At the breaking of dawn on Easter day, many Christians around the world join together
to celebrate communion out of doors. In the Diocese of Worcester, several church
communities follow this tradition.
In Tardebigge, people will meet in the darkness of the church just after 5am, before
emerging outside into the dawn of Easter Sunday to share communion. After the
service, congregation members make their way into the church hall to warm up with
bacon sandwiches and hot drinks.
The congregation at Pershore Abbey celebrate a 6am Service of Light every Easter
Day, which is followed by the seasonal treat of boiled eggs at the nearby St Andrew’s
Church. To begin, everyone meets outside the Abbey to light the Easter fire, before
processing inside with the newly lit Easter candle. The darkness of Holy Week is
gradually overwhelmed by the new light. During the service, the congregation renew
their baptismal vows at the font, before celebrating communion together. Seasonal
hymns are sung, accompanied by a small voluntary music group, often formed of flutes,
a violin and a guitar.
A Prayer for Easter Day:
Jesus Christ is risen today,
Alleluia!
our triumphant holy day,
Alleluia!
who did once upon the cross,
Alleluia!
suffer to redeem our loss,
Alleluia!
Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem and the People of the Land of the Holy One.
Worcester East Deanery – Rural Dean: Diane Cooksey; Lay Chair: Mike Bunclark
Blackburn: Bishop Julian Henderson with Bps Jill Duff (Lancaster), Philip North (Burnley)
Brechin (Scotland): Bishop Andrew Swift
The Lutheran Church in Great Britain: Bishop Martin Lind
