Easter has been a quiet and strange episode in the life of Threlkeld and St John’s in the Vale, says Dr Susi Wood, who is the Lay Minister for the churches in the villages.
The Good Friday walk between the two churches, carrying the cross, attracted more than 40 walkers a year ago. Instead, this Good Friday it was a solitary journey for Susi, with only the company of skylarks to break the silence and contemplation.
“With closed churches, emailed services for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Day brought some comfort with Easter cards and the message of the risen Christ offering hope to our parishioners,” she said.
The stone being rolled away in the Easter Garden is symbolised in the giving of chocolate eggs. No egg hunt was possible in the valley this year but instead the Easter Bunny was out early in Threlkeld.
On Easter morning more than 100 eggs, donated by Ye Olde Friars chocolate shop in Keswick, were placed among flowers and hidden in trees for the village children to find during their daily exercise. Bags of eggs were given on doorsteps to the children in the Vale.
Susi said: “William Kitching on his bike at Sykes Farm was observed by his day-old calves, curious to know what was so exciting. James and Abbie Grace at Mire House, were only too delighted to come down from Daddy Dan’s digger to share their eggs with each other.
“Churches are not just buildings, but the people who care about their communities in these strange and troubling times. The Easter story tells us that death has been conquered and Jesus is alive and walking with us every step of the way. Keep safe, stay home and stay well. Love and Prayers,” added Susi.
