Walk of Witness 2016

Local Christians of all denominations gathered under the banner of 'Churches Together in Haddenham' on Good Friday morning for their annual Walk of Witness.

A large wooden cross was carried symbolically from Townsend Green, through Dollicott, Fort End, Banks Road and down Churchway, in time for followers to participate in the Good Friday service at St Mary's Church.

At various points along the way, the faithful paused to sing hymns and maintain periods of silent prayer and contemplation.

The service in St Mary's Church was led by Amanda Pink, the Minister in Training at Haddenham Baptist Church.

The service drew on a number of pieces of music, and a piece of artwork, as well as hymns, scripture readings and prayers to reflect on Jesus' death on the cross and its significance.

Instead of a sermon, Amanda read a poem, the first verse of which is reproduced here:

'The Sorrow of God'
by Geoffrey Studdert-Kennedy
(aka 'Woodbine Willie')

YES, I used to believe i' Jesus Christ,
And I used to go to Church,
But sin' I left 'ome and came to France,
I've been clean knocked off my perch.
For it seemed orlright at 'ome, it did,
To believe in a God above
And in Jesus Christ 'Is only Son,
What died on the Cross through Love.
When I went for a walk o' a Sunday morn
On a nice fine day in the spring,
I could see the proof o' the living God
In every living thing.
For 'ow could the grass and the trees grow up
All along o' their bloomin' selves?
Ye might as well believe i' the fairy tales,
And think they was made by elves.
So I thought as that long-'aired atheist
Were nubbat a silly sod,
For 'ow did 'e 'count for my Brussels sprouts
If 'e didn't believe i' God?

If you would like to read the rest of the poem, please click here