MEMBERS of a Wokingham church were up very early on Easter Sunday.
Each year St Paul’s congregation celebrates the church’s most significant day of the year with a service at dawn.
Remembering Mary Magdalene’s early morning discovery of Jesus in the garden, they meet in semi-darkness outside the church’s front door, where a lit brazier provides them with some light and warmth.
It also lights a Paschal Candle, which the congregation follows inside for the remainder of the service.
This year Storm Dave did its best to thwart the proceedings.
Its lively breeze scattered sparks from the brazier towards rector Fr Sam Tanna-Korn’s robes, and it tried hard to blow out the Paschal candle flame.
Made from beeswax, this large white decorated candle represents the Light of the World and victory over death.
First lit at the Easter vigil, it is used throughout the year at baptisms and for funerals.
It took three or four attempts to light it this year, but eventually, cradled carefully from the wind, it was taken inside St Paul’s Church.
There, from its light, the congregation passed round hand-held candles, gradually filling the darkened building with flickering candlelight.
The service, with readings and music from the choir and organ, was followed by a communal breakfast in St Paul’s Parish Rooms – and two more Easter services.
For information, visit: spauls.co.uk
