News – Page 13

From the Epperstone, Gonalston, Oxton  and Woodborough Churches’ Benefice.

I hope that everyone enjoyed their Easter Celebrations whether on holiday or celebrating with family and friends.

Holy Week gave us the opportunity to reflect on the what happened to Jesus  between Palm Sunday and Easter Day. His resurrection breathes new life into us and with the anticipation of better weather, longer days and planned holidays it brings HOPE for us all.

As we continue to follow the News from Ukraine we are reminded of how precious life is and how life for them changed with very little warning. It is a reminder that we should live our lives to the full: take up new challenges and hobbies and appreciate the times spent with family and friends. These people had plans and they changed in an instant.

The collection of items needed to support these homeless people has been staggering across our villages. The time given by volunteers to collect, sort and pack ready for transportation has been truly amazing. We have done as much as we are able.

As we have put all our efforts into doing this our local food banks have seen a decline in donations. We are all noticing an increase in our bills and have to perhaps budget for the ‘extras’. The number of people using Food Banks has increased so please donate if you are able. Collection points are in most of our churches and the Village Shop in Woodborough. Imagine the difference we could make if we all give just one item each week. In my experience people turn to the support of the food bank in desperation and they really do appreciate our support.

In the church calendar, 50 days after Easter we celebrate Pentecost. This year it will be at the beginning of June. This is the Christian Festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his ascension. [Acts 1:11 “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven”] what a wonderful assurance for the disciples and all who follow Jesus. In Jesus we have HOPE.

God Bless
Sandra Hall -LLM.-Lay Reader