Northfield Methodist Church

Dear Friends

Over the last few days, numerous people have given testimony to the Easter Journey, sharing deeply significant moments of engaging God in Worship, in Word, in Sacrament and in imagery. Some were astonished at my ability to organise a power blackout at the moment of Benediction, having just considered the theme of Betrayal - I try. Personally I will not forget the visual experience of the Emseni sunrise service, seeing a cross, an empty tomb and the rising sun - all in the same vista. Try not to miss this service next year.

This Sunday we consider Thomas.  A disciple who was not prepared to rely on the testimony of fellow disciples but wanted physical proof of the Resurrected Christ that he could test, to be certain, and in order to believe.

I was moved by the number of people who spoke to me about this Easter saying,"This was my first Easter". For some, it was, literally. For others, it was a fresh realisation, a "new" understanding of Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected, and the gift of life that this brings to you and to me. The Easter story is as much about us as it is a story about Jesus. Trevor quoted in his Easter Sunday sermon, Paul's Letter to the Corinthians, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is our faith". (1 Cor 15:14)

Thomas had the opportunity to "investigate". John (the Disciple Jesus loved) however looked into the empty tomb, saw only the strips of linen lying there and "He saw and believed". (Jn.20:8b). One needed to touch to believe whilst the other saw "nothing" and believed.

May you, this Easter, experience a "rise in faith" as we celebrate the risen Christ. May you follow Jesus more closely and more courageously each and every day and may the risen Christ be your blessing, your hope and your strength.

Blessed Easter

Brian