NEWS FROM ST MARY'S CHURCH

We write this to you, conscious that every one of us is affected by the wave of fear triggered by the coronavirus crisis. It’s interesting, though, that the Chinese word for ‘crisis’ is made up of two characters meaning ‘danger’ and ‘opportunity’.

Easter is the time when, perhaps more than any other, we celebrate how God can bring new opportunity out of apparent crisis, new hope out of danger or despair and even new life out of death. The Bible tells us that, in Jesus, God shared in our humanity so that - by his death - he might destroy the power of death and free those who were held in the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15).

The fear of death has certainly been unmasked in recent weeks, but - even more wonderfully than the many good things that are emerging as communities learn to pull together again - Easter reminds us that we can all be freed from that terrible fear of death when we place our trust in the only one who can defeat it.

What incredible hope that brings! It’s our prayer that you can embrace it and so know the power of God’s love this Easter.

TODAY - MAUNDY THURSDAY COMMUNION

We'd love you to join us in celebrating Holy Communion this Maundy Thursday. David Salter will be presiding from his home and we'll be meeting via Zoom.

By using Zoom we have the added bonus of being able to see each other's faces, so we'll have a real sense of being able to celebrate together!

Details of the Zoom meeting are here:

Topic: Maundy Thursday Communion
Time: Apr 9, 2020 07:30 PM London
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/890517249
 
Meeting ID: 890 517 249

And there are instructions for Zoom on the "Staying Connected" page on our website - click below.

REFLECTIVE PODCAST FOR GOOD FRIDAY

A chance to quietly connect with God this Good Friday: Martha Simpson will be leading us through six readings and reflections, with music to help focus your thoughts, and times of silence. We hope that whoever you are, you know God's presence through this podcast. Please click the link below or dial 01183 240971.

Content will be uploaded by 12noon on Friday.

HOLY COMMUNION FOR EASTER SUNDAY

ALL AGE EASTER CELEBRATION

We'd love you to tune in to our All Age Easter Celebration podcast, available from 10am on the website.

With contributions from congregation members of all ages, we'll hear readings and prayers, some of your favourite Easter hymns and songs, a talk from James and a special request to all of our extended church family listening in.

You'd be so welcome to join us. Click the link below on Sunday morning to take part or dial 01183 240971.

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

AND FINALLY...