The events of Holy Week and Easter are 3 Days that changed the world. Churches in Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham are, this year, sharing the message of Easter with everyone travelling the River Thames or simply walking the Rivermead towpath, as well as their own communities.
A poster and banner campaign in Caversham, Mapledurham and across the water highlights the realities of the Easter story: the violence of Jesus’ beatings and crucifixion; the blood that stained the wooden cross; the shining transformation of the Resurrection.
“Easter is the most central focus of our Church year and we want everyone in our community and further afield to have the chance to learn more and share in our services and celebration of Easter,” says Revd Mike Smith, Rector of Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham Parish. “It’s a story of love, betrayal, sacrifice and the promise of new hope: so no apologies for the striking image of our campaign. We’re hoping people are struck by the starkness of images and encouraged to find out more at one or other of our churches.”
The story of those 3 Days is retold at www.ctmparish.org.uk/3days.
Banners can be seen on Church House in Caversham and, from the river, in the Rectory garden by Caversham Court. Posters will be displayed at St Margaret’s, Mapledurham, and St John the Baptist on Gosbrook Road, Caversham, as well St Peter’s.
There are opportunities to join churches marking those 3 Days on Maundy Thursday, March 24, remembering Jesus’ Last Supper; Good Friday, March 25, living through the events of the Crucifixion; Holy Saturday, March 26, with a musical retelling of the story; and Easter Day, March 27, joining in the joy and promise of the Resurrection. For full details see the Forthcoming Events page.
