Dear Friends,

As I write this message, the sun is shining but there is a decidedly fresh feeling to the air- In fact it reminds me of Scotland where I spent quite a number of years before coming to Ypres to serve as chaplain at St George’s! However, despite the recent chilly weather, life is ‘bursting out’ everywhere, with the very early flowers already done (such as snowdrops, crocuses and most of the daffodils) and other flowers taking their place. It’s a wonderful time of the year which I love, and I look forward to seeing the migratory birds arriving very soon- In fact the chaff-chaffs have already arrived!

Easter is a time of great celebration for the Church across the world, as we remember and celebrate the rising of Jesus from the tomb where he had been laid after his ignominious and terrible death by crucifixion. This was (and is) an event of cosmic significance, healing the rift between God and humanity by his sacrificial death on the cross and bringing forgiveness and redemption to us. By Jesus’ resurrection, the power of death has been overcome and evil no longer has the last word. Rather it is love that will finally overcome evil and sin, which in our very troubled world at present we need to place our hope in. We can also trust in God’s promise of new and eternal life through the death and resurrection of Jesus, new life which we can share in now and in all eternity with God if we accept His offer and his love.

At St George’s we celebrated Easter with an Easter Eucharist service at our usual time of 10.30am. I pray that this Easter the whole world would be open to the light and love of Christ as we celebrate his rising from the dead. And I pray that in the places of conflict in the world reconciliation would happen, bringing the peace of Christ to those troubled places.

Wishing you all a happy and blessed Easter!

The Reverend Richard