I’ve always preferred Easter to Christmas. Christmas has grown into something bigger, busier, and more frantic than it ever was when I was a child. Yes, I do realise how old I sound saying that. Easter still feels rooted. It remains focused on why we celebrate, and that grounding means even more to me as I move through the ordination process.
Maundy Thursday
I led our church’s Passover and Last Supper evening, using Seder elements, shared actions, and reflection. We’ve held it on Zoom for the last few years, but we’re hoping to bring it back in person next year.
Good Friday
We started early with the Walk of Witness along the High Street. Hundreds of Christians from different churches gathered together and walked behind the cross, singing as we went. What struck me most was how many people stepped out of shops, paused their work, or stopped mid‑errand just to watch us pass. Some stood quietly, some smiled, and some simply observed, but all of them noticed. It added a sense of shared moment that I hadn’t expected.
I hadn’t taken part in over ten years. We realised that Hannah has never done it, and we are almost 9 years together, so must have been a while! Going with Hannah, walking with her, and experiencing it together made it feel even more meaningful.
After the walk, we met two friends for lunch. I ordered a mixed grill that was delicious and far too filling. Then we headed to church for the Last Hour service, which I was invited to create and lead this year. It was a privilege and deeply moving.
Holy Saturday
A quiet day, which we needed. I spent most of it resting after a horrendous nights sleep coupled with pain. Later that evening, the boys went to a youth celebration that included worship, testimonies, and a rapper. It was an extension of their Youth Alpha course that they attended throughout January to March, so was nice they were able to reconnect with other youths locally again.
The music was great. Will really enjoyed expressing himself, which I loved. However, we wasn't keen on the guest speaker and his testimony. Will had multiple issues with it, as did I. It just didn't fit where we were, and who we are. I'm sure others would have enjoyed it, but it definitely wasn't our tthing. Will said "I was exhausted and already done after dancing, but listening to him for 40 minutes was too much."
Easter Sunday
We skipped the sunrise service. With the travel time from Rochester to Sittingbourne, it would have meant waking at 4am, and that simply wasn’t realistic, especially trying to attend a 5:30am start. We did make it to the main celebration. It’s one of the few times we manage to be in church as a family of six, and that alone makes Easter special for me.
Afterwards we came home for Easter dinner. Normally, we would have lamb but decided to have pork instead, save the fight and cost for the lamb. We would also have a lot, like homemade stuffing, a range of veg, and copy our fully loaded Christmas dinner, but we stripped it back, although we did make my homemade gravy.
Then the kids got their chocolate after, and went off to their rooms.
It was a busy, lovely Easter, but I am exhausted. Juggling church work, pushing different activities, and the commitment to organise and prepare everything really takes it's toll. I still love Easter, but by the evening I was ready to just relax.
I hope you all had a lovely Easter this year!
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