AN overflowing Baptist Church was the start for the Churches Together United Service for Good Friday.

Welcomed and first instructing the gathering to be sensitive to the different traditions marking Good Friday, Minister Rev Sam Griffiths led the service throughout inviting Christians from all traditions to recall the suffering and death of Jesus Christ.

Making his first appearance as the new priest at St John Fisher Catholic church, Fr Ikeowu Nduh gave one of the readings. Paintings of Jesus’ Crucifixion were screened to aid our reflection.

This part of the morning ended with intercessions for the suffering of so many in our world today from atrocities and tragic accidents.

After the Service, the congregation filed in procession behind the cross and guided by stewards in high visibility jackets along the High Street to the Parish Church. Ladies from the churches gave hot cross buns to shopkeepers and motorists waiting at the traffic lights. All were gratefully received and much appreciated.

On arrival at the Parish Church the cross was carried to the chancel, where it was laid on a white sheet surrounded by red petals. Rector Tim Treanor asked worshippers to reflect quietly on the importance of these symbols of Good Friday and led prayers to bring this year’s United Service to a close.

Everyone was then invited to enjoy hot cross buns, coffee and refreshments for a time of coming together.

We thank the ladies from the church for all the preparations, the warm welcome on a beautiful spring day and generous hospitality to make this very special Good Friday the best supported ever.

ISABEL WARD