From the Vicarage

April Flowers

You may have noticed that there was something missing from the church during March. Apart from Mothering Sunday, when each child was given a posy for his or her mother, flowers have been absent. There is an old tradition which discourages any unnecessary finery and flamboyance during Lent, so the vestments and altar frontals are plain, 'Lord have mercy' is sung instead of the Gloria, prayer groups replace parties and there are no flowers. On Passion Sunday and Palm Sunday we remember the events which led to the crucifixion of Jesus, on whom the Christian faith rests, and on Easter Day we rejoice with his resurrection, the proof that our faith is justified.

Easter is the most important time of the Christian year, so from Easter Day embroidered white or gold vestments are worn, joyful hymns are sung, our prayers are full of thanksgiving and the flowers return to church. There may even be a small Easter egg for each child who comes to the altar to be blessed on Easter Day.

In the first centuries of the Church it was the custom for baptisms to take place on Easter Day, so we are especially happy to be able to baptise a child on April 16th. For those who are old enough to have learned and thought about their faith, confirmation groups will soon be starting, so if you have not yet been confirmed contact me for more information about how to confirm your faith in the moving Confirmation Service to be held this summer.

With every blessing,

Ann

The above is the lead article from the parish magazine for April 2006.
If you wish to receive the full magazine it is available for a subscription of £3 per year from Mrs Mavis Bradley on 01322 338654 or email parishmag at sladegreen dot org

Index of the previous magazine articles