“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead”
(1 Peter 1:3)
These are great words of praise from Peter’s first letter and echo the point in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians of the importance of Jesus’ resurrection and the truth of it (1 Corinthians 15:3-6a).
It’s a truth that is the foundation of our faith and a truth that should sustain us in our journey as it gives us the joy of forgiveness and friendship with God, motivates our following of him and brings the fantastic hope of eternal life.
This truth of the empty tomb is just as relevant and important to us as it was to the early church. Jesus’ body was not there. It had not been taken. Many witnessed his miraculous resurrection, eyewitnesses who were still around when Paul wrote his letter. If it was false, it could have been refuted.
It is not false. It is the glorious truth. The most amazing good news. Christ is risen! It should impact us and affect us and seep into all our relationships.
What is God saying to us about living out that truth that Jesus is risen? What does it look like to be resurrection people who believe that the tomb is empty, Jesus is risen? How will it and/or does it impact my life? Because of it the disciples changed, the world changed and we have been changed.
Let’s be filled with the joy of Easter and the resurrection, and joyously live as resurrection people in however God is calling us to live. Let’s be open to his guiding and forever renewed with the joy of Easter so we can continue to stand firm in our faith.
Claire Coleman
The Clocks go forward on Easter Sunday
Please remember that the clocks go forward on Easter Sunday. Don’t be late for the Easter Sunday service!
Next week, there will be a break from the weekly email, but we will resume ready for Sunday 14th April.
This Week’s Sunday Service – 11am
He is Risen (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)
Join us on Easter Sunday for the key celebration of the Christian year. We will have an All Age celebration, which will include Holy Communion.
Where are the Calendar and the Prayer Requests?
These can now be found at the end of the main body of the email along with other important links and information. Just scroll down! We don’t include prayer requests on the website post.
Easter Evening Service
What does it mean to be resurrection people? Join us on Easter Sunday evening 6:30pm in St Luke’s church for a celebration service. There will be a time of contemporary worship, space to reflect on what it means to be resurrection people and how that will impact our discernment in the year ahead. All ages welcome.
Articles for Annual Report
Our annual meeting is on Sunday 12th May. If you have any articles for the annual report, then please send them to office@stlukesramsgate.org by Sunday 21st April or preferably by 5th April.
Churches Together Prayer Breakfast
April’s Churches Together Prayer Breakfast will be at 9am at the Salvation Army on Saturday 6th April. Everyone is welcome to join us for this great gathering of local Christians for food and prayer.
Request to complete a Questionnaire
A local A-Level student is wrinting an Extended Project Qualification on the question: Is it morally acceptable to be a Christian feminist? She has written to thank those who completed the questionnaire: “I really appreciate it! I have had some responses which is super helpful. Many Thanks!”
She has asked that members of our churches anonymously complete the questionnaire to help with her essay. The questionnaire can be completed online. Complete Questionnaire.
Beetle Drive and Games
Friday 19th April, 7:00-9:00pm, St. George’s Church Hall
Tickets are £1, which includes snacks and a drink. They can be bought from Peter or Tonya.
From Babylon to New Jerusalem – Exploring the Book of Revelation
A few years ago, Robin Plant who is now minister of Newington Free church gave a series of excellent talks on the Book of Revelation. He is going to repeat these talks at Newington Free over four Tuesday evenings in April (9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th) from 7:30-9:00pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, see the poster in church.
St. George’s Day Celebration, Sunday 28th April
To mark St. George’s day this year, there will be a joint service at St. George’s on Sunday 28th April at 11am, followed by a St. George’s day parade (like last year).
Links to Share:
The Crucifixion of Jesus
This animated video from the Bible Project gives a powerful summary of the last days of Jesus as told in Luke 19-23. Watch 4 minute video.
Easter is for Atheists
This short video asks, “What would make you believe in God?” and suggests looking at the Easter Story. Watch 3 minute video.
Beyond immortality, there’s restoration
In this short, but thoughtful article, the unique implications of the Christian view of life after death are drawn out. Read 5 minute article.
Finally, let’s rejoice that Jesus has indeed risen!
Yours in Christ
Paul Worledge
(Vicar, St. Luke’s Ramsgate)
Weekly Calendar
Easter Sunday 31st March
All Age Communion (St. Luke’s Church), 1 Cor. 15:1-11, 11:00am-12:00pm
Evening Celebration Service (St Luke’s Church) – 6:30-7:30pm
Tuesday 2nd
Daily Prayer (St. George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Wednesday 3rd
Depression & Anxiety Self-Help Group (Perry Room) – 6:00-7:30pm
Thursday 4th
Daily Prayer (St. Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Cafe4All (St. Luke’s Church), Coffee and Chat for all – 10:00-11:30am.
Friday 5th
Creative Group Singing Practice (St Luke’s Church) – 4:30-6:00pm
Saturday 6th
Prayer Breakfast Daily Prayer (Salvation Army) – 9:00-10:00am
Sunday 7th
Family Service (St. Luke’s Church), John 20:19-34, 11:00am-12:00pm
Monday 8th
Daily Prayer (St. Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Tuesday 9th
Daily Prayer (St. George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Thursday 11th
Daily Prayer (St. Luke’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Cafe4All (St. Luke’s Church), Coffee and Chat for all – 10:00-11:30am.
Friday 12th
Creative Group Singing Practice (St Luke’s Church) – 4:30-6:00pm
Saturday 13th
Daily Prayer (St. George’s Church) – 9:30-10:00am
Sunday 14th
Family Service (St. Luke’s Church), 1 Cor. 15:12-34, 11:00am-12:00pm
St. Luke's Church Ramsgate 