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Published: April 8th 2015
For we were born only yesterday and know nothing, and our days on earth are but a shadow - Job 8 : 9
On
Monday 9th March it was 12 months since we completed our initial 6 months in Albrighton/Boningale. We arrived on
11th September 2013 and returned to Oz on
9th March 2014. Who would have thought back then that we would return some 9 months later on a permanent basis? You never know what God has planned.
We are now into spring and the weather has changed as has the time, we moved into British Summer Time on
Sunday 29th March. The spring colour has also started to bloom.
We have both been very busy with our new part time jobs. Evelyn continues to enjoy her work at the Cedars Care Home and Jess has found work helping an elderly couple maintain their garden as well as working in the Village Wine shop where again he has learnt some new skills by turning some upstairs rooms into storage rooms with shelving. Who would have thought that all the buying and drinking of wine would come in handy one day.
On
Good Friday we were invited to Donnington House farm in Albrighton. The farm is owned by John & Joy Parry who are members of St Mary's congregation. It's lambing season here and we had the opportunity to see hundreds of lambs and Evelyn also had the great and rare opportunity to get her hands dirty, while covered in a long rubber glove, and help deliver a new born lamb WOW what an experience.
At Church we have moved through Lent and Easter. We started off Holy week on
Sunday 29th March with Palm Sunday. A United Benefice Eucharist service was held at St Mary's, this was proceeded by a Palm Sunday procession along the Albrighton High Street. On a cold wet and windy day 20 brave soul’s lead by the Rev Mary started at the village green with prayer and a bible reading. We then walked to the Methodist Church where we again sang before walking to the Catholic Church and finishing at St Mary's for our service.
Special 7.00pm services on
Monday 30th, Tues 31st and Wednesday 1st April provided us with time to speak to God on a personal level. The services at St Mary's, 'Journeying
with Jesus - Considering the events of Holy Week', were well attended and very special.
Thursday 2nd April was Maundy Thursday with a 7.00pm Eucharist including the washing of hands or feet and this was followed by an 8.00pm 'Watch' at St Mary's. After the altar is stripped bare and the lights turned off 10 people stayed to read the Gospel of John by candle light and torch light before a dramatic extinguishing of all candles including the 2014 Pascale candle.
Friday 3rd April was Good Friday where we attended St Chads which was open between 12 noon and 3pm for silent prayer and contemplation.
Saturday 4th April, Holy Saturday, saw Evelyn attend an 8.00pm service at St Mary's 'Easter Vigil' for readings, silent prayer and contemplation of the resurrection.
We must take this opportunity to thank the Rev Mary Wade for her leadership, guidance and inspiration during Holy Week, she made it thought provoking and special and gift which enabled us to connect with God. Sunday 5th April, Easter Sunday, was the re-opening of St Chads which had been closed since
Monday 19th January for renovations. The 11.15am service started with the ringing
of the 3 church bells, something that is not done too often, but as Jess is learning bell ringing at St Mary's it was an opportunity for him to use this new found gift with two other members of the congregation. The service was led by the Archdeacon of Salop, The Venerable Paul Thomas, and we were overjoyed when 75+ people attended to help celebrate the new interior of a church that is some 1,000 years old. The service was followed by an Easter Egg hunt for the children and wine and nibbles for the adults. What a great day.
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Don and Ruth Johnston
non-member comment
G'day, and note changed email address.
Lovely to hear you are diving into spring with lots of gusto and exciting activities. The weather is a bit cooler here now, and we are still harvesting fruit and vegies etc winter. I can only imagine a 1000 year old church. The 'vibe' must be wonderful. Like you, we've had a wonderful Easter at church, did the usual 'Walk of Witmess' and Benjamin Woods was baptised this morning. Our grandchildren slept over last night, came with us to church then helped Ruth celebrate her birthday today. All great tuff. Love and prayers. Don and Ruth