Salvaged cross focus for Sunday worship

11:51 pm on 6 March 2011

A cross recovered from the ruins of Christchurch Cathedral will be a symbol of hope as worshippers gather for services on Sunday morning.

Various churches in Christchurch plan to hold services on the second Sunday after the 6.3-magnitude quake, despite being affected by the earthquake.

An urban search and rescue team retrieved a cross from the high altar at the Christchurch Cathedral's east end, which Dean Peter Beck says will be the focal point at a gathering organised by the cathedral community at 10am on Sunday at Fendalton Primary School.

He says the recovery of the cross is highly symbolic, as it repesents the very heart of the devastated cathedral.

Anglican services are being held at Holy Trinity in Avonside at 8am and 9.30am and at St John's in Bishopdale at 9.30am.

The Union Church Chapel on Winchester Street in Lyttelton is also holding a service at 10am.

A prayer service will take place at St Mary's in New Brighton at 4pm to recognise the closure of the church, which is to be demolished.

The Methodist mission says the Durham St congregation will be meeting to worship at the Upper Riccarton church at 5pm.

A full listing of the mission's services can be found at missionresourcingcentre.blogspot.com.

Anglican parishioners can find a rundown of locations and times for services at www.anglicanlife.org.nz.