Hello everyone,

Has everyone else enjoyed the recent signs of spring in the beauty and colour of crocuses and daffodils everywhere? I hope all who came to our service on Mothering Sunday enjoyed receiving from the children their bunch of daffodils to take home and enjoy.

Were you also disappointed when our British weather decided to remind us of the less welcome side of its nature with rain and snow? I love to see snow when it first falls, pure and white, but I must confess to not enjoying having to travel in it! The change in the weather reminded me that our lives also have their good and bad times, their ups and downs, but the joy for me is that we have a God who is always there alongside us, sharing our joys and sorrows.

As we continue through the final days of the season of Lent, a time of waiting and contemplation, and approach the events of Holy Week, we see the celebration of Palm Sunday lead inexorably to the sacrifice and suffering of the cross, culminating in the great joy of the Resurrection on that first Easter Day. The Easter Trail around the village takes you on a journey with Jesus through Holy Week and you can find the route on posters and leaflets in the local shops, in church, and also further on in this newsletter.

Now of course, the schools have finished for two weeks so I wish you all a good holiday, whether you are going away or spending it at home.
I pray that in the comings and goings, the ups and the downs of our daily lives this week, we will all be aware of God’s presence and love.

Blessings,
Brenda

The Easter Trail
Starting on Palm Sunday and ending 23rd April why not follow our Easter Trail and journey with Jesus through Holy Week? At the stations dotted around the village you'll find a different scene. Families or individuals can walk the whole trail in about 2 hours, or do it in stages at your own convenience and pace.

Station 1 – Palm Sunday @ 13 Salisbury Street
Station 2 – Jesus Cleanses the Temple @ 13 Carr Hill Drive
Station 3 – Judas the Betrayer @ 81 Crowther Avenue
Station 4 – The Last Supper @ 93 Carr Road
Station 5 – Gethsemane @ 3a Clara Drive
Station 6 – Jesus Before Pilate @ The Vicarage Garden
Station 7 - Crucifixion and the Tomb @ Churchyard Banking

Easter Break
During the Easter holidays, don’t forget that An Hour of Quiet, Morning Prayer, Friday Coffee Shop and the Living in Love & Faith sessions are taking a break.
They will resume after the Easter Holidays.

Easter Flowers
We'll be decorating the Church on Easter Saturday (April 16th) between 9am-12pm. Donations of daffodils, spring flowers, and green foliage are needed.
Or donations in the green flower fund box on the welcome table at the back of church. As always, anyone wishing to help our ‘Friendly Flower Team’ are very welcome to join us. Coffee, tea, and biscuits are always provided!
Many Thanks & Blessings,
Julie Horan

Easter Eggs
Fairtrade Easter Eggs are available to buy at the back of Church for £4.99.
If you don’t have anyone to buy for, why not donate one to the foodbank?
The box is at the back of Church.

100 Years Young!
Joan Kitson is a long-standing member of our church who worshipped with us for many years before having to stop because of health reasons. She still receives home communion each month. She will be 100 years young on 13th April. If you know Joan and would like to sign a card, this will be available on Sunday (or maybe send your own card). Please speak to either Margaret, John, or Pauline. Thank you.

Weekly Family News
Have you had some good news? Do you need something?
Are you involved in a community event?
Do you want to acknowledge somebody?
Whatever it is, let us know so we can share it in our weekly Family News!
Please send all the details to [email protected]