Celebrating Easter in a new way in Caithness
FOOD FOR THOUGHT by Rev Ellie Charman, of the Scottish Episcopal Church
The publication of this comes just before the most poignant time in the Christian calendar – that of Easter.
Many regard the Christian Church as jumping on the bandwagon of festivals that were already present, and in the use of the word ‘Easter’. However, there is another explanation which comes from Old High German, and the meaning of ‘Ostern’.
In the Scottish Episcopal Church, we have a series of events leading up to Easter, which this year will be on Zoom. These include sharing a simple meal on Maundy Thursday and coming together in regret and sorrow on Good Friday.
Since Sunday, also known as Palm Sunday, St John the Evangelist in Wick has had a display on its railings which will use symbols from Holy Week for people to ponder and meditate on.
On Easter Day, we invite the community to celebrate with us by bringing flowers to the main cross on the railings. This is to show our understanding of the transformation that Jesus Christ brings into our lives. He died on what is known as Good Friday and rose again three days later so that we can live in him and he in us.
The Christian celebration of Christ’s resurrection and that of an empty cross has a very significant place, if not the highest status in the lives of Christians around the world. We believe in the act of dying and rising again, Jesus provided a solution to the injustices of the world – a way that offers forgiveness when we are sorry for having hurt others.
Jesus extends a helping hand and points us towards the way of life in the Kingdom of God. One which is inclusive, caring, and forgiving.
We look forward to saying on Easter Day: Christ has died, Christ is risen. Alleluia!