​The Vicar's "Two Penn'orth"

April 2018:
A fruitful Lent, a joyful Easter
and reaching out

Rev Paul, Vicar of Hoylake, writes ...

I wonder if like me you are taking a something of a "deep breath" after such a busy Lent and Easter? During “Lent” (the weeks that lead up to Easter), Peter and Jill from our Ministry Team ran a wonderful Lent group at the Vicarage. I hope that those who came along to the weekly meetings were helped in their journey of faith - as we thought, prayed and talked about Christ’s road to the Cross. ​

Also in Lent, we hosted a special series of "Lent Lunches" at St Hildeburgh’s over four weeks. These lunches raised a total of almost £300 for the Charles Thompson Mission in Birkenhead. This money will help feed the many homeless who sadly exist on our streets - not to mention the families that the Mission helps who are in distress. I am reminded of the words of the Prophet Isaiah: 

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
​“Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
​- Isaiah 6:8-9

During Lent, we held another community Holy Communion service at our church school of Holy Trinity Primary. The service was attended by year six children from the school who read the Bible readings and Peter from our Ministry gave a talk. I would love to see this initiative at the school grow further still in the future, and be supported by more members of our church family as we seek to be a real focus in our local community.​

During Holy Week, our Maundy Thursday Holy Communion service was led by Colin and Jill on guitar, who accompanied some wonderful singing by our church choir. This brought a fresh and moving tone to the service. The music on Good Friday was also led by Colin accompanying our choir - as we walked the Stations of the Cross – again providing a more contemporary feel to the service.

Palm Sunday was also something of a “first” for St Hildeburgh’s as we welcomed our little "colt" to the service, as we recalled the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The people shouted “Hosanna!” as they welcomed their King - how terrible to think that not long after they were shouting “crucify him!”

Pictured Below:
​Our Palm Sunday "Colt"

Also on Maundy Thursday, the whole of Holy Trinity School came along to St Hildeburgh’s for their Easter service. It was wonderful to relate the whole Easter story to parents, children and staff. My thanks go again to Peter from our Ministry Team who nobly became the donkey to help demonstrate the story! Sincere thanks go to our churchwardens Nancy and Jane, and all the others who worked alongside them, to make the service such a success.

Worshipers and visitors to St Hildeburgh’s alike will have seen the new banner of Jesus at the Last Supper designed and made by Liz, and now hanging with our others in the church. A big “thank you” to Liz for providing us with such a wonderful banner.

Easter Sunday brought us the delight of seeing the church decorated with beautiful flowers and my thanks go to the ladies who do such a brilliant job as we celebrated the Resurrection. It was absolutely fantastic to be joined by so many people in church on Easter morning – there were over 130 adults, and more than 30 children with us.  We have much to be thankful for at St Hildeburgh's!

Pictured Below:
​Easter Sunday's Morning Service
​at St Hildeburgh's

I would like to end with some words from John’s Gospel:

 “Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you!
​As the Father sent me, so I am sending you.”
​– John 20:21

Your friend,

Rev Paul,
Vicar of Hoylake