On Maundy Thursday we gathered in church for a Seder meal which incorporated prayers, Bible readings, a symbolic meal, washing of hands and feet and a memorial of the Last Supper. At the end of the meal we moved to the front of the church and watched as the altar was stripped and turned into a garden of repose. The lights were dimmed and we kept a candle-lit vigil till ten o’clock with a real sense of Christ’s presence.

The table in church prepared for the Seder meal

Final adjustments to the lamb stew which was served at the Seder meal

Many people helped in preparing for this commemoration which brought alive for us the events of that night.

The candle-lit altar during the vigil

On Good Friday morning the church was returned to its traditional layout in time for Rev Dr Anne Tomlinson to lead us in three hours’ meditation on Jesus’ seven words from the cross.