The three days from Good Friday to Easter Sunday are known as the Great Three Days. On each of those days, the church has undertaken special services and gatherings to help retell the story of Christ's death and resurrection so that a new generation can have ears to hear the beauty of the story of the love of God. As a church, we continue in that tradition with a number of traditional and modern approaches to the story.
Good Friday:
Reflective Service, 10am
This is always a wonderful and deeply moving service, allowing you to engage with the wonder of the beauty of God's love as well as the struggle of our broken human nature and the ease with which we turn from Hosanna to Crucify. The service will be approximately one hour and hot cross buns can be shared following in the lounge.
Walk of Witness, 11am (Beginning at Bay Baptist Church)
This historic walk allows us to share our witness to the cross with other churches in our area and our city. Beginning at 11am, those present gather, pray and sing before walking the cross to St Columba's Church, the Taradale Clock Tower and then to All Saints'. At All Saints', we share in some hot cross buns, pray and sing again before beginning the walk up Dolbel hill where, at the top, we place the cross. It remains standing there looking over the city for the weekend, and is brought down following our SonRise Service on Easter Morning.
Great Three Hours, Waiapu Cathedral, 12pm
If you wish to engage with the mystery of Christ's final words amongst the setting of the grandeaur of the cathedral and the beauty of the choral tradition, this service would be an excellent choice for your Friday afternoon. Centred on the adoration of who Christ is and a deep reflection on the struggle and the hope of Good Friday, you are welcome to join us at any time from 12-3pm.
Holy Saturday
Fire and Lights: An Introduction to Easter, 7pm
Whether you know the story of Easter, or don't really know whether it is Santa or an Easter Bunny that you are looking out for this time around, Fire and Lights is for you. Using the symbols of Fire and Light, we help to share the story of Easter through practical and experiential ways, while also having some fun. Alongside the experience, there will be a torch-lit Easter Egg Hunt, sausages, marshmallows to toast and at least one or two chocolate fish to eat.
Easter Sunday
SonRise Servce atop Dolbel, 7:15am
This moving and poignant gathering sees us gather at the top of Dolbel to celebrate the risen Christ as the sun rises over the horizon. We depart the carpark around 6:45am to gather for a 7:15am service. You are welcome to walk with us, or find your own way to the top.
Traditional Easter Service, All Saints' Church, 8am
With hymns of glory, renewal of baptismal vows and a liturgy centred on celebrating the resurrection, this is always a joyous and moving traditional service. You are also invited to join us for Breakfast following the 8am and before our 10am service.
Puketapu Easter Service, St Michael's Puketapu, 9:30am
Gathering in the beautiful church of St Michael, this gathering will centre a community that has experienced so many challenges on the promise of hope found in the resurrection. With hymns and celebration, you are welcome to join us.
Easter Family Service with Egg Hunt, All Saints' Church, 10am
This family centred, celebration filled gathering will be a glorious statement of our hope in Jesus Christ. With the band in place, a great reflection planned and lots of Hot Cross Buns to share after the service, you are invited to join us.
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