Some of us are currently reading A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I am very much enjoying the book not least because of the sometimes curious, and often penetrating, insights put into the mouth of its lead character, Owen Meany. How about this, for example: "If you don't believe in Easter, don't kid yourself - don't call yourself a Christian".

Do you agree or disagree with Owen? I'd be really pleased to discuss that one with you. Meanwhile, can I commend our Easter services to you?

On Maundy Thursday at 8.30pm our service of Holy Communion will end with the stripping of the sanctuary, darkness and quiet. Please note the slightly later than usual start time intended to make it possible to attend the Royal Oak beforehand for storytelling (and a lamb roast!) focused on the events of Maundy Thursday. This is another example of the churches in Great Bookham working together and looking outwards for the benefit of the wider community.

On Good Friday our day will begin with the Hot Cross Bun service at 9.30am. This is a short all-age service (no more than half an hour) followed by craft and Easter garden making. At midday our three hour service will be divided into half-hour sections, with a hymn sung on the hour and half-hour. You are welcome to arrive and leave during the singing of any of the hymns. Our theme for this year is Words from Calvary: Seven statements from the lips of the Saviour. We are grateful to David Howell of the United Reformed Church in Bookham who will be sharing in the leadership of part of this service.

And then on Easter Sunday we will celebrate the joy and good news of the resurrection with services of Holy Communion at 8.00am and 10.00am. In the evening we will do things slightly differently from usual. The storytelling which began on Maundy Thursday in the Royal Oak will continue in the Baptist Church at 6.30pm as we re-live again the lifechanging and eternally transforming good news of the resurrection event.

In Christian love,

Alan Jenkins