**This page is currently under construction, but we thought we’d let you know the events that we’ve already confirmed – keep checking in as many other ideas are brewing!**
Compared to Christmas, the traditional season of Lent and celebration of Easter can get dwarfed by showy Easter Eggs and cute baby bunnies.
On one level, there is nothing wrong with that, but it means that we miss a much more profound message and reality.
The real origins of Easter – the recounting of one who gave everything for those he loved – are much more profound, potentially life changing and when fully grasped, utterly liberating.
Even if church isn’t your thing, why not give it a go this Easter?
Sunday 2nd March,10.30am
Pancake Party!
Church
We’ll be a few days early for the traditional Shrove Tuesday, but after church on Sunday 2nd March at 10.30 we’ll be sharing pancakes and enjoying a few family games too – rumour has it that a HUGE pass the parcel will be happening too!
You’re welcome to come even if you don’t make it to church – the more the merrier!
Come along for pancakes and games – small donation from £2, to cover costs would be appreciated.
Open to all – for children, one adult per family required to stay and supervise please.
Wednesday, 5th March:
10am & 7pm, Church
1.30pm Altrincham Town Centre
Ash Wednesday
Church
Sometimes, we get things wrong. Sometimes we think, say or act in ways that hurt ourselves and others. Sometimes we can’t fix anything. Sometimes, we and others get really ill.
Ash Wednesday is the day when we remember that we aren’t superhuman, that we make mistakes, and that sadly, we can’t fix anything.
In other words, we remember that we’re not ‘gods’ and the traditional words of “From dust you came and from dust you will return” as we mark our heads with a cross of ash actually liberates us and frees us from the burdens that we put upon ourselves.
So come and be part of this traditional service, or find us on the high street at lunchtime.
Sunday 13th April:
Parade11.00am
Church 11.15am
Lunch 12 Noon
Palm Sunday
Church
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, when Christians remember Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.
It’s traditional to have a parade, and we shall indeed be having one! (complete with a real life donkey!).
To add to the fun, we’ll be having a community lunch straight afterwards.
So do note the change of time (we get a lie in and start at 11:15) – we’d love you to come along!
More details about the parade coming soon, but if you’d prefer not to parade, meet in church at 11.15….
Thursday, 17th April, 7pm
Maundy Thursday & Stripping of the Altars
Church
Maundy Thursday is the day when we remember Christ’s last supper and the moment when he washed his disciples’ feet.
This is a traditional service, interweaved with the thoughts, patterns and practices of many centuries of Christians who have gone before us.
But it’s also strikingly challenging and modern; there is something very powerful about remembering the moment when Christ offered himself to all, even those about to betray him, and the Stripping of the Altars that follows speaks strongly into our understanding of consumerism and simplicity.
So even if church isn’t your thing, why not give it a go? We’d love you to be part of it.
Friday, 18th April, 10am
Good Friday Easter Crafts
Church, Hall & Grounds (weather permitting!)
A firm fixture in the diary, this morning of Easter themed crafts, games, all followed by a light lunch means that this is the perfect way to start the Easter weekend!
We ask for a minimum ticket donation of £2per child to go towards covering some of our costs; tickets and booking links to follow soon. But, as ever, if cost is an issue, please do get in touch.
Open to all families – at least one adult per family required to stay and supervise please.
Friday, 18th April, 12 Noon
Good Friday Three Hours at the Cross
Church
Good Friday: A strange term perhaps for a day when Christ died on the cross.
As is traditional, we’ll be gathering together for our 3 Hour Vigil of readings, reflections and music interspersed with silence and contemplation.
There is no expectation for you to stay for the whole three hours, so do come along as best works for you.
Saturday, 19th April, 6pm
Tea Together!
Church
Do come and join us for a community tea! A very simple evening – laughter, conversation and hearty food alongside some games and crafts for the kids; time to see old friends and make some new ones too!
Tickets are £3 per person to help cover the cost of the food – if that’s an issue, do get in touch, we want you to be there!
Saturday 19th April, 7.30pm
Easter Eve
Church
On Holy Saturday, we move towards the resurrection – the defeat of death and the day when history was changed for ever.
So do join us for this traditional service full of symbolism and beauty for all generations. A lot is held in candlelight, with the opportunity for us to renew our baptism vows. It’s been built on many centuries of tradition and is full of wonderful symbolism and gravitas that young and old can enjoy and gasp at.
Then at the end, we simply gather around the Easter fire, enjoying the company of one another as the sun finally sets (and a lot of marshmallows too!).
Whether this is completely new, or a yearly practice, do come and be part of it – we’d love to have you there.
Sunday 20th April, 10am
Easter Day Celebration!
Church
On Easter Day, the tables are literally turned and the light of Christ shines so brightly that even death itself cannot put it out.
So celebrate we will!
With an all age service and an Easter Egg hunt for the children, complete with celebratory moment at the end (last year we had some confetti canons!), this is a wonderful way to start your Easter Day!
Wednesdays: 12, 19, 26th March, 2nd 9th April 11am & 7pm
Lent Course: The Book of Luke
11am: St. George’s Vicarage, Altrincham
7pm: Bishop’s Lodge, Dunham
This year, we are stripping back our Lent Course and going back to basics.
Together, we’re reading the book of Luke and then gathering each week to explore what surprised us, excited us, challenged us, or perhaps, even, confused us.
Follow the link for the reading plan and even more resources and come and be part of it!
As and when you choose!
Lent Reading
A venue of your choice!
It is traditional over Lent for Christians to delve a little deeper into their faith. Quite often, Christians decide to read something – it you would like to accept that challenge, click below for some books and resources that might accompany you on your journey!
Monday-Wednesday, 14-16th April, 8am-3pm
Stations of the Cross
Church
It is traditional for Christians to spend some time reflection on Jesus’ journey to the cross.
Here at St George’s we would like to give people the opportunity to do that, and we have images of the different stations on the walls of our church.
You are welcome to use the space to reflect on the stations of the cross, or use one of the self guided reflections that we provide too.
Monday-Tuesday, 14-15th April, 12 Noon
Holy Week Eucharists
Church
In addition to our normal Mid-Week Eucharist on Wednesdays at 10am, this week we gather for two additional Eucharists. Simple, friendly and dignified, they will last around 25 minutes and you are very welcome to be a part of them.
Do come and be part of St George’s
Address
St George's Parish Church
Church Street
Altrincham
Greater Manchester
WA14 4DB
0161 941 4037