Lighting the New Flame
photo brenda panio
Parish of Harrison Memorial and Riondel — Creston and the East Shore
by Brenda Panio
Rick Paulin assisted by Martin McKenna lighting the Paschal candle at the Great Easter Vigil at Christ Church.
We started on the Sunday of Passion with the liturgy of the Palms (Palm Sunday). The congregation from Harrison Memorial joined the Riondel Congregation on a sunny Sunday afternoon. Starting outdoors with the Liturgy of the Palms we then entered the church with the waving of the Palm branches as we sang “Hosanna, Loud Hosanna”. As we proceeded with the service it became more solemn as we read the Passion Play from the Gospel of Matthew.
On Maundy Thursday the altar at Christ Church was stripped and feet were washed. On Good Friday afternoon a solemn service was held during which a large wooden cross was carried to the front of the church and all in attendance were given the opportunity to venerate the cross.
The Great Easter Vigil took place at Christ Church on Saturday evening. The congregation gathered outside and Marina Fumerton lit the new fire. Assisted by Martin McKenna, Rev. Rick Paulin lit the Paschal candle. Then led by Rick carrying the Paschal candle and singing “The Light of Christ” we processed into the dark church, each of us holding a candle lit from this new flame. Rick sang the Exultet and then we listened to a number of readings from the Old Testament. The church lights were turned on gradually during this time as a symbol of the dawning of the new day bringing with it the news of the glorious resurrection during the reading of the Gospel.
At the Easter Sunday service at Harrison Memorial we continued our celebration of the resurrection with our local brass group (Simply Brass) leading us we joyously sang “Christ the Lord is Risen Today!” Rev. Rick Paulin spoke to us about death as a reality for all human persons and yet now we are called to eternal life through the Risen Christ. Baptism is our plunge into the death and resurrection - our entrance into the community of disciples and the Christian family. We renew our baptismal vows, as we once again take our faith as our own and commit ourselves to the teachings of Our Lord. From the baptismal font Rick sprinkled water on the congregation using a cedar bough. The brass supplied us with music throughout the service and we ended with “Joyful, Joyful We Adore You”. Alleluia! Christ has risen.
World Day of Prayer
photo peter davison
Parish of All Saints, Vernon
by Peter Davison
All Saints, Vernon hosted the World Day of Prayer service. Dr. Barb Angel of All Saints spoke of her experience in Guyana, the country that prepared this year's ecuminical service booklet. The Rev. Rita Harrison preached about the ways in which God has worked, and continues to work and be made incarnate in and through women.
Foot Washing
photo leslie kilough
Parish of St. David, Castlegar
by Leslie Killough
Dorothy Bagg is washing Marion Shirely's feet during thge Maundy Thursday service at St. David's in Castlgar.
