Dear Friends,
Sitting here in my study this afternoon typing this April letter I would like to have been able to tell you that I am thinking of Spring time and Hot Cross Buns and flowers coming out. I would have liked to but the truth is I am freezing cold and it is dull and miserable outside with the temperature barely hitting 5 degrees! I think I am still suffering from the after effects of a recent visit to The Gambia and all that lovely sunshine and warmth.
However the optimist in me says that by the time we come to celebrate Easter Sunday on the 4th April the weather will have taken a turn for the better. Let’s hope so for the sake of all those hardy souls who join me at our 6am Easter Sunday service up on the hill behind the pond. Why not come and join us and give thanks to God for all that is good in our lives.
That early morning Easter sunrise service is truly one of the most beautiful and spiritual services of the whole year and worth every bit of effort to get up early. Just have a think about all those activities that you make an effort, or would make the effort, to get up early for and then compare it with the joy of giving thanks and praise to our Creator out in the open with fellow Christians on the most Holy day of the year. It’s a “no brainer” really isn’t it, so I’ll look forward to seeing you all and, by the way, children are most welcome. It’s warmed me up just thinking about it!
All the other services over Easter time are set out in the separate listing in the magazine so do have a look at them and come along. Whatever is happening in our lives at the moment, be it good or not so good, our loving God, through the life and death and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ, offers each one of us a better way to live our lives that brings, as we say at the end of our communion services, “the peace of God that passes all understanding”.
So often we think that happiness, contentment and even peace of mind can be bought over the counter rather than accepting that it is freely given by God and is on offer to each one of us if we would only accept it. It’s daft really when you think of the lengths we all go to sometimes to try and “be happy” when all we have to do is reach out and receive the love of God.
I would also draw your attention to the fact that Sunday afternoon Teas at the church are back so come along and meet old friends, have some wonderful cake and browse the goodies on offer!! You can find the dates on the church website, or in the magazine or on the church notice board so no excuse for not knowing when they are on.
May I wish you, and all those you love, a really exciting, happy and peaceful Easter.
Yours in Christ,
John Baxter