Good Friday in Redhill

April 14, 2017

Good Friday in Redhill

An estimated 300 members of various Redhill Churches joined in our annual open-air Good Friday service this morning.

We came from all directions carrying crosses from our own churches to gather at the steps of the Harlequin Theatre.

It was Holy Trinity's turn to lead this service, and so:

I welcomed the crowd and led us through the service
Sarah Alexander spoke from the Bible (of which more, below...)
Paul Taylor led us in prayers for the world, for Redhill and for those in need
A member of HT gave a moving account of how her faith in Christ and the support of her church family has brought her through a hugely difficult time.
Others spoke about why the cross of Christ is so important to them

Sarah's text was Romans 5:6-8, and was illustrated with imaginative use of road-signs... 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

It was a great event, gathering together Christians from numerous churches and denominations as well as a few curious passers by around the cross.

We ended with an anticipation of Easter Sunday as we sang

'Thine be the glory, risen, conquering Son; endless is the vict'ry thou o'er death hast won!'

Thank you to those who worked behind the scenes to make the event possible, not least of all Robert Burch for the sound equip't, the Churches Together Orchestra for the musical lead, Paul Puzey from Churches Together, Redhill Methodist Church for the hot cross buns (!), the staff and management of the Harlequin Theatre, and the very willing co-operation of Reigate and Banstead Council in clearing the area of building works.

A few more shots...