Church news

Around the Benefice at Easter

01 May 2022

Tomorrow we shall joyfully acclaim “Christ is Risen” in each of our three churches, but I wonder what that means for you? As the world around us seems to grow ever darker with the storm clouds of war, economic failure, disease and climate change, how are we supposed to respond? Bishop Nick, in his Maundy Thursday Chrism sermon at Ripon Cathedral, quoted a song by Bruce Cockburn which spoke of the power of light to break through into the darkest of situations. On the morning of Easter, light poured into the darkness of the tomb as the stone was rolled away and the world was changed forever - the pitch black of despair and heartbreak was changed in to the eye-watering brightness of hope, joy and a new dimension of life. This is the New Life we are all learning to live, a life bathed in light, drenched with colour and transformed by hope. And it starts with Easter. 

Please do join us tomorrow in one of our churches as we try to experience something of the sheer wonder of Easter:

• 8am - BCP Holy Communion at St Andrew’s
• 9.30 - BCP Holy Communion at St Peter’s
• 10am - Holy Communion at St Michael’s (with Easter egg hunt)
• 11am - Holy Communion at St Andrew’s (with Easter egg hunt)

News from St Michael’s: we are looking forward to celebrating with great joy that Christ is Risen on Easter Sunday at our special Easter Communion at 10am.

The music group will be playing, and the church will look beautiful with Easter flowers. There will also be an Easter Egg hunt at the end of the service, so do come and join us!

A Walk in the Dale - what an incredible day we had! A group of 25+ started from Gargrave and walked from church to church, as well as the Friends Meeting house at Airton, and we were treated to refreshments at each church. Some walked part of the route and were given a lift home, others did the whole 14 miles. Many new friendships were made with people regardless of faith, and we enjoyed wonderful conversation, beauty and sunshine. Thank you to Paul and Sue Mcwhinney for organising this. Everyone agreed it should now be a regular fixture.

The Bible Course - begins at St Andrew’s from Tuesday 26th April at 7pm. Please come and join us for this fun and interactive course which helps us understand more. Here’s what people are saying about it:

‘The Bible Course is a brilliant and accessible way to understand the full Bible story. A brilliant way to kick-start your journey’

• The Bible Course helps you see how the books of the Bible are part of one big story
• Using a unique storyline, The Bible Course will show you how key events, books and characters fit together
• Video teaching, written guides, diagrams and readings will help you grow in confidence as you read the Bible for yourself

Please do sign up at your local church or call Rev Andrew or Rev Sue.

St Andrew’s Easter concert - 6pm on Tuesday 19th April - join us for a wonderful celebration of the musical talent in church, followed by a bring and share supper. All donations will go towards St Andrew’s.

Over the next two weeks, Rev Sue and myself will be taking some time off between us (not the whole two weeks!), so don’t worry if you get an out of office reply - one of us will be around to pick up any urgent messages.

May you have a blessed, and renewing Easter, with time to rest and draw near to The One who loves you, died for you and leads you into new life.

With our sincere thanks for all of your support, and with our prayers,

Sue and Andrew