Easter Artwork

This wonderful poster has been carefully coloured in, every Good Friday, for (at least) the last five years. Maybe six, or eight people, of all ages, sit around two large tables, on which the poster is laid out. There is chatter, and silent concentration, in a happy blend. This year, after huge effort, the work of art was declared complete. The above is just a portion of the whole, but gives a flavour of the collaboration required. It represents one part of the Easter story (which?) and also gives a twofold spiritual challenge. The first is to find Jesus. Where is he? What is he doing? The second, harder, part is to reflect, not only on Jesus in this image, but also on yourself; can you find yourself in this picture, too? The picture repays careful consideration, at every level. The (very large) completed work will be on display at Checkendon for the annual church meeting this coming Sunday.

Worship Services for Sunday 27th April

9.30am Informal Worship at St John’s Stoke Row with Canon Kevin Davies

11am Short Holy Communion followed by Annual Parish Meeting at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Canon Kevin Davies

Midweek zoom service: Wednesday Evensong at 5.00pm  410 935 129

Wednesday 30th April. St John’s Stoke Row Annual Meeting and PCC. 7.30pm in church.

Thanksgiving and Praise

The Easter Services at Checkendon and Stoke Row were joyful, and hopeful. From Revd Romey’s quiet and moving Maundy Thursday communion at St John’s, to the fun and bustle of the activities morning on Good Friday, when around twenty children and thirty adults got stuck into craft, Easter gardening, and, yes, colouring in the school hall. Wonderful flowers, and majestic music were the high points of Easter Day Communion at Checkendon – those involved know who you are, do please accept our gratitude for all your labours in time and materials. You can pop into Checkendon church anytime during the week ahead to sit in the tranquillity; the music will have faded, but the flowers will remain for a while longer.

We are all saddened at the announcement of the death of Pope Francis. May the Lord bless his servant. Pray for your Roman Catholic friends, and their church. We preach Christ crucified, yes, but at Easter we celebrate his rising again. “Don’t be afraid,” the angels  in the tomb say to the women. “He is not here. He has risen.”

Your Rector, Canon Kevin.

In an Easter extra, here’s 14 minutes of brilliant and authentic rendition of a Bach Gloria to accompany your spiritual journey this week.