Out of the darkness and sorrow of human violence emerges the light and life of God’s presence: in the risen Jesus; in God’s enduring promise to be with his people; in the transforming sacrament of baptism.

This is the first celebration of Easter, with the lighting of the New Fire and the Paschal Candle and the bringing of that resurrection light into a darkened church, the admission of new Christians to baptism and communion, and the rising of light, joy, colour and life for the first time since the events of Good Friday.

Dr Hammond will preach.