The Bishop of Peterborough’s Easter message

So we enter our second Easter under Covid restrictions.

Some of our churches will be open for worship, and others won’t. That is a tricky balancing act, and the decision has to be made by each local church, bearing in mind a number of factors.

If your local church isn’t open, please don’t blame the vicar or the leadership: they are doing their best in a very difficult situation. If it is open, but you don’t feel safe going, fine. Do try and join in worship online in some way.

Whether your church building is open or closed at Easter, Jesus is alive, his people, the church, are alive, and our resurrection hope remains sure and certain.

Over the coming months, as lockdown is released (possibly in fits and starts, very gradually, frustratingly slowly), let’s all resolve to know and experience and live out the new life which Jesus brings.

How can you and your church be newly alive for your neighbours and your community? What new things should your local church be doing, and how can you contribute to those?

Many of our churches have been a huge blessing to their local communities during the dark days of Covid. How can they change gear and bring blessing as we come out of the restrictions? Start discussing that in your church and with your friends!

Let’s show that we love each other, and our communities.

That could be a sign of new life for us all, the new life God offers in Jesus.

With very best wishes for Easter.