THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
10th April 2026
I was deeply moved by our celebrations of the Resurrection at services last Sunday. It all came together in such a way as to speak of the great value of church both spiritually and socially. It was a very precious few hours, and I found myself thinking I really wish other people could see this and just enjoy being a part of it. So, Thank you everyone for pulling together so splendidly on Easter Day and the preceding days of Holy Week, but most especially Thanks be to God, for without divine grace it would have been a celebration without meaning or power.
It was a precious few hours, but Easter is a season and not just a day. For the first disciples it was a most complicated event, a complex interweaving of grief, joy, and emerging faith in the Risen Lord. For us the emotions are different but I think it is in the days and weeks following Easter Day that the true health and vitality of church is revealed. The Second Sunday of Easter is traditionally called Low Sunday. The origin of the term is disputed, possibly a corruption of Laus (Latin for Praise) but I prefer the name by which it was known centuries ago; Little Easter Day. Yes, the euphoria may have abated but, like the first disciples, we are changed by the Resurrection. It was in the days and weeks following the Resurrection that the peace of the risen Lord, took hold and grew in their hearts and lives. And that same gift of peace is held out to us too. It calls for measured and reflective celebration but no less committed and joyful than that of Easter Day itself. And this Little Easter Day we have wide opportunity for celebration in the full range of services and events including Breakfast@Nine and Evensong (6pm).
Next Sunday (19th) the Annual Parochial Church Meeting takes places at 11.15am. Please commit to the meeting if at all possible. There is an Easter hymn which reminds us that we are the hands and feet of the crucified and risen Lord acting for him now in the world. Now is always the moment to give of ourselves anew in service. It can be hard at times but without that commitment the depth and joy of his peace remain unknown.
May the peace of the risen Lord be with you.
Charles Booth
The Pew sheet with notices and readings is attached. Please note the following:
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Jenny Lewis is moving to pastures new at Easter. We say farewell on Low Sunday and as we pray for a joyful new beginning for Jenny in Norfolk, we also pray for new beginnings here.
We are actively seeking a new churchwarden and a small team of wardens’ assistants to help cover the Sunday 10am duties. These roles are essential to the smooth running of our worship and the welcome we offer each week. We know that everyone has many demands on their time, and it’s easy to assume that someone else will step forward. But we genuinely need people who are willing to say, “Yes, I can help.”
The life of our church depends on members who are willing to serve, even when it stretches them. If you feel even a hint of prompting, please don’t set it aside. This is a moment when your “yes” could make a real difference to the whole community. Please come and talk to me.
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