Monthly Letter
The Dark before the Dawn

April 2025

It is difficult to write this letter because April has several weeks of penitential Lent in it but also has joyful Easter. Also there seems to be so much happening all around the world that is terrible and dark – and our own country is having to tighten its belt to cope. Maybe by Apri we will have good news, but not from everywhere. At the moment it seems there is so much going on I hardly know how to pray. So how then can I speak of Joy? How dare I share the excitement that builds in me, as I begin to plan the dawn service for Easter day?

Here’s a thought. It was in the darkness of your mother’s womb that you were created, It was in the darkness of the sealed tomb that God worked to bring his son back to life. It was through the tears of deep grief that Mary saw Jesus in the garden.
This isn’t to say that there has to be suffering for God to work – but it is to say that even in the very darkest parts of human life (and maybe even in lives that are not human), God is at work.

When we see those terrible pictures of Gaza, when we hear what is happening to people in the West Bank, when we think of Russian and Ukrainian and Israeli Mothers yearning for their soldier children, when we see refugee camps burgeoning around the Congo and Sudan, maybe when we think of deep sadnesses or shames of our own life, we acknowledge that the world seems very shadowed. But the power we trust in works in the deep dark – just as it does in the light, bringing resurrection. That power will never cease and cannot be overcome. And we can be part of it.

And that is exactly what we are celebrating, as we get up early on Easter moring, stumble our way to the church yard, gather around the Easter fire that burns in the dark – and together, wait for dawn.

Have a good last few weeks of Lent and may you be found by Joy this Easter.

The Very Rev Geoffrey Marshall

Church Services

06
Apr

Gathered Service at St Matthew’s Church, Morley

Sunday 6th April 2025, 10:30 to 11:30


13
Apr

Morning Worship (Palm Sunday)

Sunday 13th April 2025, 9:30 to 10:30


17
Apr

Maundy Thursday Eucharist with Washing of Hands at Morley Church

Thursday 17th April 2025, 7pm to


18
Apr

Good Friday - Messy Easter at Morley Follow the Cross to Breadsall (Hot Cross Buns & Tea/Coffee) Gathered Hour at the Foot of the Cross

Friday 18th April 2025, 11:15am to 12pm


20
Apr

Easter Sunday - Easter Celebration with pre-consecrated Communion in all three churches

Sunday 20th April 2025, 10am to 11am


27
Apr

Morning Worship

Sunday 27th April 2025, 9:30 to 10:30


04
May

Holy Communion

Sunday 4th May 2025, 9:30 to 10:30


Forthcoming Events

Pudding Quiz

11th April 2025

Details →

EASTER FLOWERS & DECORATING THE CHURCHES FOR EASTER

19th April 2025

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MESSY CHURCH!

27th April 2025

Details →

MORLEY OPEN GARDENS – SUMMER 2025

5th July 2025

Details →

Children's Church is always available at the Sunday morning service in both Morley and Smalley churches.

Safeguarding

As a church we take safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults very seriously. If you have any concerns however small, please contact: the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser: Lisa Marriott lisa.marriott@derby.anglican 01332 388678 or the Priest in Charge: kateplant2610@gmail.com 01332 834928 or the Parish Safeguarding Officer: caroldavidson2808@gmail.com 07747 871560