We are sure that all those who came along to this week's Pop In with 'Soup and Pud' will be pleased to hear that a total of £410 was raised for MacMillan Cancer Support.

There were some unusual visitors at Hope Church today as an assortment of pets arrived for a special Pet Service.  The pets were all very well behaved including Teddy seen here with owner Phyllis.

The service was a celebration of God's wonderful creation and a reflection of our love for our animal companions who can be such a source of comfort, companionship and joy in our lives. Rev Paul reminded us that they are God's creatures, entrusted to our care, and in return they offer us unconditional love. The service was a way of honouring our pets, thanking God for them and asking for His continued guidance and protection over them.

All who came along, with or without a pet, were able to admire the deep connection between humans and animals, and were reminded of the beauty and diversity in God's world.

Healing

We had heard about how Jesus was beaten, wounded and broken on the cross. Because of His willingness to suffer, we are healed.

People were invited to write the name of someone who needs healing prayer on a plaster and add it to the cross, in doing so they give that prayer to God.

Spices

We heard how the women took spices to the tomb to anoint and honour Jesus' body.

People were invited to take some herbs, notice their smell and see if that reminded them of anything specific, or anything related to God.

They were then invited to add their herbs to the tomb and thank Jesus for the sacrifice he made for us on the cross.

A prayer web was created as a sign of our connections to God, where each coloured note represented a different type of prayer.

​Blue – The Church
Green – The World
Purple – The community
Pink – Those in authority
Orange – Our Friends and Family
Yellow - Thanks
​

We heard how Thomas wanted proof that Jesus was alive, and sometimes we need to see things for ourselves to be able to believe them. The stories of the bible are written so that we may trust in Jesus.

Even when our senses are working fine, we can be tricked! One plate contained potato, one place contained apple.

People were asked to see if they could guess through touch, smell, and taste while their nose is held.

Amazingly many people were tricked! But Jesus will never trick us, He will always be there for us and ready to welcome you into a journey with him.

​How beautiful Hope Church looked this Easter morning with the glorious displays of flowers adorning every surface.  Take a look at these photos which show just a few of the lovely arrangements or call into the Church (which is open every day) to see them for yourself.

It is 20 years since it was decided to start a regular gathering at the Church Hall for members of the community to meet for refreshments and fellowship.  It has become a popular weekly event enjoyed by all.  Lifts are offered to those who would struggle to get there and the occasional 'special' Pop Ins now include 'Soup & Pud' once a month.

Today's 'Soup & Pud' included a slice of this delicious anniversary cake made by Pat's daughter, Sally.  It was cut by Dinah who recently celebrated her 90th birthday.