We gather in the half-light of Dawn on Easter Sunday. From a burning brazier outside we light the Paschal (Easter) Candle, then entering the stillness of the half-dark mediæval church building we proclaim the light of Christ, each of us holding a lit taper for the first part of the service. We hear writings from the Hebrew Scriptures that inform our understanding of Christ's resurrection, sing songs/hymns that match. Then we proclaim 'Alleluia! Christ is risen!' and make an almighty racket in church! Always guaranteed to bring a smile to my face.(Please bring bells, tambourines, shakers etc with you.) We reaffirm our baptisms before celebrating Holy Communion. The first communion of Easter Sunday, usually with incense.

(Afterwards we head off to the Rectory for an early breakfast of Croissants and good coffee.)

A holy, still and joyous way to begin our celebrations of Christ's resurrection.

This is the big Easter Day Communion service, usually one of the largest congregations of the year as folk come back to Witham to visit family and come to Church to make their Easter Communion.* Traditional Easter hymns (ending with Thine be the Glory), soaring choir Anthems and music, Easter Sermon and Holy Communion. Church looks glorious, specially decorated with Easter lilies and other flowers.

Alleluia! Christ is risen!

* There's an expectation in the Church of England that we all receive Holy Communion at both Christmas and Easter.