Come to church this Easter

A wonderful celebration for us all

The Christian faith at the heart of the Easter message celebrates the Resurrection, rebirth, new life, growth and rejoicing – what better themes could there be now that spring is here and the Covid restrictions are being eased slowly.

Let’s all rejoice this Easter weekend.

The Scottish Government has revised its plans to say that ‘should progress suppressing the virus continue’, it will permit churches to re-open for communal worship from March 26, meaning they will be able to hold Easter services as usual this year.

It will let churches re-open for communal worship earlier than previously planned as the Covid-19 vaccine rollout continues to bring down case numbers.

The attendance limit will be 50 where social distancing permits; but this will depend on levels of the virus.

The news has been welcomed across Scotland.

The Catholic Church said: ‘The opening of churches is a sign that the sacrifices endured so far are bearing fruit and gives us hope and encouragement to persevere. We pray that the Risen Christ, for whom we long during this holy season of Lent, will bless and bring healing to our nation.’

The Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, said: ‘We now hope to be able to move forward, while remembering that not everyone will be able to be in church despite this re-opening for various reasons, and that is why we will continue to provide online worship for those who will not be able to return.’

All churches recognise that many people, who have to keep shielding, will not be able to go out to services and are continuing to post their services on line.

The National Worship Team of the Church of Scotland summed up the feelings: ‘We may not all be gathered in the same building, but at this time, when we need each other so much, we are invited to worship together, from where we are – knowing that God can hear us all and can blend even distant voices into one song of worship.’