Good Friday in Bermondsey

In brilliant sunshine we walked from St Anne's this Good Friday morning, meeting our brothers and sisters from St Mary's on the way, for our annual Open Air Service at the Blue at the heart of Bermondsey.

We had previously enjoyed a great family service for St James and St Anne's at St Anne's, with Paul preaching.

At the Blue Bishop Graham was our speaker. He had previously beem chatting with the crowd of Millwall fans outside the Blue Anchor pub for today's match and they had bought him a drink. He greeted them at beginning of his talk and joked 'if Millwall wins today, God did it.'

In his talk Graham referred to the scupture that he brought along (left) of Christ on the cross. It depicts the 'eighth hour' - that is, the hour before Jesus died.

Graham spoke of the suffering of Christ, taking all the sin and suffering of the world on to himself, bringing forgiveness and new life.

Michael from St James spoke on what Easter means to him, Mark & Charlie from St Mary's led the prayers, and Tim led us in singing 'When I survey the wondrous cross', 'How deep the Father's love for us' and 'Amazing grace.'

It was a memorable occasion and probably our best attended Good Friday service ever.

Part of today's crowd

After the Blue, we all walked to St James for a wonderful meal of homemade soups, bread, &  hot cross buns, before settling down to 'At the Cross' an hour's meditation in words and music, led by Jacob, which concluded a wonderful day of remembering and rejoicing in our Saviour's love.#

Meanwhile, throughout the day, the cross on the steps of the portico bore silent witness to the significance of this special day: