April Update

I hope you are enjoying the start of spring, lighter evenings and a sense that the long, cold, dark winter is finally behind us! Bring on summer …

The change that the seasons bring from the dark and cold days of winter to the warmth and light of spring and summer is a reminder of the hope we have that even in the darkest days of freezing temperatures, ice & long nights – there is the hope and certainty that light & warmth are on the way. On Sunday 24^th April – Easter Sunday we will be celebrating the victory of Jesus over the grave and the wonderful reality that Hope is Here! When Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday, it looked like the forces of evil had won and everything looked dark and desolate. But what happened on Easter Sunday morning, with Christ’s victory over the grave, changed the world forever and brought Hope into the darkness; the light of the power of the gospel which shines today as the one true hope.

Easter is unique amongst all the religious festivals celebrated during the year. It declares an empty grave, life after death and Hope for all who believe. There will be leaflets to invite friends to our Easter Special and Easter eggs for everyone who comes to celebrate on Easter Sunday. Do think and pray about who you can invite to the service. We will be doing some outreach in Stratford on the Saturday morning – 23^rd April – handing out balloons, mini Easter eggs & invites to the service.

This Sunday, 3^rd April, we are having a dedication for my, daughter Grace to thank God for the gift of a child and pray that she may grow up to understand Jesus’ love and sacrifice on the cross. We look forward to having many more dedications for children at Hope Church. Do make every effort to be there and join us as we celebrate and do pray as there will be friends and neighbours coming who are not Christians.

I thank God for each of you – the way you serve and bring so much to the Church.

You are all wonderful gifts from God.

Love and prayers, Mark