Karen's window.

This window is one of a pair, a memorial to a congregation member who died, 30 years ago aged 41. They are so beautiful, but a very sad reason to have them. Our flower arrangers have been busy for Easter as you see.
We had a wonderful service this morning, the church was fuller than I've seen it for a long time. We have a male soprano music student who comes to us from time to time and today he sang Handel's "I know that my Redeemer Lives" after the sermon as well as a couple of hymns during communion. Beautiful.
For me the best part though was meeting someone I hadn't seen for over 20 years.
I was talking to a very pregnant young mum after the service, her father had been seated in front of me while she was in the children's area with her 3 yo daughter. I was chatting and being welcoming and then something she said rang a bell. Your name is Emily, I said, suddenly joining some dots and hearing what she had told me. Your dad is Drew? Yes, she said. I introduced myself again, she and Ali grew up in Sunday school, were confirmed together and were great friends until their school lives moved them apart. She moved overseas and we hadn't seen her or her parents since, until today.
I was so excited and happy, it quite made my day and she too was excited to hear about Ali and took her phone number. We chatted for ages, then her dad arrived too so we started all over again! The girls are planning on meeting up. Her daughter is 6 months older than Josie and her new baby will be 5 months younger than Bonnie. Ali was thrilled too when she heard.
Back home we started to prepare our Easter meal. Katy and the girls arrived and then we set off for the park to roll the eggs they'd painted, what fun, there were lots of families there enjoying the sunshine. We dutifully took our eggs away with us afterwards too .
When we got home, Ali and her girls had arrived, Jon was working and Stuart finishing some home tasks but came along in time for our meal.
Next it was time for the Easter egg hunt in the garden, we continued the colour coding system I used last year to make sure everyone got a fair share (extra) I do love to see them all so happy together.
Lunch was good, but at 5pm! Which we had planned - a combination of clock changes and cooking times meant we were going to eat later. Delicious leg of lamb thanks to Morrisons.
After a lovely day, everyone headed off home in time for bed - except for Josie who is here overnight so mum and dad can get things done at home tomorrow. Tomorrow night I'm sleeping over with the other girls and delivering them to their activities on Tuesday.

Happy Easter everyone, I hope you enjoyed your day as much as I did.