Perhaps it is unfortunate that a place proclaiming victory over death is visibly surrounded by evidence of the power of death, but it is interesting to see how this has occurred.

During the first 800 years after Christ's resurrection, Christian burials were joyous occasions and the resting spots of Christian martyrs became meeting places where Jesus Christ was praised. Burial grounds became consecrated because Christian burials had taken place - not the other way around. Churches were then built near to the burial sites, to accommodate people who came to celebrate Christ's gift of eternal life and the sure hope of heaven for his believers.

Once the link between the burial ground and the church building formed, it stayed. I suspect, however, that we have forgotten that the church stands were it does to save Christians braving the elements at open-air, grave-side services.

This Easter we invite you to join us at the open-air service by the Pond on Good Friday at 10.30am, or any of our services, as we celebrate Christ's victory over the power of death.