Last Sunday's 10am Parish Eucharist took place as usual at St Andrew's but at a time when the World's News perhaps dominated most people's minds more than usual. Easter Sunday was already a week gone, marking the final day of Bishop Alan's close sharing of Holy Week with us and for which we are still most grateful. Then, of course, the day after Easter Sunday, the news reached us that Pope Francis had passed away, just after he had given his Easter Blessing the day before. Hence, what with moves to sort out a peace solution between Russia and Ukraine and other world issues, Reverend Liz's homily had to bind together all the emotions of the moment. The content nonetheless was upbeat. Although this sermon was delivered on what some call Low Sunday, our vicar readily admitted that in our broken world there was nonetheless, much to celebrate. The content of her address bound together the 'then and now' with comparisons. After the 'highs and lows' of Holy Week, there came a time for reflection. This also applied to a group of frightened disciples who behind locked doors had to make sense of recent events with only anecdotal evidence that Christ's tomb was empty. Then, Jesus appeared amongst them and thus, two thousand or so years later, Easter bells still ring out: 'Christ is Risen.' From St Andrew's in Biggleswade, a single bell was rung 88 times by Chris - a lady ringer - to mark the earthly lifespan of Pope Francis. He has followed the words from Revelation and the poetry of T.S.Eliot: "In my end is my beginning." His humility and care for the marginalised has reached humanity, extending far beyond the estimated 1.4 billion Catholics who recognise the successors of Peter.
Now back to the diary: This Saturday, 3rd May, Coffee Shop will be taking place in the Chapter House between 10am to 12noon. Then, on Sunday, 4th May, being the Third Sunday of Easter, Order Two of Traditional Said Communion will take place and at 10am, there will be an All Together Parish Communion. In the Market Square, on Thursday, 8th May, at 10:45am, there will be the Royal British Legion VE Day 80th Anniversary Commemoration Service. On Sunday, 11th May, after the 10am Eucharist and the time for a cuppa, starting at 11:45am, the APCM will take place back in the church. More about that will be given next week.
That will do for the time being. For anyone who has access to going online or can view the Pew Sheet for the Second Sunday of Easter, there is a very moving and appropriate written message from Alan, Bishop of Bedford, on the death of Pope Francis. It is worth a read.