What's on? Next Messy Church:  Sunday 12th April 2026

Services    Toddler group

GROUNDBREAKING NEWS!! 

Risen Lord Jesus, 
breaking forth from the tomb!
Breaking the power of death. 
Breaking new ground where faith will flourish – 
We greet you with joy and jubilation on this Easter Day! 
Christ is Risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!

Read Matthew 28: 1 - 10   then pause.

It is early morning, imagine yourself walking slowly with the women to a tomb, in silence with a heavy heart. 

Read the passage again, aloud to yourself  
What words, feelings, smells, sounds hold you most in each place?

 After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Suddenly there was a great earthquake; and an angel of the Lord, came and rolled back the stone ... For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the dead and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples the groundbreaking news!. 

Ground breaking interruptions?

When have your plans ever been interrupted?  How have you responded? 
Reflect for a moment on things that have surprised you.  Were they good surprises or a shock (or maybe, a bit of both)?

Our lives are generally packed with routine and daily patterns. Our daily rituals and habits help us cope with each day. We feel more in control, safe and secure. Sometimes, unexpected visitors or events take us out of our comfort zone. Doing something unexpectedly can be a challenge; yet, sometimes, an unexpected change from the 'every day routine can also be refreshing.  
Mary Magdalene and Mary's plans to attend to Jesus' tomb were interupted in a spectacular way. 
They were invited to 'come and see' that Jesus was not where they expected to find his body. They were stretched emotionally and spiritually. 

We too are invited to “Come and see”! 
How do we best celebrate and thank God for new challenges that stretch us? 
How do we respond when we notice the awesome-ness of a new baby,  the varied colours of a flower or a starry night sky? 
This is God at work around us - so next time we notice such things, let us pause to say 'THANK YOU'.

Dear Lord 
When unexpected things happen that make us scared or just too excited, help us to know that you are with us. 
Help us to hear you saying “DO not be afraid”
Help us to remember that on Easter Day you turned fear into joy 
Help us to share the good news with others. 

Christ is Risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!!