Dear friends,
With Easter Day just around the corner, let me begin by wishing you a very happy and joyful Easter. It is the greatest celebration in the Christian year, the mom
ent when we proclaim that life, hope, and love have the final word.
Before we reach Easter morning, we will gather for the solemn and moving moments of Good Friday. On that day we remember the depth of Christ’s love shown in the cross. At 10:30am we will be joining with our friends at Creech Baptist Church for the Walk of Witness, meeting in the park in Creech. It is always a powerful moment when Christians from different churches walk together through the village as a simple public act of faith. Later in the afternoon we will hold a quiet time of reflection with an Hour at the Cross at 2pm, offering space for prayer and contemplation on that most sacred day.
Then, as Easter morning dawns, we will begin the celebration of the resurrection with our Sunrise Service at Holy Cross, Thornfalcon at 6am, followed by refreshments together. There is something very special about greeting the day as the light breaks, remembering the first Easter morning. Later that morning we will gather again for our Easter celebration service at Creech at 10am, which will also include an Easter egg hunt for the children.
And of course, the joy of Easter does not end on Easter Day. The season of Easter continues, inviting us to live in the light of the resurrection and the promise of new life. At this time of year, the world around us seems to echo that message. Fresh shoots are appearing, the days are growing longer, and there is that wonderful sense that summer is slowly on its way. I hope that many of you will be able to enjoy a good Easter break, perhaps with family and friends, or simply a little time to rest and enjoy the spring sunshine if the weather is kind to us.
There are also encouraging signs of new life within our church community. Our Breakfast Services are beginning to show small shoots and roots of their own, and it has been a real joy to see new families coming along to share in worship, food, conversation, and community together. We are also seeing baptisms on the rise again, which is always a wonderful sign of new beginnings and of the church walking alongside families at important moments in life.
Community life has been lively too. We recently enjoyed some excellent evenings together with skittles and a quiz, which brought plenty of laughter and a good sense of people enjoying time together. Moments like these remind us that church life is not only about Sunday worship but also about friendship, hospitality, and shared life.
Another new venture is our community choir which, by the time you read this, may already have begun or will be just about to start. Singing has a remarkable way of lifting the spirit and bringing people together. It is good for the soul and simply good for the heart. If you enjoy singing, or even if you just fancy giving it a try, please do come and join us.
There are also a couple of ways you might be able to help in the life of our churches. We are currently looking for a treasurer for St George’s in Ruishton, and we are also seeking someone who might be willing to take on the role of magazine editor. If either of these might be something you could offer, or if you would simply like to find out more, I would be very pleased to hear from you.
Finally, my warmest good wishes to everyone across our communities. May this Easter season be filled with hope, joy, and the promise of new life.
With all blessings
Lee