Dear Friends,

Throughout this Lent I have been aware that the last time we were in Lectionary Year A was the year we were experiencing the first lockdown. My sermons through Holy Week that year were helping us reflect on how to mark these holy days at home. I was looking forward to something much closer to a normal pattern this year - so many more of us now able to come together to experience the story in community.

As it turns out, with spectacularly bad timing, I have tested positive for Covid this morning, so my journey through these days will again be in solidarity with all those in our world who are not free or able to gather with others in worship.

I am working with colleagues to make sure that as many of the planned services can go ahead.

Currently I can confirm that the following will definitely take place:

Maundy Thursday (today) 7pm Lynton

Good Friday 2pm Lynton

Easter Vigil (Saturday) 8pm Lynton

Easter Day 11am Lynton and 11am Martinhoe

I hope that I can find clergy to lead those planned for Countisbury, Parracombe and Trentishoe on Easter Day too and will keep you informed as soon as I can.

Holding you all in my prayers, I have copied the words of a hymn below which remind me of what lies at the heart of the mystery of these remarkable days.

God bless

Samantha

Love is His word, love is His way, feasting with men, fasting alone, living and dying, rising again, love, only love, is His way.

Love is His way, love is His mark, sharing His last Passover feast, Christ at His table, Host to the Twelve, love, only love, is His mark.

Love is His mark, love is His sign, bread for our strength, wine for our joy, 'This is My body, this is My blood,' love, only love, is His sign.

Love is His sign, love is His news, 'Do this, 'He said, 'lest you forget all My deep sorrow, all My dear blood,' love, only love, is His news.

Love is His news, love is His name, we are His own, chosen and called, family, brethern, cousins and kin. Love, only love, is His name.

Love is His name, love is His law. Hear His command, all who are His: 'Love one another, I have loved you.' Love, only love, is His law.

Love is His law, love is His word: love of the Lord, Father and Word, love of the Spirit, God ever One, love, only love, is His word.