Dear friends,
Holy Week 2021
I’m not going to start an argument by insisting that Holy Week is THE most important week in the Christian calendar but, if it’s not, I’m sure we’d all agree it’s pretty high up the list!
With that in mind, and in the light of the continuing restrictions that we’re dealing with, I’ve created a digital resource that runs from Palm Sunday to Easter Day – a journey through Holy Week. It will air across the Church of Scotland’s various channels at 8am each morning or can be viewed later.
Each episode features a short reflection presented by myself, as Moderator of the General Assembly, together with the appropriate daily reading from John’s Gospel, a prayer and a piece of contemplative music. Colleagues from across the Church have contributed these various elements.
As stated, the episodes can be viewed directly from the Church’s platforms or you can visit https://stream1.churchofscotland.org.uk/worship/holy-week-2021 to embed them into your own channels, or even download to put on your own website and get specific YouTube links for each day’s video to share with your congregation. You’ll see that there is a transcript booklet too which can be printed off and given to those who might appreciate the content but would be unable to access the material online.
Those without internet access can also call 03333 409 200 and listen to each day’s reflection from 8am. Local call charges apply.
I’m very much aware that many congregations will be running their own Holy Week programmes and so will have no need of this resource. Not a problem. On the other hand, some congregations might find it to be helpful. Others still might use locally-produced material and point to this as an additional option. The key point is this: it is not offered with any other sentiment than ‘if you can use it, please do.’
I’d like to thank all those who have collaborated on this project by way of recording readings and prayers, etc. But I want to give a very particular ‘shout out’ to the small tech team which has done a huge amount of behind the scenes production work. Without that, it wouldn’t have happened.
Finally, through this coming week may we be reminded that though this year has been something of a ‘Friday’, Sunday is coming, and that together, we will join with all those who have gone before us in declaring ‘Christ is risen; He is risen indeed!’
With warmest best wishes,
Rt Revd Dr W Martin Fair
Moderator
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland
