[Magdalen] Holy Week

[Roger Stokes]

The church I attend now (St Paul's, Bedford, UK) has started 
livestreaming its Sunday services on YouTube. At 5.15 a.m. EST it's not 
the most convenient time for those in American time-zones. However this 
week we are also broadcasting the Liturgy of Good Friday (when I will be 
subdeacon) at 8.30 a.m. EST. It's been changed a bit to comply with 
Covid restrictions but I am glad to be able to worship in person each 
Sunday and each Wednesday.  On Easter 3 I am scheduled to preside for 
the first time on a Sunday (I do some Wednesday celebrations as well). 
One important task in the week leading up to that will be to take 
advantage of the next relaxation of restrictions and get a much-needed 
haircut.

Roger

On 01/04/2021 12:17, Judy Fleener wrote:
> We have traveled to places (churches we loved for the Triduum) after Bill
> retired.  One of the stops was in Crossville with you.  We also visited
> Chicago and New York.  This week I am finding solace at St. Thomas, Battle
> Creek and Trinity Church Wall Street for online worship. Our parish had
> Palm Sunday and Easter only this week.  The church is open for individual
> prayer or stations.  I am yearning for more but I get it.  We have a new
> very part time rector who is not a liturgist but is doing a great job and a
> mostly older congregation.  I just can't imagine not having anything on
> Maundy Thursday. I will be sitting at my computer with Trinity Church.
> Judy
>
> On Wed, Mar 31, 2021 at 9:44 PM Ann Markle <ann.markle at aya.yale.edu> wrote:
>
>> I hope all are enjoying Holy Week, in whatever manner you're able. Our
>> Bishop still has the churches closed, though I did hear that one colleague
>> will be having a Great Vigil inside her church. She's vaccinated, what does
>> she care? To be fair, I know nothing about her protocol; maybe only fully
>> vaccinated people with the 2-week safety margin will be admitted.
>>
>> I am grieving. Last year was hard, but I think I was still in a bit of
>> shock. This year I'm longing for the solemn drama of the liturgies. Most of
>> you know that during my tenure in Tennessee, and my first two years here at
>> Trinity, Lancaster, I offered services on Tuesday (Stations of the Cross),
>> Wednesday (Tenebrae), Thursday (agape meal,  Eucharist around the dinner
>> table, then procession into the nave and stripping of the altar), Good
>> Friday Liturgy, and Great Vigil, in addition to Sunday services. A real
>> marathon,  and it fed my soul, and I hope the souls in the parish, as well.
>> This year was Palm Sunday (I blessed the palms in the parking lot, then
>> went inside for the usual FM Eucharist broadcast), Good Friday, and one
>> Easter Sunday FM service (unless the forecast changes and we can be fully
>> outside).
>>
>> My heart is breaking a little,  differently than usual during Holy Week.
>> But humility and obedience are the themes that are speaking to me from the
>> scripture readings this week.
>>
>>
>> Ann
>> The Reverend Ann Markle
>> Buffalo,  NY
>> ann.markle at aya.yale.edu
>>
>