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n this joyful Easter season as we celebrate the new life the risen Christ brings, Mike will be Baptising Lucy. But believing in the risen Jesus is not always easy. We are not alone in this as the first disciples also found it a challenge. Thomas, the very human disciple, doubted and said seeing (and touching) was believing for him. We don’t have any such luxury, so how do we respond to the resurrection of Jesus and what does it mean for us?

At heart, many are trying to find home. Sometimes, though, to find home, we have to let go of the things we feel comfortable with, and that is where the Baptist comes in. This Advent may we find our home in God, and security in the promise that Christ will come again. The readings are from Zephaniah 3:14-end and Luke 3:7-18. Here is a question to ponder after you have read the noted Scriptures. What would happen if God interrupted us, if God barged into the midst of our daily lives and made God's presence

We acknowledge the start of the Advent Season with a service of Advent Anthems from our choir, along with Advent Carols and Readings. Through them we will consider the meaning of this season - recognising the darkness in which we walk, and the light which can guide us through it.

Around the Benefice today in our 5 churches Remembrance Service took place. As the country stopped to remember those who have given their life for it, we reflected that war continues to ravage our world. What hope is there for our world if it will not learn? Christians are called to be people of hope but what is this based on? A crucified God and an empty tomb, one whose love will never let us go.

This year we welcomed Josh the donkey, instead of Dougal, as we celebrated Palm Sunday. Standing on the threshold of Holy Week, with our Lenten stones in our pockets, we will began our journey walking with Jesus through this week. Beginning with the joyous ‘high’ of Palm Sunday we remembered the welcome Jesus received as he entered Jerusalem on this humble animal. This tells us something of the nature of his Kingdom into which we are all invited to be part.

Last Epiphany we focused on how God is revealed to us (do you remember the five ways?). This year we begin by thinking about who God is revealed to - starting with the story of the Magi (Matthew 2:1-12) we will think about the star, and the imagery of how light reveals things to us. Then we will consider Paul's view of revelation in Ephesians 3:1-12 and it's link to Jesus as "a light to the Gentiles" (to quote our old friend Isaiah).

Epiphany – the season of ‘revelation’. Let us be open to see some things afresh this coming year. What does God reveal to us by the story of the boy Samuel and Jesus call of Nathaniel? Have a good look at this Mark Cazalet painting of Nathaniel asleep under the fig tree. What do YOU see? The reading is from John 1:43 to end

We Shall Remember Them' ......... 'Love Instead of Hate'. How? - Today's Reading gives some suggestion Romans 12: 9 - 21