Following a Palm Sunday service at Trinity Church, sixteen people (some pictured here) processed around Albert Park, Abingdon. The group shared the spirit of Palm Sunday through song and by handing out palm crosses, commemorating Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem at the start of Holy Week.
Here are some pictures from the blog in previous years. Palm Sunday is the Sunday when churches go outdoors and hire donkeys.
On Sunday, 23rd March 2025, the Church of Our Lady & St Edmund hosted Abingdon-on-Thames’ Civic Service for the year 2024/25. Led by the Mayor, Councillor Gabby Barody, the service celebrated inclusivity and community groups.
The Civic Party entered to “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen. Father Jamie McGrath opened the proceedings with prayers, followed by a welcome from the Mayor. Reflections were shared by the Mayor’s multi-faith and humanist chaplains: Deacon Selina Nisbett, Dr Hamid Al Shejni, and Pat Winslow (read on her behalf by the Mayor). The church choir performed Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer.
The Mayor introduced local groups making a difference, including Host Abingdon, Pranic Healing, Thames Valley Roller Skating Club, Abingdon Breastfeeding Café, and Open Doors.
Thank you to Martin Wackenier for the photographs.
Trinity Learning has a number of workshops for children aged 7 to 11 telling the Easter Story. Thousands of children have enjoyed these workshops since they started back in 2010. This week around 200 children are visiting Trinity church with about 160 more taking part online.
Trinity church has been laid out to show the different scenes. The children gather outside in the welcome area and are then led into the church with the exciting sounds of praise as Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a Donkey. They take part in the last supper where Jesus washed the disciples feet, onto the crucifixion where Jesus gave his life and then his resurrection.
Storytellers from different churches in Abingdon take children through the scenes which are part story and part interaction – like washing hands (instead of feet), sharing bread, and making beaded strings to think of people who are going through a difficult time.
They learn about important things like hope (even when things are hard), and caring about other people’s feelings. The Trinity Learning website is at https://trinitylearning.org.uk/. To request a password to watch the videos, email: nic.trinitylearning@gmail.com .
This Sunday afternoon, a packed congregation gathered at St. Helen’s Church, Abingdon, to hear the Rev. Dr. Charles Miller deliver his farewell sermon. The service, held on the Feast of All Saints, was a moving occasion as Rev. Miller reflected on the many lives that had touched his own during his 18 years at the church, and many who have already gone to join the saints.
In his sermon, Rev. Miller shared his plans for retirement, quoting the words of a revered medieval mystic: “Make yourself small.” As I understand that, his intention is to embrace a simpler life. He emphasised the importance of childlike faith and a receptive heart to God.
The service was enhanced by the beautiful singing of the choir (including the Sanctus from Faure’s Requiem) and concluded with a communion service, where the bread and wine were distributed at three places to accommodate the large congregation.
Following the service, refreshments were served, providing an opportunity for parishioners and friends to express their thanks and well-wishes to Rev. Miller. In recent weeks, he has been visiting housebound parishioners to bid farewell personally.
During the interim period before a new rector is appointed, others in the church will carry more responsibilities. We send our best wishes for his retirement, but there is still a chance some of us will see him before the removal van arrives on the 11th. He is often to be seen in Abingdon town centre.