Discover Life is the invitation from churches in Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham this Holy Week and Easter, April 9 to 16. The invitation is being shared with everyone travelling the River Thames, walking the Rivermead towpath or passing through Caversham or Mapledurham.
A poster and banner campaign in Caversham, Mapledurham and across the water highlights the central message of the Easter story: the violence of the crucifixion leading to the shining transformation of the Resurrection and Jesus’ invitation to discover life in all its fullness.
“Easter lies at the heart of the Christian faith, when Christ burst from the tomb to offer new life to the world. Our Churches offer everyone in our community and further afield the chance to discover this life with us,” says Revd Mike Smith, Rector of Caversham Thameside and Mapledurham Parish. “St John’s Gospel records Jesus saying, ‘I have come that they may have life – life in all its fullness.’
The story of Holy Week and Easter is retold at www.ctmparish.org.uk/Easter.
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, by Caversham Court.
There are many opportunities to join the churches marking Holy Week and Easter, starting with a Palm Sunday procession at 9.30am on April 9 from Caversham Court to St Peter’s, involving all three churches. The same evening, Mike Smith will lead a special service marking the Entry into Holy Week. On Good Friday, April 14, the Rt Revd Tim Stevens, former Bishop of Leicester, will lead the three-hour devotional service at St Peter’s.
There are further opportunities to join churches marking Holy Week and Easter on Maundy Thursday, April 13, remembering Jesus’ Last Supper; Good Friday, April 14, living through the events of the Crucifixion; Holy Saturday, April 15, with a prayer journey at St John’s; and Easter Day, April 16, joining in the joy and promise of the Resurrection.
There is a complete list of Holy Week and Easter services on the Forthcoming Events page.
