Easter is a time of both deepest sorrow and greatest joy. We had our experience of both in great measure this Holy Week. On Maundy Thursday, we gathered for an evening Holy Communion at which we shared hot cross buns and juice: to recall the sweetness of Jesus' life and ministry, and his fellowship with his closest companions. Afterwards, we stripped the altar, removing all cloths and ornamentation in preparation for the stark sorrow of the crucifixion. We met again on Good Friday morning for an emotional service reflecting on the sorrow, the agony and the sacrifice of our Lord. On Sunday, the mood changed: sadness became joy and we celebrated Christ's resurrection, with Easter bonnets filled with symbols of new life, an Easter egg hunt and a Holy Communion in which we received the elements with particular gratitude, rejoicing in all that the Lord has done for us. Great fun - and beneath it, our grateful thanks for all that God has done for us, and the gifts he has freely given.
On Sunday 18 December, we held our annual Christingle Service, which raises funds to support the work of the Children’s Society.Christingle is a lovely, interactive service: every member of the congregation builds a Christingle - an orange to represent the world, with four cocktail sticks to represent the four corners of the world; on to these sticks are placed sweets to represent God’s provision. A red ribbon is tied round the orange to symbolise Jesus’ sacrifice of himself for our salvation; finally, a candle is placed at the centre to recognise that Jesus is the light of the world, our great hope for all creation.It was a wonderful service, full of joy and camaraderie; and we know that the money that was given will help children in desperate need: so a real ‘win-win’ situation.May your Christmas too be filled with joy and light; and may we all find time to remember the Christ Child who is the very heart of the season.
We are looking for someone of faith, available and keen to work with our existing worship band. We need a person who is familiar with both modern worship songs and traditional hymns, and who can give a good lead in services to a congregation who love to sing.If this sounds like YOU, please contact us via vicar@sbtwavertree.org.uk or leave a message on the church phone (0151 733 4313) and we’ll get back to you.
On a bright October Saturday, a group of our ladies armed with litter pickers and refuse bags took to the streets around our church and picked up every scrap of litter. Our thanks go to this small band of determined eco-warriors for their efforts.