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church : revd jo's letter : april 2006 added 11/03/06 To my sorrow, I can’t grow Snowdrops or Aconites in my garden. Whether it’s because they don’t like the soil, or whether the mice eat them, I don’t know, but after years of frustration, I’ve given up on them. Last Autumn I planted a lot of miniature daffodils, though, and they have done well. Seeing all those cheerful blooms makes me understand how important Spring, with all its signs of growing warmth, of hope and rebirth after the dead season of Winter must have been to pre-Christian people. The Church took over the Pagan Spring festival of Eostre, the Great Mother Goddess of the Saxon people in Northern Europe and turned it into what we know as Easter – the celebration of the Christian hope that in Jesus Christ death is no more, and all who believe in him have the promise of eternal life. And that, of course, is why Easter eggs are such a powerful symbol. The image of new life emerging from the shell parallels that of the risen Christ emerging from the tomb. I have always loved Easter, because it is filled with joy and hope, and in the world we inhabit, there so often seems little cause for either. But before we reach that great festival, we have the rest of Lent and Holy Week to come. On the Tuesday of Holy Week, April 11th, we are holding a Passover Supper in Little Bytham Village hall, starting at 7.00pm. The Jews – of whom, of course, Jesus was one - celebrate the day on which the Children of Israel finally won their freedom from slavery in Egypt, when the Angel of Death destroyed the first-born of Egypt. They do this by enjoying a meal, during which the events of the Exodus are recalled. This would have been the supper that Jesus celebrated on Maundy Thursday, the night on which he was betrayed by Judas, and on which he told the disciples that the bread and wine they shred were his body and blood – the very first Eucharist, or Communion service. During our supper, we will hear the story of the Exodus, and learn how the Christian Eucharist developed from the Jewish Passover. We then eat a meal of lamb (or a vegetarian alternative) and a simple dessert. I have always found the Passover Supper a profound and immensely enjoyable experience – so do come and join us. It most definitely isn’t for ‘church people’ only. Everyone is welcome. The cost is £5, but please let me, or the church wardens (Jonathan Hill and Hillary Lewthwaite) know if you intend coming, to assist our catering. You will also need to bring knife, fork, spoon, dinner plate, bowl and wine glass with you! Other events this month include a children’s activity – making an Easter Garden, at Castle Bytham on Monday April 10th from 10-12, at Castle Bytham Church. Details will be circulated via the Bythams school, but children who attend other schools are, of course, warmly welcomed. On Palm Sunday, April 9th, we have a Family service at Castle Bytham, beginning a little earlier than usual, at 10.30. Provided the weather is reasonable, we shall process around the village with our palms (bring a branch of anything green from the garden) singing the well-known Palm Sunday hymns, and then return to church for the service and distribution of palm crosses. On Holy Saturday (April15th) we have our Easter Vigil. This is an ancient rite, where we light the new fire, to represent the Resurrection, in the porch. The Paschal (Easter) candle is lit from this, and gradually all the lights go on in the church as we acclaim the risen Christ. The service continues with a Holy Communion. On Easter Day there will be two Communion services; 9.00 at Careby, then a Family Service at Castle Bytham at 11.00, followed by a said Communion. Full details of services are on the rota. After Easter there will be a weekly service of Morning Prayer every Wednesday at 10.00 in Castle Bytham, which will include a time of prayer for the needs of the world, and for these villages. The service will last about 30 minutes, and I should be very pleased to see anyone who can find the time to join us. We ask God’s blessing on the marriage of Rob Chorlton and Lisa Chapman, which takes place at Castle Bytham on April 8th., and give thanks for the many enquiries about Baptism. Many thanks to those who have volunteered to come and form a small choir; I will be in touch with you shortly about rehearsal dates. We still have room for more singers… May the peace of the risen Christ be with you all Jo |
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