A PACKED Wellington Parish Church was the start this year for the Churches Together United Service for Good Friday, on a chilly morning.

But a warm welcome at St John’s on arrival with an Order of Service, and an introduction from Team Rector Tim Treanor, set the theme ‘Here is Love.’

A choir and orchestra led our worship with the words ‘On the Mount of Crucifixion’. Friends and families from all traditions joined in the prayers and singing familiar hymns.

We continued with an Old Testament reading about the outpouring of God’s love for His people. Followed by St John’s gospel account of the Crucifixion, and ending with a vision of God’s overwhelming love for us from the book of Revelation.

The organ, rousingly played by the director of music, John Young, led us in the final hymn ‘Lift High the Cross’ as the procession gathered to walk through the High Street. It was felt this to be the most moving Good Friday service yet.

On the way shopkeepers and motorists were pleased to receive hot cross buns, generously handed out by volunteers along the route to the Baptist Church.

Everyone was then invited to enjoy more hot cross buns and refreshments for a time of coming together. We thank the ladies from the churches for preparing the hot cross buns early in the morning and all who had so carefully prepared the service to make this very special Good Friday the best supported ever.

ISABEL WARD

Communications secretary CTW