Easter Sunday (2011)
God blessed us again with a beautiful morning. The Eucharist Service was held at 10 a.m. led by Father Lyndon. Hand bells were rung before the Gloria. Father Lyndon's address told us about the significance of the folden cloth in the empty tomb as told in the Gospel of St. John. At the end of the service the children in the congregation assisted Pauline, our Warden, in handing out Easter eggs to everyone. But just before that event: Father Lyndon presented licences to Nick and Liz who have now become Chalice Assistants. [Stephenhas also become a Chalice Assistant but unfortunately he was not able to attend the Easter service]. Then there was the great weigh in - Father Lyndon had been on a sponsored slim during Lent and his final target/weight was announced to the congregation with a fanfare from the hand bell ringers.
Good Friday (2011)
A special service led by Cynthia began at 9.30 a.m. when the congregation processed around the Church visiting each of the Stations of the Cross in turn. Music was provided by Led Balloon. Members of the congregation took the parts of Pilate, Barabbas, the Roman Soldier etc. After the service hot cross buns were served.
Then the congregation gathered outside. Again the sun was shining brightly as Father Lyndon took up the Cross and led a congregation of over 50 adults and children from Churches Together (St. Mary's Church; the Baptist Church; and the Pentecostal Church) down Church Road to the Methodist Church where a band was playing. A service was held outside the church (at least 200 people attended) and Reverend Annie gave the address. The Baptist Church put on a puppet show with the puppets singing Christian words to familiar songs such as "New York, New York".
Palm Sunday (2011)
The sun shone brightly and even though Diggy was not feeling very well she bravely led the choir and the congregation from the Church Hall to the Church.
Maundy Thursday (2010).
A special service for Churches Together was held in St. Mary’s Church Caldicot where the ministers underwent a special foot washing ceremony in memory of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples at the Last Supper. Pastor Jim delivered the sermon and the congregation were invited to share bread (hot cross buns) and wine (grapes) in small groups and to pray for each other in memory of the commandment Jesus gave on that evening – “Love one another as I have loved you”.
After the service, many members of the congregation, clergy and choir went to the Memorial Altar, where the Vigil Garden had been prepared and spent time in reflection and prayer. This was to remember Jesus’ request to his disciples to spend an hour with him before his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Special Vigil Services were also held in St. Mary’s Rogiet and St. Mary’s Portskewett.
Good Friday (2010).
A special family service was held in St. Mary’s Church, Caldicot, to remember the Stations of the Cross. The congregation walked around the Church visiting the stations to hear readings and to say prayers. Afterwards the congregation were treated to Hot Cross Buns whilst waiting for others to join them in the procession of the cross to the Methodist Church.
Pastor Kelvin, the Elim Pentecostal Minister, carried the cross followed by members of all Churches in Caldicot. None were daunted in spite of the pouring rain.
A special service was held outside the Methodist Church with music from the Bethany Baptist Band. There were readings and an address by Pastor Kelvin.
Afterwards everyone thawed and dried out inside the Hall with a hot drink and more Hot Cross buns.
Easter Sunday (2010). 
The daybreak service was held at St. Mary’s Caldicot this year. The Congregation lit their candles from the new Paschal Candle, which had been lit from the fire outside the Church. Father Lyndon led the service whilst Pastor Jim delivered the sermon. The Eucharist was celebrated at the High Altar.
Father Lyndon took the 8 a.m. service.
Father Lyndon took the 10 a.m. service. As the congregation went up to the High Altar to receive the Eucharist they were invited to put flowers on the empty cross. At the end of the service Easter eggs were distributed.
St. Mary's Portskewett and St. Mary's Rogiet held their own special services.
Palm Sunday (2010)
There were processions at both St. Mary’s Portskewett and St. Mary’s Caldicot, in which choirs and congregations followed Diggy to the Church. [Photographs were taken at St. Mary’s Caldicot].
PALM SUNDAY Thoughts
From: Lillian, our link contact in St. Peter's Chains in Katlahong SA.
On Palm Sunday, we remind ourselves of the journey that Christ took into Jerusalem when palm leaves were placed before Him, songs of praises sung for His arrival, He was riding at the back of a very simple animal reflecting His humanity yet His enormous mission was to save us through a painful death on the cross.
He never took advantage of the power that the Father bestowed on Him……He was selfless and humble, a martyr who compromised the kingdom of our heavenly father for our salvation.
As we sing Holy, Holy, Holy on Sunday let us not forget the pain and suffering that He went through for us to be reconcile with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit….If only we can learn not only to lay the palm branches for His arrival but that our daily lives should also reflect his presence.
So, as we enter the Holy week let us pray that the Holy Spirit may guide us through our devotions.
Mothering Sunday
14th March 2010
Special Family Service lead by Led Balloon.
The Benefice Family service with Led Balloon was held on Mothering Sunday, 14th March 2010, in St. Mary’s Caldicot. The congregation sang enthusiastically to the joyful songs with the theme of love and forgiveness. Cynthia introduced the children to her “pet” in the box. readings and prayers were done by the children in the congregation. The service ended with refreshments at the back of the church.
