Our Easter 2026

[Image 1. A wooden cross is centered against a cream background, standing with a circular crown of thorns. To the left is a small yellow chick. On the right is a chocolate cream egg. The title matches the post]

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.

[Image 2. A bowl of 3 boiled eggs, 2 flatbread, several gluten free wraps, a tupperwear box with chopped apple, honey, and ginger and cinnamon within, a salt water bowl of basil, are upon a tray. There is a candle in the middle and 2 glasses, one for water and one the wine/grape drinks]

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 connection as a shared moment that I hadn’t expected.

[Image 3. A crowd of people gathering outside a church at the end of a high street. Some people are wearing High Viz to distinguish themselves as ecent organisers]

[Image 4. A picture of Hannah and Martyn together, with the background of a local high street. Hannah is wearing pink glass and a black with a spectrum of purple patterned rain coat. She smiles as she leans over Martyn's left shoulder, as she stands behind his chair. Martyn is in his powerchair. He wears a cream fluffy blanket over his legs, a pair of electric heated gloves,  bright blue rain coat, a multicoloured scarf with a matching wooly hat. Martyn is also smiling]

[Image 5. A black and white picture of the croud walking and singing as part of the procession. A man is leading the way carrying a cross]

[Image 6. A similar photo but in colour and from a different angle as if you were walking within rather than observing outside like Image 5]

[Image 7. A black and white photo of the man carrying the cross above on his knees looking up at the cross contemplating it's presence]

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 ago! 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.

[Image 8. A colour photo taken from the 2nd pew inside Bobbing church, with a woman and a man sat in front of you. Martyn is at the Chancel preaching, while wearing a grey wooly jump and a multicoloured wooly hat]

[Image 9. A similar image, but in black and white. Same position, just angled to the right. It no longer featured the woman, and an accessible ramp is shown, highlighting how Martyn went up to the chancel]

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. 

[Image 10. From left to right, William is sat wearing dark clothes, his thick black rimmed glasses, with tinted curly hair. James is in all black m, with pink and purple hair visible under his black hood. Martyn wears his outfit from early, as all 3 attend Sittingbourne Baptist Church]

[Image 11. William is enthusiastically dancing to worship music, with his long curly hair flying through the air]

[Image 12. This photo is taken from the 5th row inside the church, which features a collection of youth and some adults watching the preacher who is partially seen at the front]

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 thing. 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.

[Image 13. A colourful photo of the outside institution of Jesus open tomb. The stone door has a sign saying "Jesus is risen. Hallelujah."]

After, 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. 

[Image 14. A coloured photo of our family of 6 at the dining table. From left to right. Arty wearing a cream jumper, Will wearing a black Nirvana t-shirt, James wearing a black jumper, Martyn wearing achecked grey wooly jumper, Hannah wearing a light grey jumper, and Midge wearing a black Deadpool jumper. A colourfuk flowery tablecloth covers the table]

Then the kids got their chocolate after, and went off to their rooms.

[Image 15. All 4 kids standing holding their easter eggs. From left to right, James holding his rolo egg, Arty a bounty egg, Midge a KitKat egg, and William a milkyway egg]

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!