A visit from the Queen

Have you ever wondered what it was like on that first Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered into Jerusalem, just days before his arrest, trial, execution and resurrection? The crowds that were travelling to the city shouted, waved branches and put their coats on the floor, as Jesus rode in on a donkey.

Yesterday the Queen visited the primary school just down the road from the church. The crowds cheered, waved flags, but couldn't get close enough to put their coats on the floor - in fact the weather was so good there were hardly any coats in evidence. The council have been out for days making sure that the grass is cut, the streets are clean etc etc. Those who were going into the school to meet the Queen had their security details checked weeks ago and had hours of preparation and waiting around at the weekend and again yeseterday.

We got a good view as the Queen went into the school, and again as she drove off, past the church (even if we didn't get any good photos!) But if the Queen noticed us at all it would only have been as a face in the crowd.

As we approach Palm Sunday let us remember that whilst we might only get to see the Queen from a distance, we can know Jesus, the King of kings.

During the afternoon it was great to be able to host a local community event at the church, on what was a good day for the neighbourhood.

The Real Easter Egg

It's that time of year when many people will be buying Easter eggs with little or no understanding of what Easter is actually all about.

But one Easter egg company is looking to make sure that if you buy their egg you will know the basics of the Easter story, and if you want to find out more there are internet links that you can follow up.

And - it's Fairtrade.

On the back there is a very simple cartoon telling of the basics of the Easter story.

And there are lots of other great resources on their website.

So if you're looking to buy Easter eggs this year, get the Real Easter Egg.

You can buy them online, or at a range of supermarkets. We got ours in our local Morrisons. If your local supermarket isn't stocking them why not ask the manager why not - and maybe next year they will.