Why Shrove Tuesday?
For Christians the 40 days leading up to Easter was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday they went to confess their sins and were “shriven” (forgiven).
Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before the Lenten fast.
Today most Christians don’t fast but they do observe the 40 days of Lent by either giving up something they enjoy, perhaps cakes, alcohol or chocolate and donate the money they save to charity, or they may “give up” some of their time to support others.
The last week of Lent is Holy Week during which time Christians hold services in order to follow Jesus’ journey to the cross; then on Easter Sunday we celebrate the joyful news of the Resurrection of Jesus. Candles are lit to remind us that Jesus is the Light of the World, and eggs, symbolizing new life, are eaten.
Come and observe the events of Holy Week at St Michael’s Church. Share with us in the joy of Easter by joining our Easter Sunday service. Hold a lighted candle and join with us as we hear the declaration “Christ is Risen” and respond with us “He is Risen Indeed; Alleluia“.
Services for Holy Week and Easter
Palm Sunday 13th April 25
Maundy Thursday 17th April 25
Good Friday 18th April 25
Easter Sunday 20th April 25
10.30 am Service of the Word
This is the day we remember Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem.
The people in the crowd waved palm branches, laid their cloaks on the ground for the donkey to walk on and shouted, “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
At the beginning of the service Palm Crosses will be blessed and there will be a procession from the church gate.
6.00 pm Agape
A light meal is shared in memory of the “Last Supper” which Jesus ate with his disciples. During the meal bread and wine will be passed round in the same way Jesus did with his disciples when he told them to “do this in memory of me.” Maundy means command. At the end of the meal a time of silence is held to reflect on Jesus’ distress in the Garden of Gethsemane.
2.00 pm Last Hour Service
A quiet, thoughtful service reflecting on the crucifixion
10.30 am Easter Communion
The service begins in darkness, a light is kindled, it is announced “Christ is Risen”, candles are lit, and a fanfare played. A joyful hymn is sung as people take their seats and first Communion of Easter is celebrated.