Dear Member of Staff

 

This week, Holy Week, is a very special time for Christians when we recall

the Last Supper, Christ’s Crucifixion and death, and then his glorious

Resurrection. Yet this year Lent has been different as we face the

challenge of the coronavirus.

 

At the Last Supper we recall Jesus washing the feet of his disciples,

modelling that “service to others” that he exhorts us to do. Can I thank

you for the service that you have given over the past fortnight and that

you will continue to give including during the Easter holiday period. We

are in the midst of a huge challenge and you and your fellow staff have

responded magnificently.

 

Once again thank you to all our staff in leadership roles who have had to

plan, organise and make decisions within a totally unexpected set of

circumstances.

 

We are all facing uncertainty, just like the disciples of Jesus during the first

Holy Week. By the end of Good Friday they must have been full of despair

and yet we know that Easter Sunday was about to follow. In the story of

Lazarus, Jesus declares “I am the Resurrection and the Life”. These words

have brought comfort and reassurance down through the centuries. They

remind us that even in the darkest of times the light and hope of the

Risen Christ will continue to shine.

 

When we look outside, we see the signs of spring and I will conclude with

a short spring blessing I came across:

 

With each unfolding seed, with every Spring,

He breathes the rumour of his resurrection,

As birdsong calls your hidden heart to sing.

So may this season be his benediction,

To lift your love and bid your prayer take wing,

To thaw your frozen hope, to warm your mind,

For Spring has come! Can Heaven be far behind?

 

With best wishes

 

Joe Hughes

Chair NPCAT