Cheddington Methodist Church
Minister Rev Noreen Daley-Lee tel no: 01525 240083
A MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER
Easter Day.
We all like to see the end of winter but everyone has a different thought of spring known for increased pollen levels, which can trigger seasonal allergies leading to symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion, and difficulty breathing. So too when we think about the Easter story each gospel has its own twist.
The four Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John narrate the truth among themselves, yet each report from a different vantage point – some giving much while others leave their readers in bewilderment! John reports Mary Magdalene going to the tomb early in the morning alone while it was still dark; the stone is rolled away, Peter and the other disciple whom Jesus loved sprint to the tomb, sees Jesus is gone and leaves a despondent Mary weeping. Mary then encounters the Risen Lord who sends her to tell the brothers he is ascending ‘to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God’. Later that evening Jesus appears to the disciples behind closed doors, shows them his hands and feet and breathed the Holy Spirit on them. Luke tells of a larger company of women at the tomb ‘at early dawn’ who encounter the two men in dazzling clothes and declare Jesus has risen. The subsequent scene takes the reader to the road from Jerusalem to Emmaus. Matthew shares a bit less. The two Marys see the stone rolled away by an angel and more about the guards than the disciples. Mark is more sparing in his account, sharing only that a ‘young man dressed in a white robe’ told the women that Jesus was risen, not to repeat the news to anyone, for they were terrified and afraid.
Much has been documented about the Easter Day events, yet if one may ask, what comes to mind, the two common pictures that emerge may be the empty tomb and an appearance to Mary Magdalene. In the grand scheme of things, it is not uncommon to focus on one or two events when so much more has taken place.
Those devoted to the lectionary readings might argue how it is easy to miss key events on Easter Day. Eastertide is a time to reflect and capture these mysterious events and immerse oneself into that day of angels, encounters, journeys, messages and meals – to be captivated by the immense joy and wonder of Easter Day. Supposedly, the liturgy on Easter Day should sweep us off our feet, thrilled by the Paschal mystery and wanting like Mary Magdalene, Peter and the other disciples to be reunited with the risen Lord. Overwhelming wonder, joy and gladness are the marks of the day like that of spring for its longer days and blooming flowers as we take antihistamines, keeping windows and doors closed during high pollen days.
Happy Easter!
Noreen
SERVICES FOR 2025
Good Friday, 18 March at 9.15 am ‘Raising the Cross’ – a short service of reflection will take place on the forecourt of the Methodist Church.
We welcome everyone to come along to our church to share in our worship and other activities. Services begin on Sundays at 10.30 am unless otherwise stated.
| Sunday 2nd March |
3pm Rev Hee-gon Moon |
| Sunday 9th March |
Rev Noreen Daley-Lee – Family Service |
| Sunday 16th March |
Rev Charlotte Church – Service of Holy Communion
3.30 pm Messy Church |
| Sunday 23rd March |
Mr Arthur Sara |
| Sunday 30th March |
Mr Pete Honeyball – Joint Service with St Giles at the Methodist Church |
| Sunday 6th April |
3pm Rev Noreen Daley-Lee |
| Sunday 13th April |
Mr David Neville – Palm Sunday
3.30 pm Messy Church |
| Sunday 20th April |
Rev Noreen Daley-Lee – Easter Sunday - Family Communion Service |
| Sunday 27th April |
Mr Peter Baker |
"THE TOAST” – FOR PARENTS, CARERS and LITTLE ONES
For all parents/carers of pre-school children and babies, join us in the Chapel schoolroom on Monday mornings 9.30 – 11.00 during term time for a gentle start to the week. There are toys, activities and refreshments (including toast!) and a warm welcome. Contact Cathy Craft email:
OPEN DOORS – Friday morning 10.30 a.m – noon at the Methodist Chapel.
This is an opportunity for all to meet/socialise each Friday morning and have a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit/cake. Contact Stuart Minall email: for more information.
MEN’S GROUP: This usually meets on the first Friday of each month at 10.45 am to noon. Contact: Chris Shepheard on 661849.
The Singalong Café will be held on Tuesday 8th April 2.30–4.30 pm at the Methodist Chapel. It will be led by accomplished musicians and singers, Karen on piano and Cathy on the clarinet. Do come along and join us and bring a friend or two, particularly those who might otherwise be at home alone. Refreshments will be included thanks to two willing volunteers.
BOOKS and JIGSAWS: A collection of paperback books and jigsaws for buying or borrowing; if you are able to make a small donation that would be appreciated. Do come and have a look to see if there is anything of interest to you. The schoolroom is usually open 9.30 – 11 am on Monday mornings during term time or Friday mornings 10.30 – 12 noon. If you have paperback books, in good condition, or jigsaws that you would like to pass on do bring them along.
WARM SPACES: The Methodist Schoolroom will be open on Fridays 12 noon to 2.00 pm for a soup lunch for all those who would like to meet together. Donations of tins of soup or bread, tea/coffee or biscuits can be dropped off at the Chapel on Fridays from 10.30 am. This is a Churches Together initiative in conjunction with the Parish Council to whom we are most grateful for their financial support. All enquiries to Cathy Craft email:
LOOP SYSTEM
For those people with hearing aids, we have an induction loop system installed and working in the chapel.
Schoolroom Bookings: A projector and screen are available. For all enquiries, please contact Janet Banham, Tel. 660205 or email .