Welcome to our Easter Sunday Communion service today, which is led by Judith Haughton.
Please join us for refreshments after the service.
Dates and preachers for the coming weeks:
12th April Gill Surch
19th April Peter Owen
26th April Debbie Wood
Regular Meetings:
1st Tuesday 10am Events Meeting
2nd Tuesday 2pm Ladies Fellowship
3rd Tuesday 10am Elders Meeting
Friday Coffee Mornings, 10am – 12noon
Sunday Church Services, 10.45am
Uniformed Organizations – Tuesdays 6pm Rainbows, Tuesdays 6.30pm – Brownies, Thursdays 7pm Guides
An Easter Message from David Ireland
A World Reborn
An Easter Letter from David Ireland
The Russian communist re-educator addressed the packed auditorium, “Therefore” he said “there is no God, Jesus Christ never existed, there is no such thing as the Holy Spirit-The future belongs to the state and the state is in the hands of the party”. An old priest near the front stood up and said “can I say a few words”, “go ahead”, the lecturer sneered. The priest turned and said “Christ is Risen” and the audience responded as one “He is Risen Indeed”.
The Gospel message of Easter is the complete answer to tyranny and the place where that is clearest is in the book of Revelation. This was the first book of the bible that I read from end to end, I was fifteen and I didn’t understand a word of it but I still remember the feeling that here was something really powerful. Easter is the most thunderous moment in the whole year, forget the chicks and the chocolate, it is the source of a Christian’s spiritual life. Easter is about the beginning of God’s new kingdom, when Jesus burst out of the tomb and the cosmos changed its’ course. Easter is the victory of the God of Love over the tyrants of this world, the war- mongers, the people who take advantage of the less fortunate, those who thirst for power over others.
The sacrificial lamb of the crucifixion becomes the lamb triumphant of Revelation and the whole Universe is changed. “the strife is o’er the battle is won, now is the Victor’s triumph won.” Whatever your troubles, illness, grief, disability, loneliness, whatever the problem, because of Easter “every tear will be wiped away,” and we can live secure in the knowledge that God loves us and all will be well, “To him who sits on the throne and to the lamb be blessing and honour and glory and power for ever-Amen”.
” Christ is Risen” – “He is Risen Indeed” Alleluia! Happy Easter, David
The Roman soldier who pierced Jesus’ side with a lance during the Crucifixion is traditionally known as Saint Longinus.
Though unnamed in the biblical Gospel of John (19:34), Christian tradition identifies him as the centurion who converted after witnessing Jesus’ death. It is said that he was nearly blind or suffered from an eye ailment. When the blood and water from Christ’s side splashed into his eyes, his sight was instantly restored. According to Matthew and Mark, the soldier witnessed the subsequent darkness and earthquake, prompting him to declare, “Truly this was the Son of God”.
It is said that Longinus became a monk in Cappadocia but was later martyred for his faith. His life took a radical turn after the Resurrection: He left the Roman army and was instructed by the Apostle. He travelled to Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey) to preach the Gospel and eventually became a monk. He was eventually arrested by Roman authorities, tortured, but continued to speak clearly and destroy pagan idols. He was finally beheaded for his faith
Notice of AGM
This will be held during coffee after Service in May. Eldership – If anyone would like to consider becoming an Elder of our church, please speak to Caroline for info.
50 Club Draw
Congratulations! to the winner for February, who is Roy Miller.
We need a few more members, if you would like to join the club, please see Brenda Bakes.
More members always welcome, £1 per week.
FLOWERS IN CHURCH
There is a new Flower Rota on the wall in the kitchen. If you would like to place some flowers in church to mark a special Sunday, please enter your name on the appropriate date on the calendar.
If you are unable to actually go and buy those flowers and arrange them in church, then this can be done for you. Please speak to an Elder.
FOR YOUR DIARY –
Saturday 9th May – A Silent Auction 10-12noon. Look out your interesting items to donate. Bring them either Fri 1st or Sunday 3rd or bring on the day.
Saturday 6th June – Summer Afternoon Tea for our Thanksgiving Weekend.
Monday 8th June – Charity Night for Francis House at Playhouse 2. The play is “Some Mothers Do ‘ave ‘em”. Tickets on sale from 15th March from Sue Jackson.
InHarmony in Concert – Saturday 20th June at 7pm. Tickets will be on sale soon.
Trinity Methodist Church, Royton
Church Community Craft Shop and Coffee Morning 1st Thursday of each month – 9.30am to 11.30am
Arts & Crafts products created & handmade by local people
SHAW FOODBANK –
Is now independently run and not connected to Oldham Food Bank. It is run by Churches Together. We still need to support this movement as we usually do through our donations, which are very gratefully received.
FIRE DRILL
In the event of a fire will you please leave by the nearest safest exit and assemble outside the fencing on Kershaw Street or outside the gates on Rochdale Road.