April 2026 

A message from Judi Keates
First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at St Mary’s and St Augustine’s for the warm welcome I have received during my placement with Rev’d Larissa. When Rev’d Larissa was installed, vows were made to support and uphold her, and I hope that by participating in what God is doing at both churches, I have been able to lend my support as well.

A thought to consider as we approach and encounter Holy Week:
Imagine a coin: it has two sides. In this metaphor, one side represents joy and the other sorrow. Hebrews 12:2-3 gives us much to reflect on for Easter. It reads: ‘For the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the Father. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’ This passage reminds us that both joy and sorrow are part of the Easter story.

Have you ever watched a television programme that was recorded rather than live? Sometimes, you might miss it when it first airs, as my husband Paul often does with Formula 1 races. If you find out the result beforehand, it might bring disappointment or perhaps joy, depending on the outcome you hoped for. The key point is that the event has already happened; it is finished, regardless of whether the result was good or bad.

Psalm 30:5 offers encouragement for this season: ‘weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning’. This is a cherished promise from God. We already know the ending of the Easter account and look forward to the joy of Easter Sunday, but reflecting on Jesus’ final days before his crucifixion can still be difficult. Jesus took on sorrow for our sake so that we could experience joy. As we journey towards Holy Week, remember that joy is coming – and has come!

We all go through tough times when it’s difficult to see hope on the horizon, but the night always gives way to morning. The suffering of the cross led to the triumph of the empty tomb. Jesus is familiar with our suffering as he endured it himself, but in overcoming death, he does not leave us in sorrow. Morning brings the news of God’s resurrection power, hope, and relief. Sorrow is replaced by joy. Jesus has completed everything needed for us and now sits at the right hand of the Father. He is preparing a place for us and his crucifixion was not a defeat but a decisive victory over sin, evil, and death. Through his obedience and the Father’s sacrificial love, things have been set right.

The fight is finished, the battle is won, and Jesus sitting down signifies the completion of his earthly mission.

This gives us hope. We will experience seasons of sorrow and hardship, but like Jesus, we should focus on the joy ahead, not just on our current circumstances. Jesus has done everything necessary to redeem our lives and is still at work today. Difficult times I remember are no longer my reality; they have passed, and sorrow has given way to joy. Be encouraged as you journey with Jesus towards the cross and beyond, because, just like the recorded programme, the outcome has already been achieved. Jesus has secured everlasting peace for us by bearing our sorrows on the cross. He never promised an easy life, but he is present with us through the Holy Spirit. We may face trials, but Psalm 3 assures us that he is our shield and defender, the one who lifts our heads. We are encouraged to call out to the Lord, knowing he will answer and bring us through, as he has already secured our future in Christ. Accept his gift of grace, paid for with his precious blood.

Exchange your sorrow for his joy; may the joy of the Lord be your strength. In the end, we can rest knowing that all will be well, because even in the darkest times, Jesus assures us that joy will return in the morning. Prayer: Give me the joy of my salvation and sustain me with your gracious Spirit. Amen.

Bless you all.

Judi Keates,

Ministry Candidate

Thank you, Judi, for that wonderful message. We have so enjoyed welcoming you to be part of the benefice this last month.

We wish you every blessing in your future ministry, whatever that might hold, and particularly in these next few months of discernment.

You will leave us on Easter Sunday with our love and prayers.

As part of the continued articles on prayer, following Bishop Michael’s call to especial prayer in 2026, I am looking at Jesus’ prayers in the final hours before his crucifixion, and what they tell us about our own prayer lives.

Firstly, they reveal the importance of honesty in prayer. In the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus is really struggling with fear. He beseeches “Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me" (Matt 26:39), and on the cross he lets out a cry of desolation: “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” (Matt 27:46; Mark 15:34.). God does not want us to keep things from him. He does not want us to pretend everything is fine when it is not. He does not want us to be too embarrassed to bring our shame and secrets to him. He wants us to pour out our fear, frustrations, and heartbreak to him as well as our hopes and dreams so he can walk the walk with us.

Secondly, Jesus prays for others. In the midst of Jesus’ anguish he remains concerned for his beloved disciples. He is concerned for their wellbeing and prays for their safety. He prays for their unity and co-operation as they build the church. Fellowship and mission are inseparable from a life of persistent, prayer. We also see that the outworking of forgiveness is a key part of prayer when Jesus prays for his enemies "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34).

Thirdly, Jesus surrenders to God’s will. While Jesus asked for the "cup" to pass, he consistently deferred to his Father's will. This teaches that prayer is about aligning our hearts with God’s, rather than the other way around. This is especially the case in pain and struggle.

Finally, prayer sustained Jesus’ faithfulness. Jesus’ prayer during the darkest night shows that prayer is the lifeline we need to endure "the night of suffering". It enabled him to allow God’s plan to be enacted. Prayer is our source of strength for the trials we cannot face alone.

Happy Easter,  

Larissa