Tonight, we gather in the tension of knowing. Holy Tuesday reminds us that Jesus, fully aware of the paths His friends would take, speaks truth into the hearts of those closest to Him. At the table, surrounded by familiar faces, He reveals what no one wants to hear: one will betray, and another will deny.

In the face of betrayal, Jesus does not turn away. He looks at Judas with the same love that washed his feet just nights ago. In the face of denial, Jesus does not scorn Peter. He speaks with sorrow, yet with the certainty that Peter’s story will not end in failure.

These moments are heavy, yet they are profoundly human. Betrayal and denial are woven into the fabric of our fragile relationships. Who among us can say we have never faltered, never chosen self-preservation over loyalty? And yet, even in these shadows, Jesus does not withdraw His love. His love remains steadfast, even for those who falter.

Holy Tuesday challenges us to look inward. Where are the places in our lives where we have turned from Christ—whether through action, inaction, or silence? And where might we find hope in the assurance that failure does not define us? For just as Peter will be restored, so too does grace continue to call us back to love and faithfulness.

Tonight, we step into the shadows of betrayal. Holy Wednesday draws us into the story of Judas, a man whose name has become synonymous with treachery. For thirty pieces of silver, he bargains with the chief priests, setting in motion the events that will lead to the arrest of Jesus.

This moment is both tragic and haunting. Judas, one of the Twelve—someone who walked with Jesus, dined with Him, witnessed His miracles—chooses the path of betrayal. The gleam of silver becomes heavier than the weight of loyalty, and the lure of power and self-interest silences the call to faithfulness.

Yet, as we consider Judas’ actions, we are not mere spectators to history. Holy Wednesday whispers an uncomfortable truth: betrayal is not so far from any of us. How often do we trade the eternal for the fleeting, God’s call for the world’s promises?

And yet, even here, God’s grace is not absent. The betrayal of one man becomes the doorway to salvation for all. In the darkness of this night, a glimmer of hope remains. What Judas intended for harm, God transforms into the ultimate act of love and redemption.

So tonight, we do not linger only in judgment or despair. Instead, we sit with the tension of this holy story—the tension of sin and grace, of human frailty and divine mercy. As the silver coins clink in the background, may we examine our own hearts and seek the strength to choose the path of faithfulness, even when it is costly.

Tonight, we gather to remember the profound moments of Jesus' final evening with His disciples. Maundy Thursday is a night of love and betrayal, service and sacrifice, where the shadow of the cross looms ever closer.

Here, Jesus stoops to wash the feet of His friends, embodying humility and love in the most tender of gestures. Here, He breaks the bread and pours the wine, offering Himself as the nourishment of life and the new covenant of grace. And here, in the intimacy of this final meal, He gives the commandment that we love one another, as He has loved us.

But the night’s beauty is pierced with sorrow. In the garden, under the cloak of night, betrayal takes root, and the journey toward the cross begins.

As we walk through the sacred acts of this evening—washing, breaking, remembering—may we open our hearts to both the challenge and the comfort of this holy night. Maundy Thursday calls us to love as Christ loved, to serve as Christ served, and to follow Him through the darkness, toward the hope of resurrection.

Reflections on at the foot of the Cross on Holy Week. A series of short reflections, prayers and silence. Each reflection is around 15 minutes in length. You can 'come and go' at the service and there is no expectation for you to remain for all of it. The full reflections last approximately 2 hours.

Today, we come together to reflect on the profound love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Good Friday marks the day when Jesus willingly laid down His life on the cross to redeem humanity, an act of grace that reveals the depth of God’s love for each of us.

It is a day of solemnity and gratitude, as we remember the cost of our redemption and the hope that arises from Christ’s ultimate act of selfless love. For those exploring Christianity, Good Friday invites us to consider the power of forgiveness and the promise of new life through faith in Jesus.

It is a widespread custom for the consecrated bread and wine remaining from the Maundy Thursday Eucharist to be given in communion. The church remains stripped of all decoration. It continues bare and empty through the following day, which is a day without a liturgy: there can be no adequate way of recalling the being dead of the Son of God, other than silence and desolation.

This evening, we gather for a service of shadows, a time to reflect deeply on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ. "Tenebrae" means darkness, and through Scripture, music, and the extinguishing of candles, we journey with Christ to the cross. The growing darkness symbolizes the weight of sin and the deep sorrow of this day.

As the service concludes, the loud sound you will hear represents the stone sealing Jesus' tomb—a stark reminder of the finality of His burial. Yet, even in this solemn moment, we hold onto the hope of resurrection and new life that awaits.

Tonight, we gather at the threshold of the resurrection to reflect on the great story of God’s saving work. Through readings, prayers, and song, we journey from the wonder of creation, through the promises of the Old Testament, to the hope fulfilled in Christ. This Vigil connects us to the unfolding narrative of God’s love and faithfulness across all generations.

The stillness of this Saturday, marked by the emptiness of the tomb, gives way to the anticipation of new life. Together, we wait in hope, preparing our hearts for the joy of Easter morning.

Today we gather to celebrate the cornerstone of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter marks the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and hope over despair. It reminds us of the unconditional love of God, who sent His Son to redeem the world.

The resurrection is not only a historical event but a living promise—a reminder that no matter the trials we face, renewal and transformation are always possible through faith. For those exploring Christianity, Easter is a profound invitation to reflect on grace, forgiveness, and the deep meaning of new beginnings.

We start our service by the bonfire outside the front of the church.

This is a traditional service with readings from the bible, a sermon and communion (you are unable to sign school attendance registers at this service). This service lasts approximately half an hour.

Today we gather to celebrate the cornerstone of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter marks the triumph of light over darkness, life over death, and hope over despair. It reminds us of the unconditional love of God, who sent His Son to redeem the world.

The resurrection is not only a historical event but a living promise—a reminder that no matter the trials we face, renewal and transformation are always possible through faith. For those exploring Christianity, Easter is a profound invitation to reflect on grace, forgiveness, and the deep meaning of new beginnings.

Evening prayer with readings from the bible. There is regular teaching on faith development during this service. This service lasts approximately half an hour.

View attachment

Morning prayer with readings from the bible. This service lasts approximately a quarter of an hour.

This is a reflective evening service with readings from the bible, a short address and communion. This service lasts approximately half an hour.

This is a traditional service with readings from the bible, a sermon and communion. This service lasts approximately half an hour. Refreshments are served afterwards.

You can also watch this service online via our YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@stmichaelseasthampstead1937).

A short service of Holy Communion with the laying on of hands, prayers for healing and anointing with oil.