Easter 2020
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, hallelujah!
I imagine that for many if not all of us it was an Easter like no other. Our churches were closed and we were unable to gather and celebrate the together. Thank you to Rev Pete who posted the Stations of the Cross for us to use on Good Friday. I am sure that some of you listened or watched Easter services on television, radio and the Internet. Likewise, it was encouraging that so many have watched our Parish Easter Holy Communion service live-streamed from the St Laurence Rectory.
The Archbishop of Canterbury's Ecumenical Easter Letter
'Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.' (Matthew 18.20)
The world this Easter finds itself in strange and unusual times. The global Coronavirus pandemic has claimed many lives and continues to inflict pain, suffering and hardship on our world. We grieve with those who grieve and mourn with those who mourn. We pray for those who suffer and for those who care for them, and we commit the nations of the world and their leaders to God’s gracious care and protection.
In many countries around the world church buildings are closed and the observances of Holy Week and Easter must take place in a very different way. Around the world Churches and congregations are not able to gather together. Yet the people of God, in their homes, join their prayers and praises with the Church throughout the world. Our Alleluias are not silenced, but dispersed. People are finding new ways to express fellowship with one another through technology, and communities are finding new ways of protecting the vulnerable in their midst.
For Christ is risen and death has been conquered. Even in times of darkness and uncertainty we can be certain of this. Even though tinged with grief and mourning the Church still shouts ‘Alleluia’. The good news of the resurrection of Jesus Christ pierces the darkness of despair and solidifies our hope in eternal life in Him.
Though separated from one another, the risen Christ is with us, ‘for where the Lord’s nature is spoken of, there he is present’ (Didache IV.1).
May Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ bless us this Easter. For Christ is risen indeed. Alleluia!
+Justin Cantuar:
Easter 2020
Community Food Hub
The St Laurence Parish Hall is now being used on Monday and Wednesday afternoons as a collection hub for the Community Kitchen who are distributing free food parcels to families on the Newington Estate.
The contact numbers for deliveries are: The St Laurence Parish Office: 01843 592478 (Mon-Fri 0800 -1200) or 07508665199 (mob).
Regular Giving
Don’t forget your giving. Our bank details are as follows: St Laurence in Thanet Team Ministry (CAF Cash Account). SORT CODE: 405240 Account number: 00028720. Or scan this Parish QR code on your phone to make a donation.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed, hallelujah!
Andrew
Rev I Andrew Jacobson
Priest in Charge
