England Update

Hey there, I just wanted to give a quick England update and share with you a few photos. Heather and I arrived with no problems and right on time Wednesday morning. It has been a whirl wind catching up with friends, taking in a few sights around Manchester, and participating in the beautiful Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services. I absolutely love the way the Church of England helps us remember the importance, beauty, sacrifice, and hope that Holy Week brings.

 

Here are just a few photos of our time thus far:

Here we are with our good friend Alan after eating delicious home-made meat pies. Alan has a servants heart and the gift of hospitality. He’s even taking us to the bus station at 4:30 in the morning so we can go to London for the day Saturday!

 

Here we are in Manchester in a Cafe’ Nero (great coffee!) with the Manchester Wheel in the background.

 

And here we are with the lovely Fraser family. Stu, Amy, Jenny, and Dave.

 

Today Heather and I attended two very different but equally moving Good Friday services. At the Good Friday service this evening they showed the video of still photos where I portrayed Jesus. It was neat to see a project I was a part of with our FYM team two years ago is still being used and impacting lives.

 

At a service of reflection this afternoon, we prayed this wonderful prayer together and I wanted to share it with you all as I close. The bold words are the ones the congregation prays together:

 

I believe that Christ died on the cross

 

Because he was stripped of all his clothing but none of his compassion

 

Because he gave up his hands and feet to the nails

 

Because he placed his perfect reputation, his spotless name before a senseless mocking crowd

 

Because he prayed for his Father to forgive them even as they were crucifying him