News from the parish churches of; Cresswell, Lynemouth, Ulgham, Widdrington, Widdrington Station, Ellington and StobswoodA View from the Pews April 2026Isn't March just such a long month? But how lovely to welcome back the sunshine and a bit of warmth and longer days! If you have been to our churchyards you will have noticed that the delicate snowdrops have given way to bold daffodils and primulas - and there is a green hue on the trees too.Could we please ask that you take away ALL of the wreaths and any plasticflowers or trinkets on graves. Chris, Tony and the county council team will be very grateful to you as they are busy with the first cut of the grass in the churchyards, and wreaths and trinkets can become a real danger when strimming and mowing.In March we enjoyed welcoming Ollie Stewart and his family and friends for his baptism at St John's. Sadly, we also had to accompany to their final rest two well-loved members of the church and community in Ellington and Lynemouth: Freda Marshall and Ann Douglas. May they rest in peace and rise in glory.Contact detailsVicar: Rev Julia Lacey, revjlacey@gmail.com, 07769 988527Parish Safeguarding Officers:Cresswell: Anne Baxter, 07544 119575Widdrington: Fiona Anderson, fiona16anderson@gmail.com, 07414 541862Ulgham: Carole Snelling, carolesnelling@btinternet.com, 07769 574432Easter: The Hope at the Heart of our FaithEach year, Easter invites Christians around the world to pause and reflect on the most profound event of the Christian story: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a season of joy and hope, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, God's love has the final word.Good Friday confronts us with the reality of suffering and sacrifice. Jesus' death on the cross reveals the depth of God's love for humanity. As the Gospel reminds us, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)Yet the story does not end at the cross. Easter morning proclaims a message that changed the world forever: the tomb is empty. Christ is risen. The resurrection is not only a miraculous event in history; it is the foundation of Christian hope. "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, of those who hove fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20)For Christians, Easter is a reminder that death and despair do not have the final say. The resurrection assures us that God is always at work bringing life out of what seems lost. It speaks into our own lives-into our struggles, doubts, and grief-offering the promise that new beginnings are always possible.The first witnesses to the resurrection arrived at the tomb in sorrow, expecting to mourn. Instead they heard the angel's astonishing words: "He is not here; he has risen, as he said." (Matthew 28:6) Their grief turned to joy, and their fearto hope.That same hope continues to shape the lives of Christians today. Easter reminds us that God's power is greater than death, that love is stronger than hatred, and that light overcomes darkness.As we celebrate this Holy season, may we carry the message of Easter beyond a single Sunday. May it inspire us to live as people of resurrection hope - sharing compassion, forgiveness, and joy with those around us.Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia. By Paula Darkin
