Benefice Good Friday Walk
On Good Friday of every year we take a walk between each of our four Churches in the benefice of “The Four Mary`s” (Raydon, Holton, Stratford & Higham. We start at Raydon at 8.45am For those who wish to come inside we have a short 10/15 mins story of readings explaining how the journey started for Jesus all those years ago. Then we start our own journey at 9.20am to Holton Church arriving 10.30am approx. Here we listen to part two of the story and then transfer over to Holton village hall for Coffee & Hot cross buns. A bowl for donations to cover costs will be provided. Toilet facilities also available here. Leaving Holton VH at 11.20am for the longest part of the walk to Stratford St Mary Church arriving 12.45pm approx.. Part 3 of the story continues then we head off down the main street to the Parish Room (allowing 20mins walk) This stop will be for picnic lunch outside if weather suitable. Bring your own food please, but drinks will be provided and of course toilet facilities are available. Leaving Stratford 2.00pm for our last part of our walk to Higham Church arriving at 2.50pm latest for final part of the story & journey. Here the day concludes with a short 1/2hr service, all welcome to join in. We try to avoid most of the roads so field walking means good suitable footwear necessary as it may be muddy in places and also un-even ground. Well behaved dogs welcome but some areas they must be on leads. Please bring bottled water especially if hot. Note:- There are at least two unavoidable stiles on route and we do have to cross some roads. Looking forward to your company on another grand start to Easter. We might not find easter eggs !!! on the day, but just being outside with nature all around, hopefully sunshine is always inspiring and good for the soul. COME AND JOIN US and if unable to walk very far then join at any Church and also by car. Good Friday Service with readings, reflections and music at 3pminHigham Church Whether you have walked all or part of the traditional walk which takes us round the churches in the benefice, do come and join us for the final part of our Good Friday reflections.
Benefice Pilgrimage of Song
A walk of around six miles through the heart of Constable Country, taking in Stratford St Mary, East Bergholt, Dedham, Flatford and Lawford. We sing a short service at each church along the way, and end with a hot meal.
WORKSHOP
The day begins with a workshop in which we learn the music to be sung at churches on our route. There will be a variety of music to suit varying abilities, including both experienced choral singers and those who just enjoy singing the tune.
WALK and SERVICES
Our route links four "St Mary's" churches. Starting at Stratford St Mary we walk to East Bergholt, then to Dedham. From there we follow the beautiful River Stour, passing Flatford Mill, and ending at Lawford Church.
WHO IS LEADING?
The event will be directed by Richard Hubbard (Artistic Director of Cantus Firmus, and Music Development Director at St Edmundsbury Cathedral).
MEAL
After the final service there will be a meal in the church hall at Lawford.
TRANSPORT
Parking is available at either end of the route. Walkers are encouraged to share transport, leaving a vehicle at either end. If you don't have anyone to pair up with, we will help you organise that when you book.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
There is a suggested donation of £21 per person (under 18s free), to cover the costs of the event, including provision of music scores for the day. Donations can be more or less than the suggested amount.
The meal is an optional extra, at a cost of £10 per person.
More information can be found here: https://cantusfirmus.
- The Rectory
- Hadleigh Road
- Raydon
- Suffolk
- IP7 5LH
07947 737789
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