Matthew's Journal

This morning's service was a joint service between the Cathedral, Holy Trinity Church, Coventry Methodist Central Hall, and Cornerstone Methodist Church. We started in University Square, moved to the ruins, and thence to Holy Trinity Church. Thankfully, given all the outdoor bits, the weather was dry and sunny, if a little bracing in the wind!

We had the usual hymns: All glory, laud, and honour; Ride on, ride on in majesty; My song is love unknown; and When I survey the wondrous cross. Additionally there was a Modern Worship Song during communion (King of kings, majesty). The liturgy was fairly traditional, despite the range of traditions represented, although we had one of the lower eucharistic prayers, and the second gospel reading was acted by a Zimbabwean group (from one of the Methodist churches), which was very effective. The congregations mixed happily, with people being true to their own traditions - some people genuflected, whilst others waved their hands during the hymns.

As the notes inside the order of service said, Palm Sunday doesn't just remind us of the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, but also prefigures his coming torture and execution; we who sing Hosanna to Jesus also shout "Crucify him!" to Pilate. The outdoor processions also act as a public act of witness, and an invitation to onlookers to join us on the journey through Holy Week to Easter; in this regard, the ecumenical nature of today's service is especially to be welcomed.

If I was to criticise, it would be that there wasn't really an opportunity for the congregation to mingle socially after the service.