It proved to be a very busy Holy Week in North Monmouthshire, with services being held most days! It was wonderful to see so many people gathering to commemorate and give thanks for Christ’s sacrifice. Many thanks to everyone that organised, cleaned, decorated and attended our seventeen churches in preparation for Easter. Below is a snapshot of events throughout the week.
Monday
Each morning of Holy Week started with Morning Prayer for the Online Church Community established by Revd. Mary Moore.
Holy Monday was observed at St Michael’s, Llanvihangel Crucorney with a Stations of the Cross service. This follows Jesus through his final journey to the Cross. The church was filled with powerful sketches of each Station designed by the talented Revd. David Roberts.
Tuesday
Holy Tuesday began with an Easter Craft Lunch Club at Skenfrith Village Hall, led by our School Engagement Pioneer, Emily Bailey. read all about it via this link: Easter Craft Lunches – Volunteers Needed!
There was also a service of healing at Llanvihangel Crucorney. This was an evening focussed on reflective prayer and worship for spiritual healing. It ended with the laying on of hands and anointing with oil.
Maundy Thursday
Maundy Thursday saw another Easter Craft Lunch led by Emily Bailey, this time at Llantilio Pertholey Primary School – Easter Craft Lunches – Volunteers Needed!
There were services with foot washing, Eucharist, Stripping of the Altar and the Watch of the Passion across several churches including Llantilio Pertholey, Llanddewi Rhydderch, Llanvihangel Crucorney and Skenfrith. St Teilo’s, Llantilio Pertholey had a beautiful garden of Gethsemane display by Rita and Chris Rudge where people were invited to watch with Jesus until midnight.
Good Friday
Good Friday saw the Holy Mountain Walk up the Skirrid led by Revd. Heidi. Read all about the Walk via this link: Good Friday Skirrid Walk
Several of our churches held the ‘Last Hour’ service at 2pm, with Philip Norman leading the choir at Llantilio Pertholey, along with the Veneration of the Cross.
Holy Saturday
There were Easter Vigils held Saturday evening at Llantilio Pertholey and Llanddewi Rhydderch. This is also a powerful service, waiting expectantly for the Resurrection. St David’s, Llanddewi Rhydderch saw this move from darkness to light as candles gradually illuminated the church.
