Easter Sunday

Children's Focus.

We hope you are all well and enjoying your holidays. We know it is a very different Easter this year, but wanted you to know we haven't forgotten you, and hope that you remember God is always with you. 

We have attached a little video to remind us why we celebrate Easter. 

Easter Bonnet Challenge

There is also a picture to colour in, or if you are feeling more crafty maybe try making an Easter bonnet using things you have in your home. 

Colouring link below:

https://jacques-mylittlehouse.blogspot.com/2012/03/easter-story-and-easter-coloring-pages.html

Matthew 28 : 5 The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 

Happy Easter to you all.

Heavenly Father,

We come before you this glorious Easter Sunday morning 

and give you our deepest thanks, for all you have done for us.

On this day, more than 2000 years ago, 

you defeated death and we gather together now to celebrate your resurrection 

and the new life we have in you. 

We are separated physically as a church, 

during this time of isolation, 

but you join us together Lord in our hearts and minds 

and we praise you and give you all the glory.

Amen

Giving

Thank you for all your support of Wrington Chapel and its work in the past.

We realise that many people are hard-pressed at the moment, and church may be the last thing on your mind. However, we are looking to the future when we can reopen and support each other in our usual way. Unfortunately, being closed does not mean our expenses are substantially less. If you already have a standing order set up, then thank you. But if you haven't, please consider getting in touch with Steve Osman and setting one up. If that is impossible, please continue to save up your collection money, and we will collect it all together when we reopen. Please note that the rules do not allow us to claim any Gift Aid on collections that are not taken up in church. 

So do NOT drop collection money off at Steve's house.

Simply take out a standing order, or save it up for that great and glorious reopening day.

Matthew 27 : 45 - 54          

1 Corinthians 15 :

20 But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. 22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. 

58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain. 

Title : Our Resurrection

Today is Easter Sunday, and we celebrate. We look at the resurrection of Jesus. But then we ask, what does that mean for us? It seems that everything changed. The old sacrificial system changed. It gives us understanding about God and his extraordinary forgiveness. And it promises our own resurrection as we follow Jesus. Worth celebrating.

We also, today, share in a 'virtual' communion. 

So grab your bread and drink and share as you listen. 

Closing thoughts

Be aware, my people, of the path you are called to tread.

Before you I lay life and death; truth and lies; hope and despair.

Before you, this very moment, is a choice for your soul,

and I call you to choose wisely.

For what are riches? What are the desires of the flesh -

the honeyed moments and the compromises with evil -

when your spirit is dancing with temptation

and falling prey to darkness?

Listen, my people, and listen well:

there is but one light by which to see the path;

one hand to hold you firmly,

one voice from which to hear the words of truth.

You are mine. And I hold the keys of life, of death, and of all your futures,

For all eternity. Walk well today.

'Christ is risen, He is risen indeed'

Many of our prayers are the same this week.

The situation we find ourselves in hasn't changed 

and the same concerns are on our hearts.

We continue to give thanks for the supportive community we live in.

Thank you for the work being done by local shops and pubs

in providing food and continue to support the food banks with your giving.

Thank you for all the delivery drivers, keep them safe as they work.

Thank you for our friends and neighbours, looking out for each other

We pray for our Prime Minister, Boris Johnson and for his continued healing.

We pray that he might know you at this time

We pray for our government as they continue to steer us through this crisis.

Give them wisdom and your guidance at this difficult time

We pray for the thousands who have been bereaved over the last few weeks.

The numbers recorded are not just statistics but people who had families,

people who loved them,

people whose lives have been forever changed by this pandemic.

May they feel able to reach out to you for comfort and support.

We give you thanks for the many who have recovered from the virus.

Thank you for the work of the NHS staff 

who are not just dealing with the pandemic but also treating the heart attacks, 

the strokes, serious accidents and babies being born all under extremely difficult conditions

We pray for families Lord,

as it is now school holidays but without the normal joys of holiday time, 

days out, sleepovers, birthday parties.

We pray that parents would be able to enjoy this time 

with their children without feeling too stressed.

For those living alone, for those experiencing fear and anxiety,

for those missing family get togethers, 

for those having to put hospital treatment on hold, 

be their companion, their peace and their help.

Our prayer focus this week is Romans 1.11

Please pray for our friends in Uganda where washing your hands

is not always an option and medical supplies are not readily available.

Know that African friends are praying for us too at this time.

Amen.

Closing Prayer