Loddon Reach: seasonal events & activities

"To know Christ and to make Him known through a caring, sustainable and growing Christian presence in our Community."

Seasonal Events

Starting on the Sunday nearest to November 30th, Advent is the season of spiritual reflection and preparation for the celebration of the birth Christ.

For most people, Christmas begins with services of lessons and carols on the Sunday before Christmas. The times of these services will be advertised nearer the time. For children, it might be the Christingle service or a service of carols with a Nativity play. For many, the late night or 'midnight' holy

communion service on Christmas Eve is the true start of Christmas. Various services are held on Christmas morning itself throughout the Benefice. The Christmas season includes Epiphany (the visit of the wise men) and concludes with Candlemas (the Presentation of Christ in the Temple).

Lent: a period of forty days coming before Easter. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the forty days of Lent, Christians attempt to replicate Jesus Christ's withdrawal into the desert for forty

days where he was tempted (unsuccessfully) by the devil. Lent is marked by fasting, both from food and festivities; the pancakes of Shrove Tuesday represent a time when certain perishable foods had to be used up before fasting began on Ash Wednesday. The last week of Lent is Holy Week. Beginning with Palm Sunday, this is the most solemn week in the Christian year when Jesus' last week of human life is remembered.

This celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and is the most important Christian festival, and the one celebrated with the greatest joy. On Good Friday, Jesus Christ was executed by crucifixion; a terrible death reserved for the worst criminals and that caused the body to

suffocate from its own weight. Jesus' body was taken down from the cross, and buried in a cave. The tomb was guarded and an enormous stone was put over the entrance, so that no-one could steal the body. On the third day, the Sunday, some women visited the grave and found that the stone had been moved, and that the tomb was empty. An angel was in his place and told them that they should not be looking for Jesus there as he had gone. Jesus was seen by many people that day and for several days afterwards . His followers realised that God had raised Jesus from the dead.

The Easter season lasts for 50 days, during which we remember Jesus' return to Heaven (Ascension) and finishes at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles.

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Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.

Matthew 10:32

last updated on 25/10/2008 09:22:34

For the significant events in our lives:

Easter

Lent

Christmas

Advent

Throughout the Christian year, certain events have particular significance and are usually celebrated with special services. These can be instead of or in addition to the usual Sunday services. These services include, but are not limited to: