Ukraine Emergency Appeal

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which comprises 15 leading UK charities, including Christian Aid, Save the Children,  Tear Fund, World Vision and British Red Cross have a Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. More than 3 million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in Ukraine, leaving behind jobs, belongings and loved ones. They need shelter, food and water. Those remaining also need help.
 
We have set up the churn in church for those unable to give online, but meanwhile I encourage all to donate via this link:
https://donation.dec.org.uk/ukraine-humanitarian-appeal

The First Easter Sunday: 
What happened ... and why does it matter?

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WHAT HAPPENED AT EASTER?
The dead body of Jesus was sealed in a tomb on Good Friday and a huge stone placed at the entrance, but that wasn't the end...

The following Sunday his friends went to visit the tomb, but found
  • the stone rolled away,
  • the tomb empty and
  • the grave clothes left behind.
 ​Jesus suddenly appeared to them, but he wasn't a ghost! Over the next 40 days they talked with him, listened to him, touched him, ate with him and worshipped with him. They now knew that what He had said was true: He is Risen! Their lives were changed for ever.

Why is it important?  
  • Life has a meaning and death is not the end.
  • Because of what happened at Easter, death is now an event which, though it finishes our earthly life, can't hold us in its grip.
  • Jesus forged a new way, so if we follow in his footsteps, we can live forever with him.
  • We can share this greatest news in the world with others.
How can we join in?  
Easter is such an important day that we  celebrate it in church twice and you can come to either event or both!
  • Come at 7.30pm on Holy Saturday  (16th April)
  • gather (socially distanced) in the north churchyard near the porch as the day darkens;
  • see the new fire lit, which is a sign of the new life of Resurrection – that light has overcome darkness forever.
  • Flames from this fire light the Easter (Paschal) candle. Take a candle and light it from this candle as you join the procession into the darkened church.
  • Hear the story of God’s never-ending love for His creation in Old Testament readings and
  • His triumph over sin and death in New Testament readings.
  • Join in the light, colour, sound and scent as the wonderful Vigil unfolds.
  • Receive the body and blood of Christ in the Holy Communion, or a special blessing if you are not a Communicant,
  • Thank God for this most wonderful gift and
  • let the light of Christ shine through you to light up the lives of others.
!
You are all welcome, however frequently or rarely you have come to church before.
  • On Easter Sunday (4th April) come and join our family Parish Mass at 9.30 am.
  • Children will receive a chocolate egg - a reminder of the new life of Easter.​​

Happy Easter!