In an array of activities across the diocese, churches of different denominations came together to witness to, commemorate and celebrate the events of Holy Week and Easter.
The Great Glen Benefice together with their local Methodist church, and Churches Together in Oadby, both celebrated Palm Sunday with a donkey walk.
Processing with donkeys, Basil and Towy, the mile from St Paul’s Oadby to Trinity Methodist Church certainly caught people’s attention – including that of the local Police Community Support Officers!
A number of 'Walks of Witness' took place across the diocese on Good Friday, bringing together Christians from different denominations in pointing to the Good News of Easter.
In Leicester, Bishop Martyn and Bishop Saju took part in a Walk of Witness led by NTCG The LightHouse from Victoria Park to Gallowtree Gate. The crowd stopped at various points along the way to pray for all those in education, for those experiencing homelessness, those who are lonely, those experiencing mental health issues, for social services, and for revival. The Walk ended with a time of sung worship at Gallowtree Gate.
In Hinckley town centre, hundreds of Christians from Chur
ches Together in Hinckley and Burbage gathered to take part in an act of witness, with a procession from St Peter’s Catholic Church, which finished at the Market Place with an open-air service.
Afterwards, some people went on to a service at St Mary’s Church, while others shared refreshments at Hinckley United Reformed Church.
To spark conversations about faith, members of St Andrew's Leicester Forest East took the streets armed with hot cross buns to give away as a sign of God's love on Good Friday.
Holy Week and the Easter Weekend were also a great opportunity to draw children and their families from our communities into the Easter Story.
Windmill Forest Church in Bottesford held an Easter Fun Day featuring newly hatched chicks to hold, bunnies and lambs to see, marshmallows to toast, and pinecone bird feeders to make.
And at St Peter’s Church in Bardon Hill, the Easter story was brought to life through Lego.
St Mary's Church, Lutterworth, had a fantastic time hosting their Good Friday Experience. During the morning, they welcomed more than 150 people, including 70 children, to explore the Easter story together. Through crafts, games, food and prayer activities, families journeyed from the Last Supper to the Resurrection, before learning about why this true story is such good news.
Associate Minister, Ben Horrex, said: “It was fantastic to see so many families join us to celebrate Easter and a wonderful opportunity to chat with children and parents over a cup of tea and a hot cross bun.
"Although these larger family-friendly events only happen a few times a year, they're a great way to bring together our Sunday congregations, toddler groups and school ministries to get to know one another, be encouraged, and share something of the hope we have in Jesus."
