It’s been a great joy to share the Easter journey with you this last month. I’m thankful for the opportunity to be at a number of services across the team, and sad to have missed out on the others. But that’s the way it is in team-ministry, and I’m grateful for such wonderful colleagues who have been taking services throughout Lent, Holy Week and Easter. I also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped each of our church communities celebrate the hope and colourfulness of Easter: from lay-led services of compline at St Annes to a number of Maundy Thursday services across the team, and even a dry night to light the bonfire at the Turton Moorland Team Easter Vigil.
And we also had the added joy of 175th anniversary of the consecration of St Peters, and don’t worry if you missed out, there will be more St Peter’s celebrations to come.
While the Easter breakfasts, lunches and teas have all been eaten, along with many of the Easter Eggs too, the celebrations of the Easter season continue right until Pentecost – fifty days in total (which is longer than Lent). One of the strong messages of Easter is that, alongside the great depths of Jesus journey to the cross, there is an even longer period to reflect on the joys of the resurrection and ascension, and the promise of Pentecost.
As we prepare for our AGMs in church, there are two Bank Holidays in May, a whole host of Saints’ Days (remembering those from the Christian past who have illuminated our faith in various ways) and a Team Ascension Day Service at the end of the month. And while the saying ‘cast no clout til May is out’ reminds us we can never be completely sure what the British weather will bring, whatever the weather, there’s much to look forward to in our churches this May. Hope to see you there.
