Last week many of us saw this photo of a statue from a church of Sri Lanka: it was carved to represent the Risen Lord. But the Jesus of this statue now carries the blood splattered after the explosion of a bomb during the most sacred and joyous hour of Christian worship.

As members of the Kingston InterFaith Group (including Buddhist, Christian, Indigenous, Jewish, Muslim representatives), we gathered mid-week for a time of solemn solidarity with the people of Sri Lanka, and of commitment to mutual respect and common pursuit of peace.

This statue reminds me how injustice and violence continue to wreck havoc in our world. But as a Christian it also reminds me how Jesus, greeting the disciples shut up in fear in that room of Jerusalem after the crucifixion, carried still the holes in his hands from the cross. That blood, those holes, acknowledge that death is real, and, for too many of our world, unjust and violent. But those holes, that blood, also declare the good news, the amazing news, that by the grace of God known in Jesus, fear of death need not be what defines life, in Jesus death has been defeated and life can be lived strong and free.

On this first Sunday after Easter, the Christian life is defined as being full and free, but also a life for others. This morning we will hear anew the words of the Risen Lord to those fearful disciples of old, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you’ (John 20:21).

If you are in the area, we warmly invite you to join in the worship of God. Have a look at the Order of Service below (and also the announcements – please consider each a personal invitation to join us in Christian worship, community and service). Note in particular, a pot-luck lunch after the service!

During the service there is offered a nursery for infants and a programme for young children if desired. There is free parking on the streets around (please note that the time-of-day restrictions on Clergy Street north of Queen are not in effect on Sundays) and in the surface civic lot just behind the church off Queen Street. There is a wheel chair lift available in the doors of the church closest to the manse (the courtyard is entered from the driveway half way along the St. Andrew’s block of Clergy Street) and a wheelchair ramp is available by ramp and door along Princess Street.

If you have any questions, please call the church office Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. – noon, or email [email protected]

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