Dear Friends,
I hope you are well, and enjoying the cooler weather.
Today at midday I went to St George’s Cathedral for the Chrism Eucharist; this service was traditionally held on Maundy Thursday, but that was very difficult for country clergy who had to get back to their parishes in time for Maundy Thursday evening services which- as you can imagine- would be tricky for those living in Esperance or Kalgoorlie! So some years ago it was changed to Tuesday in Holy Week. There is a time for all present to re-commit themselves to God, and for clergy to renew the vows we made at ordination. The Archbishop blesses the oils that will be used for baptisms and healing through the coming year; and it is a very special service.
Tomorrow Holy Week continues with our Wednesday 9:15am Eucharist, followed at 10:30 by the final (daytime) Lenten study, and at 7:30pm the final evening Lenten study group. The study book has been thought-provoking and we have enjoyed good conversations together.
In the evening of Maundy Thursday we gather at 7pm to remember our Lord’s Last Supper with his friends, when he washed their feet and commanded them to love one another. That’s where ‘Maundy’ comes from: from the Latin ‘mandatum’ or commandment.
Last year we were advised not to do foot-washing, but this year we may go ahead with suitable precautions. In practice this will mean we remain masked; those who wish to come forward will sit, remove one shoe / sock, and hold it above a bowl; water will be poured over the foot; and each person is given a new towel to dry themselves.
Washing feet is what Jesus told us to do, and is a powerful reminder to us of humility- our own, in allowing our feet to be washed, and that of Jesus, who washed his disciples’ feet. I invite you to prayerfully consider whether you will take part in this traditional ritual.
On Good Friday our service begins at 9:30am– in silence. We enter in silence, and will leave in silence, reflecting the solemn nature of the day. We will have an opportunity to kneel or stand before the cross in prayer and contemplation; and we share Holy Communion using the sacrament that was consecrated the night before.
On Holy Saturday our Recycling Hub is open between 9 and 11am to receive your recyclables as we do what we can to safeguard God’s wonderful creation.
As we think about recycling, our friends at Grandparents Rearing Grandchildren WA are in need of bed linen – particularly quilt covers etc. suitable for boys, and also pillow cases and sheets. Details here: https://www.grandparentsrearinggrandchildren.org.au/contact/
Here is the Collect Prayer for this week:
Almighty and everlasting God,
of your tender love towards us
you sent your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ,
to take upon him our flesh,
and to suffer death upon the cross,
that all should follow the example of his great humility:
mercifully grant
that we may both follow the example of his patience,
and also be made partakers of his resurrection;
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
God bless,
Lorna
The Reverend Lorna A M Green
St Nicolas Anglican Church 