Pew News - 5 Apr 2026
Easter: More Than a Name on the Box
Each year, as we approach Easter, there are familiar posts on social media. This year it seems to be about Easter eggs that don’t use the word “Easter” on their packaging. For some, this feels like something precious is being taken away, and it has stirred strong reactions.
It is understandable, perhaps, to feel a sense of loss when our faith seems pushed to the margins. But as Christians, it is worth asking: what are we really defending?
The first Easter did not come with branding, packaging, or public approval. It came quietly, unexpectedly, through an empty tomb, confused disciples, and the astonishing news that Jesus is risen. The power of Easter has never depended on whether the culture around us recognises it, names it, or markets it correctly. It rests entirely in the reality of the resurrection.
If anything, moments like this offer us an opportunity, not to be louder in complaint, but clearer in witness. Jesus, and the world does not need us to defend Easter eggs; it needs us to live Easter lives. Lives marked by hope in the face of despair, by forgiveness in a culture that holds grudges, and by love that reflects the risen Lord Jesus.
Perhaps the deeper challenge is this: are we as concerned about how we embody the message of Easter as we are about whether chocolate manufacturers or secular institutions label it correctly?
This Easter, may we be known not for what we protest, but for what we proclaim, quietly, faithfully, and joyfully: Christ is risen. He is risen indeed, Alleluia! HAPPY EASTER!
THIS WEEK PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Heather W, Juliet G, Lucy, Ann J, Cathy E, Margaret R, Jake C, Jane L, Stella O, Rashmi.
The prayer team continues to pray for all who have requested prayer.
To request prayer: Email: prayer@sholing.church
REMEMBERING
Joan K, praying for her family and friends
Roy T, praying for Daisy, family and friends
FUNERAL: ROY TIMMS
The funeral service for Roy Timms will take place on Friday 1st May 2026, 1.30pm at Wessex Vale Crematorium.
Daisy invites you to attend. Please continue to hold Daisy and the family & friends in your prayers.
APRIL SERVICES
19 April - 8.30am - no service
19 April - 10am – Leprosy Mission is visiting us.
CAN YOU SUPPORT OUR HERITAGE 160 PROJECT?
Due to rising building costs and additional requirements mean that we now face a funding shortfall. To complete this work well, we are inviting support from our congregation and from all those who have worshipped here or used St Mary’s for baptisms, weddings, funerals, enjoyed a community event or moments of quiet prayer.
If St Mary’s has been part of your story, we would be deeply grateful for any donation you are able to make. Every gift, large or small, will help ensure that this church and its stories are cared for and shared with future generations.
FOOD BANK – HOW YOU CAN HELP!
This week, the food bank urgently needs the following items. If you can help, please leave the items in the basket in the hall. Thank you!
Toothpaste
Tinned meats
CALLING ALL KNITTERS/CRAFTERS
Story Telling in Schools
KNITTING – could you knit hats or false beards? We can provide a pattern, even wool if needed.
CLOTHING – think ‘Nativity’ – have you got any clothing that can be adapted to make costumes for primary aged children (4 – 11yrs)? Things like old shirts that we can adapt as tunics, dressing gowns, scarves. You probably have loads of ideas.
Could you help with keeping our ‘dressing-up’ case in tip-top condition?
CRAFTING – some stories could do with props – for example palm branches. We plan stories in advance so will be able to give a reasonable notice. We have all sorts of crafting stuff in the cupboard.
Please let Su Brakewell know if you can help.
CLEANING & MAINTENANCE
Sat 11 April starting at 9am
SHARE YOUR USEFUL TIPS TO ‘SAVE TIME IN THE KITCHEN’
Within our Heritage160 recipe book we are including a section on useful tips to save time in the kitchen. What tips and tricks could you share?
Here are some examples already shared:
1. It can be quite tricky to prise the skin off an onion, and it can often hurt your fingernails. All you need to do is put the onions in a bowl of cold water for 2 minutes, and the skins peel off easily!
2. When boiling milk, it can be difficult to clean the pan afterwards. If you rinse the pan in cold water before adding the milk, hey presto, much easier to clean!
Please speak to Julie Cousens or email your ideas to julie56cousens@gmail.com
APCM
Meeting: Mon 27 April, 7.15pm | Parish Hall
You can now join the electoral roll (if not already on it – please check with Sue Clarke).
From 13th April – nominations open for joining PCC and becoming Churchwarden.
The Parish Giving Scheme
A simple and efficient way to support your church regularly. The Parish Giving Scheme makes giving easy, secure, and tax-efficient - helping your gift go further and reducing administration for the parish. If you’d like to know more, please speak to Ben or Garry.
SHARE YOUR STORIES
We’re really surprised not to have received many of your stories of St Mary’s. We’d really love to hear from you.
As part of our Heritage 160 celebrations, we are collecting stories, memories, and treasures that make up the living history of our parish.
We’d love to hear about your connections to St Mary’s Church Sholing or the wider Parish of Sholing. Your contribution will help preserve our shared heritage for future generations. There are forms and envelopes available in the Hall or you can speak to one of our team or email us at Heritage@Sholing.Church
MARK FOREMAN’S MARATHON
Mark’s training is going really well. He is now up to 15 miles!! Please continue to sponsor him, in aid of St Mary’s Church!
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