I am posting this version of Xtra about ten days early so as to give people more time to plan their Holy Week and Easter events with hopefully All Saints in mind!
First things first!
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We have our Hymnathon taking place on Saturday 28th March from 2pm to 4pm at the church. During this time we will sing hymns and songs for two hours and raise money for our Organ Refurbishment appeal.
There will be opportunities for singers to stop for a drink at any point.
We are at the moment a little short of singers who are willing to find sponsorship for this event. Having a few more would be good for our morale. Would you consider downloading a sponsorship form by clicking HERE and coming along on Saturday 28th March? I would be so grateful if you would consider taking part.
To find out about the Organ Refurbishment appeal please click HERE - thank you.
HOLY WEEK EVENTS
MAUNDY THURSDAY
We have our Maundy Thursday agape supper and Communion service followed by (optional) Foot washing and the Stripping of the Altar. This will take place on Thursday 2nd April at 7.30pm in the church. If you would like to attend please sign up at the back of the church or email me by clicking HERE - thank you.
The Maundy Thursday meal will be a very light ceremonial meal and you are advised to have your evening meal before coming out. It will be led by Rev Keith McNicol. This is a very moving event and highly recommended.
GOOD FRIDAY
At 10am we will assemble with Christians from other churches at Tankerton Evangelical Church, Northwood Road, for our Walk of Witness. This takes us into the centre of town, finishing at St Alphege, walking via Our Lady Immaculate Roman Catholic Church and the Harbour.
Then from 12 noon to 3pm we have our Three Hours at the Cross at All Saints. You can come for the entire three hours or come for one or two hours. Please arrive and leave at the top of each hour. Denise Blaskett, Reader in Training, will be joining me in helping lead the second hour.
EASTER DAY
We have our famous Sunrise Service beginning at the later than normal time of 6.10am. We meet on the Promenade below the Marine Hotel, Tankerton. Then please make your own way back to the church for the conclusion of the service which is followed by Hot Cross Buns and Coffee at about 7am.
Later that morning we have our 8am Holy Communion and 10am Sung Holy Communion services with an Easter Egg Hunt for children in the hall.
We very much hope to see you with us as we celebrate the reality of the Resurrection for our own lives today!
OTHER THINGS
This Sunday, 22nd March, at 4pm, we have our Annual District Church Meeting at 4pm in the church hall. It would be great if you can attend. You can read the annual reports by clicking HERE.
Full paper copies with the accounts are available on Sunday at the back of church and will also be available at the meeting itself.
Please do come to the meeting! It lasts no longer than an hour normally at the most. It does cheer us all up to see new faces there as well as all those who so faithfully attend each year.
CASE FOR GOD COURSE AT THE MONUMENT PUB
You may have read in the flyer we put round the homes that in June I am running a course called Case for God at the Monument pub on Tuesday evenings. This can be found online by clicking HERE (participants are advised to read each week before attending the session if possible).
We live in an age of doubt where many people are having serious questions about the existence of God or the relevance of the Christian faith, and if you are one of those who do ask serious questions and would like to discuss in a relaxed setting, or if you would like to be furnished with better arguments to defend your faith, do consider coming to this course. Perhaps you could let me know by emailing me by clicking HERE if you are thinking of coming
The course will start on Tuesday 2nd June and will run from 7.30pm to 9.15pm.
I have chosen the pub as I believe it is a more easy place for searchers to go than walking into the church or church hall for this sort of thing. Devout atheists are also most welcome - it should stimulate the debate having a mixture of views present.
SINGING FOR YOUR LIFE
The first SINGING FOR FUN AND HEALTH took place on Wednesday
I videoed the singing without making any of the singers feel awkward, as it was from behind rather than in front, in order to show you how many were there and what the atmosphere was like.
You can watch the video here
A huge amount of work went into the project and I am very grateful to Pat and Aubrey Holland and their huge team of helpers. If you know of anyone who might be interested please tell them to come along next month (dates above)
CONFIRMATION
Still not too late to let me know if you have anyone in mind for Confirmation in May - the date for the confirmation is May 2nd at 6pm at Christchurch Herne Bay. Adults and children (of secondary school age in September upward) most welcome.
SACRED SPACE
takes place in the church this Monday - 23rd March - at 8pm to 9pm. It involves quiet, Taize music, silence, in near darkness with just candles. It is a lovely thing to come to. Please do consider coming but please bring a torch.
SIMON'S BLOG
My latest thoughts following a visit to Westminster Abbey can be found by clicking HERE
My very best wishes and Christian thoughts and prayers as we approach Holy Week and Easter
Simon
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