Pastoral Letter

So Easter comes round again, spring lambs, daffodils and eggs (hens' or chocolate). And with it comes the busiest time of year for church and minister. We have four major festivals within eight days, going from the excitement of Palm Sunday, through the peace of Maundy Thursday to the pain of Good Friday and ending with the joy of Easter Day itself.

Which of those days speaks to you most? It probably depends on what you feel on the day.

For those of us who have had the pleasure of visiting Jerusalem and walked the road from Bethany into the city walls Palm Sunday has a special meaning. "Hosanna" the people cried; "save us and help us". We still share their hope for change.

For some the sacrament of Communion is made extra special by celebrating it on the "exact" day, gathering round the table just as Jesus did with his disciples. "This is my body" must have been shocking to them, words which we are in danger of hearing without knowing what it took out of Jesus.

The events of Good Friday are almost too painful to endure, I know some people who avoid going to church because of the emotion it stirs within them. "Father, forgive" is never said too often.

Finally we reach Easter Day, and amid the chocolate we rejoice in our risen Saviour, who is risen, risen indeed, for us and all the world. These are not events of the past but promises for today:

Jesus comes, Jesus gives, Jesus dies, Jesus saves.

Even if I wasn't a minister leading worship I would personally feel the need to be at every service to get the full impact, the progression of emotions as we go with Jesus through this momentous week.

I hope you can join in worship and know God in Jesus has done something uniquely special for you and for all the world.

God Bless, Happy Easter,

Peter Sheasby