Joy and growth this Easter
From left to right:
Rev Beth Bendrey, Rev Daleen Bakker, Rev Iain Bendrey
Across our diocese, our communities and congregations have journeyed together through Holy Week.
"We found our Good Friday service, “An Hour at the Cross,” deeply moving. Through the use of visual symbols—including a crown of thorns crafted for the church by a local resident—we reflected on different aspects of the crucifixion.
Our reader, Caroline Macfarlane, shared her joy at seeing a full church in Alhaurín on Easter Sunday, and at witnessing the children lead the Intercessions—both powerful signs of hope."
Sandy, Costa del Sol East, Spain
The following were shared on the chaplaincy Facebook feeds:
"Wonderful to rejoice in the resurrection across the chaplaincy. A few photos from St Paul's celebration which included baptisms and the admission of children to communion; from our dawn service at St George's; from our Easter Eve service in Caldas da Rainha and from our shared lunch at St George's, hosted by our young adults. Across them all, the light and hope of Christ, thanks be to God."
St George's Church Lisbon and St Paul's Church, Estoril, Portugal
"We had a glorious Easter Day celebration this morning, and we were blessed (after days of rain) with fine weather last night for the first celebration of Easter. So we were able to have an Easter fire in the garden of Saint Mary Magdalene’s Church, Bornova, from which was lit the Paschal Candle."
Saint John the Evangelist, Anglican Church, Izmir
Below is a video compilation of some of the wonderful ways our chaplaincies reflected and celebrated.
Let us join in prayers of gratitude for our chaplains and lay clergy in each chaplaincy for all they do especially over these last few weeks. Also for all the volunteers that do so much to enable everything to run smoothly.
A particular thanks to the photographers and those that take time to share photographs, videos and reflections over Easter.