Monday 11 April 2016

Celebrating Easter

St. Mary's After the Service Coffee time



          Easter—“He Is Risen” rings through my ears and in my heart.  Our Easter Sunday provided us opportunities to make wonderful memories.  Firstly, the weather suited the day—with patches of broken clouds and sun shining through.  At least the morning was dry.  
          The eleven o’clock morning service at St. Mary’s had some unexpected visitors.  A black Labrador named Farley came for the first time as a part of his training to be a guide dog to one of our regular church members.  He’s just over two years old, sleek coated and eager to please.  I’m sure we will see more of him in the future.
          At the end of the service the vicar introduced a couple celebrating a significant anniversary.  They had been married sixty years ago on 27th April in St. Mary’s.  How wonderful to have a couple who have years of wisdom and experience to set an example for married couples today.   
          Most church services at Christmas time are graced with folk who do not attend a weekly service.  Easter is a similar occasion in terms of additional worshipers coming with family as part of celebrating Easter.    For us, our “extended” family included our friends from Scotland.  We walked home from church, discussing our options for dinner. 
          Since we needed seating for nine people, I checked on-line to see about getting reservations on the day.  One restaurant was full.  I found the phone number for The Harvester, which is about the same distance to walk.  The table available soon had our name written down.
          Spring is known for sudden rain showers; and we were “blessed” with a wet walk to the restaurant.  Thankfully, the shower wasn’t heavy and short-lived.  How lovely to discover the reserved table was a round table, with a booth.  It was easy to see each other and chat happily away, eating food someone else had cooked for us.  And we could leave the dirty dishes! 
          After enjoying a leisurely meal, we trooped back to our home.  The “Daniel” family needed to collect bags they had left at the flat before going back to the White House in Langley.   http://whitehouselangley.co.uk/
          Hugs all round were the order of the evening as the “Daniel” family prepared to leave.  “Maverick” and Maisy walked with them, leaving me time to sit quietly and ponder the many blessings God has poured over me.  Yes, I’d cooked for lunch for fifteen people for Saturday—but it had been a pleasure.  We had worshiped together, deepening the bond of love and sense of family.  Connections between two ministries had been made, and I felt privileged to have a part to play in that. 
          This Easter past filled my heart to overflowing with thanksgiving, love and joy. 
          Serving Jesus, Author of our faith
“Lady Helene”

         
         

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