This year, on a beautifully sunny and warm morning, a crowd of over 50 adults and children gathered at the Millennium Green in Silsoe to process with a wooden cross to the Church. Following an introduction and prayer from Dave Bell the cross was then ably carried by 3 young people along the High Street to the Church.
This year, to add to the excitement, there was pipe laying along the footpath which restricted access and demanded that the marshals were called in to ensure safe passage. Crossing the 2 roads to reach the Church was again carefully controlled by the marshals and everyone, including children, pushchairs, wheel chair, mobility scooters and dogs all reached the Church safely.
The service, entitled ‘Passion of Christ’, was led by Dave Bell and featured the six paintings by Ethiopian artist Nebiyu Assefa. These tell the stories of Jesus’ passion in a bold and colourful way to help people of all ages engage with Jesus’ journey from cross and beyond.
The service focussed on each of the 6 pictures in turn from Jesus washing his disciples’ feet at the last supper to his removal from the cross following his death. Each picture was projected on a screen and a passage from the bible read out by different members of the congregation. Following a short reflection from Dave Bell a prayer was said which was relevant to the bible passage.
The service concluded with the hymn “When I survey the wondrous cross” and then a final blessing from Dave Bell.
After the service most stayed back to enjoy hot cross buns, biscuits tea and coffee.