Carrying the cross during Holy Week

Carrying the cross during Holy Week

The Reverend Martin Hartley with local rector Sally Gaze and their crosses

The Reverend Martin Hartley has bravely stepped up to the challenge of carrying a wooden cross with him wherever he travels throughout Holy Week.

Mr Hartley, curate with the Tas Valley Team Ministry in the Diocese of Norwich, was inspired to attempt the challenge after being asked to transport a wooden cross for use during a service.
In the struggle of getting the cross to its destination he realized how awkward, uncomfortable and inconvenient it was to carry.
He is curious to see what it will be like taking the cross around with him for a whole week.

Martin and Sally will be carrying their crosses with them wherever they go

Local rector Sally Gaze is going to be joining him in the challenge and the pair will be carrying two wooden crosses made specially for them by a member of St Mary's Church, Tasburgh.
The crosses have been intentionally made out of a soft wood to show some of the knocks and bumps they will incur during the week.
He and Sally will be inviting people to write or pin reflections and prayers onto the crosses.
"I'm hoping that through this experience, I will be able to connect with the Cross during Holy Week in a different way, and one in which will help me grow as a disciple of Jesus," says Martin.
"I'm sure that it will also give an opportunity to talk to others about the Christian faith and share the good news that God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."