Grapevine

It was with a sense of privilege that I was able to attend Weyhill Church on Easter Sunday. In this time of lockdown it is sad that many of our church friends still cannot attend because of Covid rules.

The sun shone and the building was adorned both inside and outside with flowers. My thoughts went out to all those who had attended the building in the past whose heritage we share. A custom recorded in the Churchwardens’ Book was that of contributions for “The Holy Loaf” not the Communion Bread, but to provide bread, blessed at Easter for the poor. Is the successor of the Holy Loaf the Hot Cross Bun?

During Holy Week I was able to attend the funeral service for one of our residents to whom we owe a debt of gratitude, for all the flowers now appearing around the church. The Eulogy was read by one of his sons who now resides in Australia. This is surely one of the technological blessings of the past year, when we can be joined with friends and family from the other side of the world.

One of the hymns played at the service was “How Great Thou Art”. This always brings back to me many memories of my family members, who also chose that hymn. I did not realise it was based on a Swedish traditional melody and a Swedish poem and translated into English from Russian by an English missionary who added verses. Illustrating that our Christian Faith is shared across the world.

The hymn begins:   
   Lord, my God,
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the works
thy hand hath made.

Who cannot have a sense of awe at this time with the beauty of God’s creation all around, celebrating new life at Easter with the resurrection of Jesus.

By James Cunniffe