What have you got planned for Good Friday at the Minster?
Traditionally, we hold a three-hour meditation from 12 noon to 3 pm, marking the time Jesus was on the cross. People can come and go, with hymns on the half-hour, silences, and reflections. This year, we’re doing something a little different. We’ve commissioned Jenny Keogh from Go Create in Taunton to produce seven pieces of artwork, one large central piece representing hope and six others reflecting different stages of grief. These will guide us through the three hours as we focus on the cross.
How does the artwork tie into the meditation?
The six smaller pieces are based on Dr Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’s work on grief, originally developed for hospice care. They reflect the stages people go through when facing loss—things like anger, shame, guilt, and depression. The meditations will explore these emotions alongside scripture, looking at how the disciples and those around Jesus experienced His crucifixion. The final stage, acceptance, will lead into hope as we look ahead to Easter.
What do you hope people will take away from this Good Friday reflection?
My real hope is that by exploring these stages of grief, we will reflect more deeply on what Jesus went through. By sitting with those emotions, we can engage with the full weight of Good Friday, making Easter Sunday all the more meaningful.
Why is it important to have this kind of focus before Easter Sunday?
Easter Sunday is when we celebrate the resurrected Jesus. After sitting with the grief of Good Friday, we come to the joy of knowing the victory has been won, and we are all invited back to be with God again. By engaging with those feelings of grief and loss, we can truly prepare ourselves to celebrate His resurrection.
What is planned for the Minster’s Easter Sunday service?
Bishop Michael will be joining us for a sunrise service. We will start around 5:30 am with a Holy Fire outside The Minster, and we will bring the light back into the church. This year, we are delighted as we will also have a confirmation as part of the early service. A time when those who are to be confirmed will renew their baptismal vows, outside on Easter Sunday at dawn, it will be a truly amazing moment. Later in the day we will have services at 8 am, 10 am, and a Choral Evensong at 5 pm.