Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!

The Easter 2025 issue.

Inspire-April-2025.pdf

I am writing this on the first day of Spring following several days of beautiful warm sunshine.

What a treat! The early blossoms are burgeoning amidst the brightly coloured daffodils and primroses which adorn our beautiful countryside around here. How blessed we are! Only this last week someone posted a photo of a bluebell – the first one seen. We get so excited don’t we at these markers of Spring – the winter passed – and new life abounds. Reflecting on this reminded me of Easter Day which is only a few weeks away – the excitement and joy which followed the resurrection of Jesus. Of course before the joy came, Good Friday had to happen – akin to the darkness of winter – a dark day for humankind. However, on the third day, when Jesus’ beloved disciples came to visit his grave very early in the morning, there still wasn’t joy yet as fear and grief struck home once more as they discovered the stone had been moved from the grave entrance. It wasn’t until Mary heard Jesus call her name that she turned and knew it was Jesus risen. She thought she had been talking to the gardener – but no there he was. Jesus made many other appearances over the next 40 days until he ascended into heaven. Fear turned to joy. Imagine seeing the resurrected Jesus for the first time. Fear and shock turns to peace, joy understanding, and of course new life. What would we give I wonder to have that peace, joy and understanding as well as a real hope in the new life to come?

Well we have some lovely things in store for you to help with that at church. The week before Easter called Holy Week begins with our wonderful Cafe Church at The Crown garden where we will celebrate the triumphant entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The mood darkens though as the triumph changes to betrayal and on Good Friday we will be reflecting through readings, prayer and music the seven last words Jesus spoke from the cross. There are congregational hymns and some beautiful music sung by our combined choir of Capel and Newdigate churches. Please do join us for a very special time – about 1.5 hours – with the option to join us in some hot cross buns and a hot drink afterwards.

Our Capel Church teas have now returned following on from the success of our Lent Soup Lunches and they will be up and running Easter Day and Easter Monday in the afternoon as well as the May Bank Holiday weekend. All that is left for me to say is to wish you all a very happy Easter and may you enjoy some peace, joy and understanding as we celebrate our risen Lord Jesus and are assured of the love of God and the promise of new life to come.

With all my love and prayers
As ever

Revd.Liz Richardson
liz@hostmyserver.co.uk

Dear friends,

Nothing says ‘Spring’ to me like the appearance of these humble flowers in our woodlands. A good second is the pond in our garden filled with frogs and frogspawn.

Please note that on Mothering Sunday, 30 March, we have the first Teas in Church in St John, Capel starting at 15:00. Also next week we will have our LOAF stall. Details in the notes attached.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250322.pdf

Dear friends,

March is fickle as usual.
The sun is getting stronger but we still have rain, hail and night frost. Todays picture is of our solar PV panels covered in beautiful ice patterns earlier this week. Luckily that cover does not stop them from doing their work.

I hope you are all taking the opportunity to have a lovely lunch in St John in aid of charity. There are still two more to go: 27 March and 10 April. Lovely soup, bread and cheese and great company!

We are also looking forward to the first teas of the year on Mothering Sunday, 30 March. On that day we will also have our LOAF stall, not just during the teas in the afternoon but also after the joint morning service.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250316.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250316.pdf

Dear friends,

This Sunday is the first Sunday in Lent.

Coming Thursday, the 13th and two more Thursdays before Easter soup, bread and cheese will be served in St John in aid of the Bishop’s Lent Appeal. For more information please see the notes attached. All in all it’s a great way to meet people and help raise money for this excellent cause.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250309.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250309.pdf

Dear friends,

Last week we went to Newlands corner. The short walk we chose led past a boardwalk through woodland with ancient yew trees. We took the detour and were rewarded with these magnificent 1000 year old yew trees, all gnarled and twisted in the most fantastic shapes. What a beautiful part of the world we live in! If you have a few hours I can recommend you go and see these ancient giants. The weather forecast is favourable.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250302.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250302.pdf

Dear friends,

Some weeks ago we had the Christingle service in St John. That is when I took today’s picture. I hope you don’t find it inappropriate to show this now but I strongly believe that we should remember all the highlights of the Christian calendar throughout the year. By all means hum a Christmas song in summer and play the passions at Pentecost and, throughout the year, remember to donate to the Children’s Society and other worthwhile charities.

God bless.

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250223.pdf

Weekly Notes
Readings-20250323.pdf

Dear friends,

Looking out of a window this week, contemplating how to get rid of the neighbours’ out-of-proportion Leylandii, I suddenly noticed a movement in the top. It turned out to be a resting buzzard. I took several photos and waited until he decided to leave. Maybe I won’t broach it with the neighbours after all.

God bless,

Dineke van den Bogerd

Notes-20250216.pdf
Weekly Notes
Readings-20250216.pdf