Easter is a very important time in the life of any church
and you will find details of all our special events and services inside this
Newsletter. You’re welcome to come at any time and to any service.
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for us are the very basis on which
the Christian faith is founded, and we want to share this message with as many
people as possible, including you.
You are welcome to join us ~ we’d love to see you.
David Frost, Vicar of St Stephen’s
People
have asked me why Easter is so early this year, so here are the facts and
figures.
Easter happens after the Jewish festival of Passover and the Jewish calendar is
influenced by the moon. Consequently, Easter Day is the first Sunday after (not
on) the Paschal full moon which happens on or after the Official Vernal Equinox
(March 21st). Now you know!
Moving it may seem inconvenient, but church leaders (at the Council of Nicaea)
in AD 325 decided to keep Easter linked to Passover, and so it constantly moves
between March 22nd and April 25th.
Although it’s almost as early as it can be this year, in 2011 Easter Day will
fall on April 24th, almost as late as it can be. Then people will probably be
asking 'why is Easter so late this year?!'
Of course the importance of Easter does not depend on whether it’s early or
late. It’s importance lies in the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from
the dead and the difference that this can make to our lives today.
We have special services during Holy Week and on Easter Day, the details of
which are on the facing page.
During Holy Week there will be a devotional display in church called ’The
Journey to the Cross’, and you are welcome to come and spend time walking round
and thinking about the events of Holy Week, Good Friday and Easter, and what
they mean for us today.
On Good Friday we will again be joining the other churches in a Walk of Witness
in the town when we will walk behind a large cross - a reminder to everyone of
what Good Friday means.
At the main service (10.30am) on Easter Day we will once again build a ‘living
cross’, so please bring a flower or piece of greenery with you if possible.
Easter is a wonderful festival so why not celebrate with us?
