk with us on a profound journey from suffering to hope… Our observances start with the Maundy Thursday Eucharist at 8pm on 28th March, marking the beginning of the Triduum, the sacred three-day period before Easter. This service invites us to reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and our faithfulness, followed by a vigil extending into the night. Good Friday, observed on 29th March, is a day for deep reflection. At noon, we’ll meditate on Jesus’ final words from the cross, contemplating His sacrifice, with preacher Kevin Carey guiding us. This reflection will be accompanied by Fearghus Beauchamp’s rendition of Haydn’s Seven Last Words piano sonatas. Simultaneously, families can look forward to Easterthemed craft activities at the Old School, providing an opportunity for everyone to get involved in the Easter story. At 2pm, the Good Friday Liturgy in the church narrates Christ’s Passion, from the Last Supper to His crucifixion, highlighting Jesus’ immense love and sacrifice for the sins of the world. Alternatively, ‘Family Praise’ at the Old School provides a worship experience for all ages, followed by refreshments and hot cross buns. Holy Saturday’s vigil on 30th March at 8pm is a shortened version of the traditional overnight gathering, recounting God’s salvation history up to Jesus’ resurrection, a celebration of new life and hope. Much of the service focuses on the ‘light of Christ’ bringing illumination and grace to the world. Easter Sunday starts at 8am with Holy Communion, followed by the 9.45am Parish Eucharist. This service joyfully proclaims the Easter Gospel and celebrates the First Eucharist of Easter. We sing ‘Halleluiah’ depicting our shared joy in Christ’s resurrection through song, and enjoy fellowship over cake and a glass of fizz. At the heart of the Easter narrative lies a powerful tale of sacrifice, love, and rebirth, as it chronicles Jesus’ passage from death back to life. This story, steeped in profound themes, not only brings about a sense of renewal and forgiveness but also prompts us to deeply reflect on the nature of divine love. The season calls upon us to embrace its spirit fully, urging us to offer hope and support to those in need. You’re warmly invited to join us in embracing the transformative spirit of Easter. As we approach this sacred season, let it inspire us to share the boundless love of Christ with others. I encourage you this Easter to dedicate this time to reflection, celebration, and recommitting ourselves to acts of kindness and love. Do join us in making this season truly meaningful. Wishing you a blessed Easter…
Daniel
