The Easter Vigil: Christ is Risen!

The Easter Fire and the Paschal Candle

Proclamation of the Light of Christ

Renewal of Baptismal Vows

Tonight we gathered outside the tomb for the principal service of the church's year - the Easter Liturgy. The Easter candle was lit from the new fire and brought into the darkened church as Christ brings light to the world. The light was passed from this single flame to every member of the assembly, as the Exsultet, the ancient hymn of praise to the Easter light, was sung. By candlelight we listened to the story of the world from creation to the time of Christ culminating in the proclamation of his resurrection. We journeyed to the font to renew the promises made at our baptisms, and then to the table of the eucharist to proclaim and share his victory over death.

Mothering Sunday 2012

Members of our Junior Church gave an illustrated presentation about their mothers . . .

and led the Intercessions.

Posies were presented at the end of the service.

Benedict Kearns conducted.

(Re-)visiting the Church were Joan Chester and her family who were all married, baptized or confirmed here. Joan is the daughter of Frank Puffet who was the Clerk of Works for the building of the church a century ago. She recalled the first Vicar, Basil Bourchier, walking down the central aisle during a service giving out sweets to the children!

Joan is also the widow of 'Cheerful' Charlie Chester who lived on the Suburb.

Last seven photos by Sohrab Kavir

Benedict Kearns

Congratulations to Benedict, who is a pupil at Mill Hill School Foundation in North London, and Acting Choir Master at St Jude's, on his outstanding achievement in gaining the Diploma of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (DipABRSM), with Distinction. The Diploma is a professional qualification, normally taken by students who are already at music college, but Benedict was just 15 at the time of the exam which makes his success all the more remarkable. The exam was held at Imperial College just before Christmas, and consisted of a viva voce, sight-reading test and a 35-minute recital – a varied programme of music by Scarlatti, Beethoven, Debussy, Rachmaninov and Copland – which Benedict chose to play from memory. As part of his preparations for the exam, he practised at least two hours a day (no mean achievement with his school work and other activities) and gave recitals at both Westminster Abbey Choir School (where he had been Head Chorister) and at Mill Hill School as part of the Friday lunchtime recital series.

While the immediate future is firmly focussed on GCSEs, music is clearly a major part of normal life – aged 12 he had already reached the level of a Grade 8 High Distinction on the piano, and subsequently gained top marks for Grade 8 flute and voice. On Saturdays Benedict attends the Junior Department of the Royal Academy of Music as well as studying conducting with Peter Stark. Conducting has become Benedict's main passion, so we are proud to have him at St Jude's. Benedict is clearly one to watch (and to listen to!).

For information about Mill Hill School Foundation Open days please view www.millhill.org.uk