Goodhand in Banbury

  Okay who thought it would be a good idea to offer to do the sunrise service on Crouch hill?  We didn't go ourselves last year, but as we now have no vicar I kind of talked myself into saying I would do it as a way of helping. Not noticing that the clocks went forward on Easter morning, it meant that while the sun was due to rise at 6.42am it did mean an hour earlier. So driving through the quiet streets of Banbury, and then putting on my walking boots to climb up Crouch Hill, well climb is a bit of an overstatement, but it was soggy. I lit my candle in its lantern and we began to worship. A small but committed group gathered to welcome Easter morning with, songs, prayers and readings. It was a bit chilly but the fresh air and view was great. We even had a drink of Prosecco  and a Pain au chocolat before heading home and getting ready to go to church later. Let us pray God Father, Son and Holy Spirit One in perfect community. On this Holy day we give you our praise and our gratitu

Good Friday 2024 What a difference from last year. This time Banbury had an advertised Procession of Witness so we didn't have to go searching for one as we did last year when we ended up in Adderbury. So we were able to join up with more than 100 people who gathered to walk through the town  stopping at various points for bible reading, song and prayers. It was great to walk amongst people of all ages from a wide range of churches, and in spite of obvious theological differences a united witness was given. It was good for me to be just one of the crowd caught up in my own thoughts. There were aspects to the procession which made us smile.   The young people from the Roman Catholic Church had clearly been busy making a papier-mache cross and figure of Jesus. At the outset the heavens opened and we experienced a downpour which meant Jesus had to be quickly wrapped up against the elements. Still not sure about the figure!! When we arrived at one stage of the procession someone who is

 What do you do when leading worship in another Christian tradition which has not authorised you to celebrate Holy Communion?  For more years then I can remember I have led a Maundy Thursday meal within the context of worship and a celebration of communion. So this year I had to re-write my service and allow people to make of it what they will. So below is the short liturgy we used.  Before we began this part of the evening a plate of very small home made rolls were passed round and a tray of Methodist Communion glasses. This meant everyone had their own bread a wine to bless. A Holy Sharing Leader: Dear friends I’m so glad we can share this last meal together. I know you think its Passover but I want you all to do something for me. In future when you meet   and eat together, bless the bread, break the bread, and then share it. And when you do   remember me.   Remember what I showed you. Remember what I taught you. Remember what I did. Remember   to forgive   to hope to Love all. When

  Let us Pray God Father Son and Holy Spirit one in perfect community hear now our prayers   for our world and ourselves. Jesus Christ ride afresh into our world and turn our preconceived ideas upside down. Ride into   Jerusalem again and show Israeli and Palestinian   that the price of peace is costly loving through forgiveness the giving up of self and the valuing of the other. Lord Jesus Christ Ride on Ride into the world of politics, industry and commerce. Show afresh that we cannot have two masters. May people choose compassion, just sharing and a willingness of the   wealthy and privileged   to set it all aside   for the benefit of all. Lord Jesus Christ   Ride on Ride into   our schools hospitals and sewage works. Show afresh the importance of the young the need for healing and the care of creation. Lord Jesus Christ Ride on Ride into our lives give to us   your perspective on others   that we might value all people be willing to forgive and to be transformed. Lord Jesus Christ