As Easter approaches, I find myself reflecting on the significance of this time in our Christian year. Easter is, of course, the story of resurrection – a timeless message of hope.
Throughout Lent, our “Wild Bright Hope” Zoom group has been a place of connection. In our discussions, we’ve explored the idea that faith allows us to be entirely ourselves. We are invited into a community that holds us in our strengths and our challenges, even as we find ourselves called to something greater – a life of resurrection. This time together has been an encouragement to me too, as I witness how members of each church within our pastorate gather to share what is most meaningful to us in our walk of faith.
In response to recent news stories, many of us have felt especially led to pray for peace in our world. Richard Rohr’s reflections on resurrection have been particularly meaningful to me this year. He writes: “Easter is the feast that says God will have the last word and that God’s final judgment is resurrection. God will turn all that we maim and destroy and hurt and punish into life and beauty.” These words echo Easter: resurrection is not a past event, but an ever-present possibility of the new.
This winter, we have sadly marked the passing of beloved members of our church community, and with that comes a deep sense of loss. But even as we face the pain of absence, we also stand on the threshold of something new. Easter is just around the corner, and with it comes the promise of renewal and of resurrection.
We are a community marked by resilience and hope. In the past months, we’ve witnessed remarkable moments of growth: welcoming families worshipping together at Reigate Park, the new garden space taking shape in Dorking, the coffee morning offering friendship and community in Redhill, and the strengthened ties with our ecumenical friends in Banstead. These are all signs of the living Christ among us, drawing us closer to one another.
As we look to the Easter message of resurrection, I hope that we remember that it is a promise for all of us – a promise of new life, for the church, for the world, and for each person who dares to hope in Christ. As we step into spring, let us continue in faith, knowing that God is at work here among us.
May you experience the peace and joy that comes with the resurrection this Easter and may we all continue to journey together in hope.
With every blessing,
Siobhán
Minister
North Downs Surrey Pastorate
Taken from the April Edition of The Record