Dear Friends,

We enjoyed Easter at the Chapel. We saw some families who were home for the Bank Holiday weekend. We saw some new faces and met with some old friends. We saw some who always make an effort to attend on special occasions.

But most of all I trust that we saw something more of the Lord Jesus Christ.

On Good Friday we thought about the three hours of darkness that came over the land at the time of the crucifixion.

Jesus was alone.

Jesus was in agony.

Jesus was abandoned.

Well might the sun in darkness hide,
And shut his glories in,
When God, the mighty Maker died
For man, the creature's sin.


Thus might I hide my blushing face
While his dear cross appears;
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness
And melt my heart to tears.

Jesus experienced what I deserved.

Jesus died in the place of sinners.

It was a very quiet and serious service. I think even the youngest there had some sense of the solemnity of that occasion. But there was also a sense of victory and joy. Jesus died sounding a note of accomplishment not failure.

Easter Sunday Morning was different. For a start there were at least twice as many people there. And there were more children (who sang and recited verses) and there were more families. The hymns were full of joy and triumph.

I serve a risen Saviour, he's in the world today;
I know that he is living, whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear his voice of cheer,
And just the time I need him he's always near.
He lives, He lives Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me, Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart! You ask me how I know he lives?
He lives within my heart!

The assurance that Jesus is alive and the message of the empty tomb brought encouragement and help and joy to many hearts. With our prayers,

Eddie Jones

Pastor