Message from the Pastoral Care and Eldership Team (PaCET) for Sunday Meeting 12th April 2026

Dear Friends,

When I was studying theology in the 1960s, there seemed to be a tacit agreement not to put resurrection on the syllabus for the paper on Christian doctrine. Yet Easter is one of the great festivals of the Christian year and those outside of any religious faith certainly enjoy family gatherings, a holiday week end, and Easter eggs.

In the northern hemisphere during this season, we are encouraged by the signs of new life springing up all around us, whether it is the incredibly beautiful lime blossom, the hyacinth bulbs which have been showing bright colours in our window boxes, or the sticky buds on our horse chestnut trees. These may be small things, but they are signs of an incredible power present in life.

I suppose many of us could testify to a type of ‘rising above’ or blossoming in our own lives. This might be learning to love someone whom initially we don’t like, or rising above some form of physical or mental illness. Some people find that therapy for a mental breakdown can be a turning point and has resulted for them in a new and better life – a sort of rising above what happened in the past. But whatever our personal circumstances we can all enjoy and rejoice together in the rejuvenating powers of existence.

Caroline Pybus

Quakers value diversity. We share this Friend’s message in the hope it will speak to others.

Pastoral Care and Eldership Team: Patricia Cockrell, David Hitchin, Sharon Krummel, Tim Pitt-Payne, Theresa Samms, Emily Slater.