New Life

As winter releases its grip, the landscape breaks into vibrant life,

April in the United Kingdom is a month where the physical world mirrors the deepest spiritual truths of the Christian Faith. As winter releases its grip, the landscape breaks into vibrant life, offering a powerful backdrop for the central message of Christianity – resurrection and new life!

Famously, as the saying goes, we have April showers, although perhaps this year we don’t need too many of those before the blooms of May appear.

Of course, for Christians, this April is dominated by Holy Week and Easter, festivals that serve as yearly reminders of the cornerstone of faith. Following the solemnity and personal reflection of Lent, the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday brings an explosion of joy and hope, something sorely needed in the present times with the war in the Middle East and spiralling fuel and energy prices.

In a message reflecting the season, King Charles highlighted Easter's enduring message of love, compassion, and resilience, stronger than death. We are invited to carry that love into the community, acting as ‘the hands and feet of Jesus,’ in a world which needs reconciliation and hope.

It is interesting that the message, which began in the Middle East in similarly difficult times, reminds us that, though world events beyond our control seem overwhelming, God shares in our suffering and comes alongside us in Jesus Christ. Though things seem extremely dark and worrying, the light of the resurrection brought a new way to live as transformed disciples showed us.

This April will mark a personal change for me as I have decided to leave the Vicarage in Springfield Road, Woolacombe, but continue my ministry in the parishes from my home in Georgeham. In recognition of the changes in circumstances that have affected me, Bishop Mike has allowed me to continue as Team Vicar with a base outside the parishes. To be honest, not much will change. I am still available as normal on a part-time basis. I will be attending ‘Open Door’ each Wednesday in the Lower Room of St Sabinus’ if anyone wishes to speak to me. I can be contacted on a new telephone number, which we will publish from April, and, of course, by email address, which remains the same.

This has been a big decision for me, because I am aware of the need to be present in the community, and I can assure you that I will continue to be, while serving the other parishes as well.

So, as the days grow longer, warmer, and hopefully not quite so wet, may the joy of new life fill your hearts this Easter and beyond.

Jesus Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia!

Revd Susan