Rev Tim to film Welcome to this Easter Agapé service for all those unable to meet together for worship on Easter morning and throughout the Easter season at this time of Lockdown due to the Coronavirus

Agapé (pronounced A-ga-pay) is a Greek word used to describe how God loves us. Agapé meals, or love feasts, originated in the early church as the disciples met in their homes to break bread together and remember that Jesus had risen. This service invites you to claim the hope and joy Jesus brings into the world as we worship in our homes allowing the Spirit to bring us together in God’s love across time and space. We realise that there is a growing choice of online resources but wanted to create a local act of worship for friends, family, local people and visitors from the Wellington Team churches as we celebrate the Easter hope remembering especially our communities in , , Kittisford, Greenham, , Thorne, Sampford Arundel, , Runnington, , Bradford on Tone, Rockwell Green and the town of Wellington. As Rector of this group of parishes I welcome you to this service

Manyn thanks to the local worship team who have all helped make this film..

Slide of photos of team - Tim have you got the up to date ones please??

We have used the technology each of us has access to and some new technology that some of us have learnt to use in the last week. Selina’s husband julian has put it together for us today. It is not as slick as songs of praise but it will be full of hope and love and we pray it will bless all who watch it together uniting us in time and space as we break bread together on Easter morning and throughout the easter season. I will hand over to our Pioneer Missioner Rev Selina now to help us to all get ready… Selina to film… To prepare yourselves for the service today you might like to create a space for your worship you may find it helpful to place the following objects on a small table.

• A candle and matches (or a lamp or torch) • A cross (You may have wooden cross in your home or on a necklace or you can draw one on a piece of card). • A plate with some bread • A glass with some wine (or an alternative). • A Bible if you have one open at Mark 16: 1-8 • Photos of the people you love or have loved

Tim video and lighting a candle Alleluia. Christ is risen! All He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

We light our Easter Candles in our homes.

Maria audio and picture of a candle Today, we gather to remember together that Jesus is risen! Today, in our homes, All: may we meet the risen Jesus. Today, as we celebrate, we bring our burdens, and fears, to give to the one who is risen. Today, in our homes, All: may we meet the risen Jesus. Today, as we come together in spirit to worship Jesus who is risen, may we all meet him and know the joy of life with him. All: Amen.

John to say hello and introduce the first hymn

Hymn See, what a morning, gloriously bright, With the dawning of hope in Jerusalem; Folded the grave-clothes, tomb filled with light, As the angels announce, "Christ is risen!" See God's salvation plan, Wrought in love, borne in pain, paid in sacrifice, Fulfilled in Christ, the Man, For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead! See Mary weeping, "Where is He laid?" As in sorrow she turns from the empty tomb; Hears a voice speaking, calling her name; It's the Master, the Lord raised to life again! The voice that spans the years, Speaking life, stirring hope, bringing peace to us, Will sound till He appears, For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead! One with the Father, Ancient of Days, Through the Spirit who clothes faith with certainty. Honor and blessing, glory and praise To the King crowned with pow'r and authority! And we are raised with Him, Death is dead, love has won, Christ has conquered; And we shall reign with Him, For He lives: Christ is risen from the dead! (Repeat)

Prayer of Confession Selina voice and either her on video or images and her voice

We turn now to a time of confession – you may like to hold the cross if you have one with you Father God I confess that I see. I see the world at war with an invisible virus. I see people in masks and anxiety growing. Sometimes I want to close my eyes to all this change and suffering. Father God I confess that I hear I hear the death toll is rising. I hear of people around the world without a home or even a meal in this time of crisis. Sometimes I do not think anyone is listening Father God I confess that I feel I feel that my time is running out and my life is fragile. I feel afraid for the people I know who are in isolation and afraid for those out working to save and help people. Sometimes I feel that this darkness is stronger than your light. We say together: On a screen shot with Selina voice Father God forgive us for the times we forget you are with us. Father God forgive us when we are so concerned for ourselves that we do not care for the people in need. Father God help us and all your world to see your Son on this path beside us, to hear his voice of love and to feel the comfort from your Holy Spirit bringing us the courage, hope and faith we need. Film of Selina offering a priestley absolution May the God of love bring us back to himself, forgive us our sins, and assure us of his eternal love in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Martins voice and picture of open Bible

The Resurrection of Jesus from Mark 16: 1-8 (NRSV) When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?” When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Video of Tim A short reflection by Rev Tim

Tim to mention this in his talk

Rev Tim is offering regular Podcasts of morning prayers and short reflections. Please conact the office on 01823 665254 if you want to find out how to access these by phone or online.

Maria voice with picture of words

The Creed Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures; he was buried; he was raised to life on the third day in accordance with the scriptures; afterwards he appeared to his followers, and to all the apostles: this we have received and this we believe.

We believe in the power of Christ to overcome all deaths, deaths in us and death in the world. We believe in life which rises in freedom and carries us in joy towards grace beyond our imagining, calling our spirits to soar in freedom with wings of hope borne high in the wonder of Easter. We believe that the gift of life will never be taken from us. The costly life of God will be our company for ever and ever.

Prayers of Intercession by Rev Alan and Tracey Richbell Alan we can chat about how to sort this so you can both contribute Let us pray God of Glory, by the rising of your Son you have broken the chains of death and hell: Fill your church with faith and hope; for a new day has dawned and the way to life stands open in our saviour Jesus Christ. Amen (Pause between each bidding and response) Let us pray to God, who alone makes us dwell in safety: Today we pray for everyone around the world affected by coronavirus, through illness, isolation or anxiety, that they may find relief and recovery: Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer We pray for doctors, nurses, carers and medical researchers, that through their love, skill and insights many will be restored to health: Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer We pray for the farmers and key workers in food shops and pharmacies and for all those volunteering to help others in need, that they will have courage and hope: Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer We pray for those who are guiding our nation at this time, and those shaping national and international policies around the world, that they may make wise decisions: Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer We pray for the children at home and their families and teachers; that they will be able to learn and grow in a time of lockdown. Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer

We pray for the gravely ill and the dying, for those who have already died and all who grieve that they may know your comfort and peace: Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer We pray for all those who are close to our hearts and ourselves: that we will know God’s protection, His hope and joy this Easter season Lord in your mercy Hear our prayer Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

And as our saviour Jesus Christ taught us we pray together the lord s prayer using the modern version but feel free to join in what ever language or version you find most helpful

The Lord’s Prayer

Minister As our Saviour taught us, so we pray: All Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.

John to introduce and play

Hymn with new words by Rev Sam Wells

I cannot tell why grief and sadness linger Why jobs are lost, and people face despair; When this will end, if vaccines come and rescue, Why isolation stalks the earth again. But this I know, Christ feels the hurt upon the cross; The Spirit weaves our lives together still. And some glad day, through Providence, the Father May turn this wave of loss to glory by his will.

I cannot tell how we can be together When all our ways of doing so are lost; How we can be one body in communion If every form of touch comes at a cost. But this I know, we’re sealed upon the heart of God The Spirit dwells within our fearful souls. And Christ finds ways to show his face to all of us To lift our hopes and meet us in our mortal fears.

I cannot tell how long this time of fear will last If there’ll be months, or years of damaged lives; When once again we’ll gladly throng together, To sit and laugh, to dance and play and kiss. But this I know, we’re finding things both good and true About our God, each other and ourselves. So after this we’ll know we’ve met our darkest hour And now there’s nothing we will have to face alone.

John to say.. For the next part of the service we need the bread and wine as we remember the story together with Rev Selina and other lay leaders from our local Learning Community and church leadership teams Christine& Ken, Paul and Annie, Helena and children, Judith and David, Graham Henson and Nancy, Selina and Julian Selina and Jules We remember Jesus in the garden appearing to Mary and calling her by name. Come, risen Christ! All: Come, risen Christ! Help us to remember that you know us each intimately and that you call us by name. (Pause)

Judith and David We remember Jesus appearing to the disciples and saying, “Peace be with you”. Come, risen Christ! All: Come, risen Christ! Grant us your peace. (Pause)

Christine and Ken We remember Jesus appearing to Thomas and saying, “Do not doubt, but believe”. Come, risen Christ! All: Come, risen Christ! Help us to rise above our doubts and fears and to trust completely in your name. (Pause)

Annie and Paul We remember Jesus walking on the road to Emmaus, talking with his followers. Come, risen Christ! All: Come, risen Christ! Open to us the Scriptures and help us to know your truth. (Pause)

Graham and Nancy We remember Jesus sharing breakfast on the beach with his companions. Come, risen Christ! All: Come, risen Christ! Be to us the bread of life. (Pause)

Helena and children We remember Jesus commanding his disciples to tell the Good News to all people and to baptise in his Name. Come, risen Christ! All: Come, risen Christ! Help us to be your witnesses in the world. Hear us as we praise your Name together: (Pause)

Selina to film We remember Christ sharing bread and wine with his disciples on the night of Judas’ betrayal. On the night he was betrayed, at supper with his friends he took bread, and gave you thanks; he broke it and gave it to them, saying: Take, eat; this is my body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of me. After supper, he took the cup, gave thanks and gave it for all to drink saying: Drink this, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins; do this in remembrance of me. So now following Jesus’s example and command we take our bread and wine in remembrance of his death and resurrection. Hold the bread in your hands O God of life, we pray that you will pour out your Holy Spirit upon these gifts of bread and wine. May they renew, sustain and make us whole that we may be your body here on earth and share in bringing hope and joy into the world. As we eat and drink these precious gifts we remember Christ. We pray that you will make us one in him, our risen lord. Amen As you listen to the music John plays please eat the bread and drink

Martin’s voice and words on screen Prayer after our Agape meal God of new life, you have given us hope through the resurrection of our Saviour. Through the breaking of bread and sharing of wine, we come to know new life in you. Send us out to sing songs of hope and thanksgiving in your Name! Amen.

John introduce and play words on screen Hymn Thine be the glory, risen, conqu’ring Son; Endless is the victory, Thou o’er death hast won; Angels in bright raiment rolled the stone away, Kept the folded grave clothes where Thy body lay.

Thine be the glory, risen conqu’ring Son, Endless is the vict’ry, Thou o’er death hast won.

Lo! Jesus meets us, risen from the tomb; Lovingly He greets us, scatters fear and gloom; Let the church with gladness, hymns of triumph sing; For her Lord now liveth, death hath lost its sting.

No more we doubt Thee, glorious Prince of life; Life is naught without Thee; aid us in our strife; Make us more than conqu’rors, through Thy deathless love: Bring us safe through Jordan to Thy home above.

Tim on video The Easter Blessing God the Father, by whose glory Christ was raised from the dead; strengthen you to walk with Him in His risen life and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Tim on the screen and the voices of Maria, Alan and martin

The Dismissal Maria: He is not here. He is risen. Alan: Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Alleluia, alleluia

Martin: All In the name of Christ. Amen. Alleluia, alleluia Words on the screen with a picture

Selina filmed Allelluia!!! And here are a few Notices before John plays us out!! Notices: Thanks to Sharon and Christine for helping set up a new communications system for the whole team to help us stay connected and to Maria for putting together the team newsletter each week do send her your notices.

As we work to stay connected in mission please please pass on the names of people you know if they would like to be on the church mailing list to Sharon in the office.

We are also organising pastoral goups and if you or someone you know would like to be in one of these to offer support and be supported please contact the church office.

Funeral resources for those unable to attaned funerals during this lockdown are available from …..

Rainbow crosses in your windows and cars…. PDF on ….or just make one

Easter bags of hope and joy are available…..??? News from the Team mainly in our newsletter but a couple of things to give thanks for today!

We now have a new Village chaplain for West Buckland as Tracey Richbell was commissioned by Zoom. Tracey helped Alan to lead our intercessions today. Obviously we will gather to celebrate this together in West Buckland as soon as possible

We now have a Wellington Team churches Youtube account used for this film! Selina has recorded some countryside prayers and blessings and Tracey has shared a reflection too. Debby and Freddy our pioneer health and welbeing chaplains will soon be putting on a seated fitness class and Debby is available for phone support about supporting your fitness and health during lockdown.

We also have a new Wellington Team Churches Facebook Page to help us stay connected – do like and subcribe to help this get going and pass on content to Selina, John or Fiona. Also if you love music do friend Johnas he had 1.8 thousand people viewing his livestream of playing the organ and offers a regular gathering playing favourite hymns online. And so I shall now hand over to John to play something for those still tuned in!!

John to play…