. To be a Beacon of Love & Light to all .
HOLY CROSS CHURCH DAVENTRY 2026
At this most important period in the Christian calendar, we invite you to join in as many of these services as you can. Through worship we are helped to understand the mystery of the cross and resurrection and to have a fresh understanding of their importance in our lives.
29th March – PALM SUNDAY
10.00am Worship Service with Holy Communion.
We are caught up in the drama when Jesus, riding into Jerusalem, was proclaimed as a King by the crowd who later turned against him. We all receive palm crosses which are blessed during the service.
31st March – Tuesday
10.00am Holy Communion.
A short-said service with Holy Communion, for Holy Week.
Refreshments will be served at the back of the church after the service.
1st April – Wednesday
7.30 pm. Holy Communion.
At this short-said service with Holy Communion, we take part in the Passion Narrative to remember the events that led Jesus to the cross.
2nd April – MAUNDY THURSDAY
7.30 pm Tenebrae service with Holy Communion.
This evening, we observe a service that dates to the 4th Century. The word ‘Tenebrae,’ is Latin and literally means darkness.
We meditate on the fact that it was on the evening before Good Friday that Jesus and the disciples were together for the last time, standing in the shadow of the cross.
Our service consists of a series of Bible readings that chronicle Jesus last week. At the end of each reading a candle is snuffed out, and is symbolic of the gathering darkness that came over Jesus. The altar will be stripped and at the end of the service the Paschal candle is carried out of the church as we leave in silence. There will be an opportunity to stay and sit in quiet contemplative prayer after the service, recalling Jesus and his disciples time in The Garden of Gethsemane.
3rd April – GOOD FRIDAY
10.00 am Walk of Witness – Churches Together in Daventry.
We meet with our ecumenical partners for a united ‘Walk of Witness’ through the town. We begin our walk, at Holy Cross Church.
We shall stop at various places around the town centre to listen to words of scripture and sing hymns as we recall ‘The Way of the Cross – Jesus’ journey to crucifixion. Refreshments will be provided after the walk has ended at the URC.
2.00pm Young Families interactive service - Everyone welcome.
Come and help make our Easter Garden, and join in the activities to think about the events that led Jesus to the cross. We will join Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, share a meal with Jesus and his friends, pray with Jesus in the garden and find out what happened on Good Friday. After the service join us for refreshments.
5.30pm Prayers at the cross.
This is an opportunity to spend some time in quiet prayer aided by, readings, choral music and prayers to help you in your contemplations.
4th April – HOLY SATURDAY
7.30 pm Easter Eve Service.
This is a short, dramatic service, in preparation for Easter day. The Church is in darkness as the special Easter candle (Paschal candle) is blessed and lit from a small fire outside the church. The candle is then carried in procession to the Chancel.
Each member of the congregation is given a small candle, which is lit from the Paschal candle; to symbolise Christ lighting the world through us. We will all renew our baptism promises during the service and celebrate the Good News, that Jesus is risen.
5th April– EASTER DAY
10.00 am Holy Communion.
We meet to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection in worship and prayer. We hear about the events of that first Easter Morning, and rejoice that Christ is risen. The children will be invited to come and see the Easter Garden and the empty tomb during the service. Everyone is offered a Cadbury’s crème egg at the end of the service.
“Christ is risen; He is risen indeed!”
If we have ears to hear and eyes to see, may this message be even more meaningful for us this year.
However, we can only celebrate Easter with joy if we have journeyed to the foot of the cross.
A Happy Easter to you all from
Revd. Dawn Stokes & Revd. Kim McCloghry,
& The Ministry Team.
Holy Week & Easter 2026
At Holy Cross Church, Daventry.
Young Families Service
Good Friday 3rd April 2026 at 2.00pm.
Come and help make an Easter garden and palm branches, then join in our short service (30 minutes) to think about the events that led Jesus to the cross. We will be singing hymns as we join Jesus on the road to Jerusalem, share a meal with Jesus and his friends, pray with Jesus in the garden and find out what happened on Good Friday.
Easter Day Celebration Service with Holy Communion.
We meet to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection in worship and prayer. We hear about the events of that first Easter Morning, and rejoice that Christ is risen. The children will be invited to come and see the Easter Garden and the empty tomb during the service. Everyone is offered a Cadbury’s crème egg at the end of the service.
Contact Rev. Dawn: 01327 438032
See our website for details of all our services over Easter.
www.holycrosschurchdaventry.org.uk.