I am writing this on the first day of Spring following several days of beautiful warm sunshine.

What a treat! The early blossoms are burgeoning amidst the brightly coloured daffodils and primroses which adorn our beautiful countryside around here. How blessed we are! Only this last week someone posted a photo of a bluebell – the first one seen. We get so excited don’t we at these markers of Spring – the winter passed – and new life abounds. Reflecting on this reminded me of Easter Day which is only a few weeks away – the excitement and joy which followed the resurrection of Jesus. Of course before the joy came, Good Friday had to happen – akin to the darkness of winter – a dark day for humankind. However, on the third day, when Jesus’ beloved disciples came to visit his grave very early in the morning, there still wasn’t joy yet as fear and grief struck home once more as they discovered the stone had been moved from the grave entrance. It wasn’t until Mary heard Jesus call her name that she turned and knew it was Jesus risen. She thought she had been talking to the gardener – but no there he was. Jesus made many other appearances over the next 40 days until he ascended into heaven. Fear turned to joy. Imagine seeing the resurrected Jesus for the first time. Fear and shock turns to peace, joy understanding, and of course new life. What would we give I wonder to have that peace, joy and understanding as well as a real hope in the new life to come?

Well we have some lovely things in store for you to help with that at church. The week before Easter called Holy Week begins with our wonderful Cafe Church at The Crown garden where we will celebrate the triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The mood darkens though as the triumph changes to betrayal and on Good Friday we will be reflecting through readings, prayer and music the seven last words Jesus spoke from the cross. There are congregational hymns and some beautiful music sung by our combined choir of Capel and Newdigate churches. Please do join us for a very special time – about 1.5 hours – with the option to join us in some hot cross buns and a hot drink afterwards.

Our Capel Church teas have now returned following on from the success of our Lent Soup Lunches and they will be up and running Easter Day and Easter Monday in the afternoon as well as the May Bank Holiday weekend. All that is left for me to say is to wish you all a very happy Easter and may you enjoy some peace, joy and understanding as we celebrate our risen Lord Jesus and are assured of the love of God and the promise of new life to come.

With all my love and prayers
As ever

Revd.Liz Richardson
liz@hostmyserver.co.uk