I hope you had a wonderful Easter. I spent Easter weekend in Manchester and visiting family in North Wales. It was a bust couple of days and I wasn't sure whether we would have time to attend a church service. However, we were able to make time to attend the Easter Vigil service at Manchester Cathedral. And I'm very pleased we did.
Manchester Cathedral
The cathedral is a magnificent building. Considering I've been to Manchester countless times (we've been attending Manchester Pride every year for the past 14 years) I have never visited the cathedral.
We were blessed with gorgeous sunny weather (if a little cold) and the blossom trees beautifully framed the outside of the cathedral. Inside staff and volunteers were busy preparing for the evenings Easter Vigil.
Given that my day job involves enhancing customer experience I'm always aware of the customer service I receive. I'm delighted to report that everyone I spoke to or overheard speaking with others were incredibly friendly and helpful.
We spent an hour inside the cathedral exploring and sitting in contemplation. It was the ideal respite from the bustling city centre minutes away. In fact, we enjoyed our visit so much we decided to return in the evening to take part in the Easter Vigil. This proved to be a very moving 90 minutes with a most wonderful choir and cantor. The readers were also superb and made we consider whether I should prepare more for when I read at City Church!
Again, everyone was very welcoming and friendly. Lots of people were keen to offer the sign of peace and I particularly like the how the clergy enjoyed sprinkling water over the congregation. The kids loved it... and so did I!
Manchester Jewish Museum
Because of Sabbath, the Manchester Jewish Museum was closed on Saturday so we decided to pay a visit on Easter Sunday. I am so pleased we went as it was AWESOME!
Honestly, it was hugely informative and we were completely engrossed in finding out about the history of Jewish life in Manchester.
The curator gave a great 30 minute tour and we had a chance to hear audio recordings of Jewish people who had lived in Manchester. The exhibits also brought Jewish life in Manchester to life. It was utterly fascinating!
I'll admit though that I love an interactive museum so imagine my delight to discover that visitors are encouraged to get involved... I wasted no time transforming myself into Matt the rabbi (albeit temporary)!
We received a very warm welcome and excellent customer service from the curator and front of house staff which means we will be paying another visit when we're next in Manchester.
I'm already thinking about Easter weekend 2015. Recommendations of places to visit gratefully received!
Until next time.
Best wishes,
Matt the Elder
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What are you reading during Lent?
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| My reading for Lent |
I love Lent. It's my absolute favourite time of the year. I prefer Lent and Easter to Advent and Christmas. There's no stress involved; rather the opposite. Lent is a time for reflection, contemplation and giving up alcohol... well, for me anyway! It's Week Three and so far I am not craving a splash of the good stuff!
In fact, I'm doing extremely well! Could this be the year I stop drinking altogether? I doubt it... I love a Vesper Martini and a drop of Chianti. But this could be there year that I seriously limit and reduce my alcohol intake!
But I digress. What I really wanted to know was what are you all reading during Lent? I always choose a suitable religious book to focus my mind and this year I decided to re-read Easter by Michael Arditti. It's a wonderful novel set in the fictional parish of St Mary-in-the-Vale during Holy Week. Arditti's novel explores what it means to be Christian for ordinary church goers in a society dominated by consumerism, suffering and cynicism.
The parish of St Mary-in-the-Vale, Hampstead, is preparing for Easter. In his Palm Sunday sermon, the Vicar explains that Christ's crucifixion and redemption are taking place every day. He little suspects that, before the week is out, he and his entire congregation will be caught up in a latter-day Passion story which will tear apart their lives.
Doesn't it sound great? I'll write a fuller review once I've finished it.
So, what are you reading this Lent? Have your read Easter? if so, what did you think of it?
Until next time.
With best wishes
Matt the Elder
