We are in the middle of Holy Week.  It is the week when Christians reflect on the last week of Jesus’ life which has come to mean so much to the Christian faith. 

Last week, St Nicholas Church in Harpenden provided an Easter Experience primarily for primary school children.  We created life size tableaux of Holy Week events: the entrance to Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), upper room with washing of feet and the Last Supper, Garden of Gethsemane, the crucifixion and the empty tomb. 

At each scene the children were told the story and asked to reflect on what it might mean.  So we looked at hopes and dreams, serving others, caring for the lonely and afraid, caring and praying for the suffering, the promise of new life. 

More than 300 children came through and were enthralled by the experience.

So much of our culture is about taking care of number one.  One thing the children seemed to grasp is the challenge of the events of Holy Week to care for others. 

In that upper room, though Jesus was their teacher and leader he humbled himself to be a servant, washing the disciples’ feet.

Christians believe Jesus’ sacrifice and love was on display as he gave himself to death on the cross.  Christians believe the cross, the empty tomb and his resurrection mean his life gives us an example of how to care for others and the hope of a second chance, even new life.