Revd Karen's Easter Message 2026
Dear Haven Churches Family,
As the shadows of Lent begin to lengthen and we turn our hearts toward the dawn of Easter, I find myself reflecting on the journey we have shared. This season is the heartbeat of our faith—the most significant moment in our church calendar—where we move from the profound solemnity of the cross to the radiant joy of the empty tomb.
Reflecting on Immense Love
At the centre of our Easter celebration is a love so vast it defies human measure. We see this love in Jesus’ willingness to lay down his life for each of us. It was not a distant, abstract sacrifice, but a personal act of devotion intended to bridge the gap between heaven and earth.
To help us sit with this mystery, I encourage you to visit the Haven Churches Website. There, you will find our Holy Week reflections, which are rooted in the ‘Draw Near’ booklet from our recent Lent Course. May these words provide a space for quiet contemplation as we follow the path to Calvary.
A Community of Service and Celebration
Looking back on these past weeks, my heart is full. Our Lent Lunches were a resounding success, and the sense of fellowship in the room was palpable.
- A heartfelt thank you to everyone who came along, to those who donated so generously, and especially to the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make these events so wonderful.
We are also blessed by the energy of our local schools. It is a joy to see the Easter story through the eyes of our young people:
- Nettlestone School: On March 26th, the Year 6 children led their own service based on the Resurrection. Their leadership and insight are a gift to us all.
- St Helen’s School: We recently enjoyed a marvellous assembly, complete with the wonderful blessing of the quail chicks—a perfect, fragile symbol of new life and God’s hand in creation.
Drawing Near Together
My deepest hope this year is that we, as a community, will draw nearer to God. We have curated a breadth of services designed to meet you wherever you are on your spiritual journey. Whether you find God in the quiet or the quirky, there is a place for you:
- The Sunrise Service at St Helen’s: Witnessing the light break over the horizon as we proclaim "He is Risen".
- The Sheep Treasure Hunt in Seaview: A joyful way for families to engage with the season.
- Traditional Services: Found throughout our parishes, honouring the depth of our liturgy.
Easter is the fulfilment of a promise—a promise of life eternal and a love that never lets us go. My prayer for each of you is that you feel the warmth of Christ’s presence this season. May the reality of the Resurrection settle in your hearts, bringing you peace, hope, and renewed purpose.
Let us celebrate together. Let us draw near to Him.
With every blessing,
Revd Karen
Easter 2026
