Fr Robert presided at the Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist, followed by placing of the Reserved sacrament on the altar of repose and the stripping of the Altar. The Watch continued until midnight, giving worshippers an opportunity for personal, and contemplative prayer.
Good Friday ceremonies, in an austerely bare church, began with an hour of silent reflection. Those who wished, could have their private confessions heard by Fr Robert.
As more worshippers arrived, Fr Robert led the congregation in prayer following the beautiful art-deco Stations of the Cross, the work of French sculptor Roger de Villiers, gifted to St John’s around 1935 by the renowned stained glass artist Evie Hone. Veneration of the Cross and the Liturgy of Good Friday completed the day’s poignant recalling of Christ’s suffering and death.
A joyful congregation celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus on Easter Sunday at the Festival Sung Eucharist. During the celebration the Pascal Candle was marked and blessed and the congregation joined in the renewal of baptismal vows. St John’s was beautifully decorated with many garden flowers by organist and Trustee Eoghan Ward, ably assisted by his young sons Rupert and Felix, and by Altar Server Shabnam Vasisht and Chair of the Trustees and Sacristan Nicola Benson.
Great quantities of chocolates were consumed afterwards at the coffee table!