‘Easter means that despair never has the final word’

As March draws to a close and the first signs of spring begin to brighten our gardens and seafront, our thoughts turn once again to Easter.

Fresh blossoms, longer days, and the warmth of the sun all whisper the same message: new life is possible. At the heart of Easter is that very promise – not simply the turning of a season, but the turning of history.

Easter begins in darkness. Good Friday reminds us of humanity’s capacity for cruelty, fear, and injustice. It confronts us with the suffering of Jesus on the cross – an act of sacrificial love in which he bore sin, shame, and sorrow.

The cross shows us that God does not stand at a distance from our pain. He steps into it. He carries it. He redeems it. Yet the story does not end at the cross.

Three days later, the tomb was empty. The resurrection of Jesus is not a poetic metaphor or a comforting legend; it is the foundation of Christian faith. The first disciples were transformed from fearful individuals hiding behind locked doors into courageous witnesses who changed the world. What made the difference? They encountered the risen Christ.

For Christians today, Easter means that despair never has the final word. Failure is not the end of the story. Even death itself is defeated. Because Jesus lives, forgiveness is real, hope is secure, and new beginnings are possible for every one of us.

Here in Littlehampton, we will be marking this good news together. On Friday, April 3, at 11am, Christians from across our town will gather at St Mary’s Church for the annual Walk of Witness. Together we will walk through the town centre, pausing to reflect on the meaning of the cross and to pray for our community. It is a simple but powerful public expression of faith – a reminder that Easter hope is not confined to church buildings but is good news for all.

Whether you are a regular churchgoer, someone with questions, or simply curious, you are warmly invited to join us. Come and walk. Come and reflect. Come and rediscover the heart of Easter.

In a world that often feels uncertain and fragile, Easter declares a greater reality: light overcomes darkness, love triumphs over hate, and life conquers death. This is the hope our town needs – the living hope that can only be found in the resurrected Jesus.

Easter services in Littlehampton:-

Good Friday Ecumenical Walk of Witness: 11am meet at St Mary’s Church, Church Street, then walking through the High Street to Trinity Church for a short Service.

All Saints, Wick and St Mary Magdalene, Lyminster: Maundy Thursday, April 2, 6.30pm, at All Saints, Passover Communion Meal – prepaid tickets only, book online; Good Friday, 2.30pm, Hour at The Cross at St Mary Magdalene; Easter Sunday, 6.15am Sunrise Service at East Beach, 10.30am Easter Celebration with Holy Communion at Wick Hall.

Arun Church: Good Friday, 6pm, Reflective Worship at The Wickbourne Centre; Easter Sunday, 10.30am, Celebration at The Littlehampton Academy (Hill Road entrance).

Littlehampton Baptist Church (Fitzalan Road): Maundy Thursday, April 2, 7pm, Reflective Communion Service; Easter Sunday, 10.30am, All Age Easter Celebration.

Parkside Evangelical Church (St Flora’s Road): Maundy Thursday, April 2, 6.30pm Communion Service; Good Friday Service, 2.30pm; Easter Sunday services, 10.30am and 6.30pm

St Catherine’s Catholic Church (Beach Road): Maundy Thursday, April 2, 7pm, Mass of the Lord’s Supper; Good Friday, 3pm, Solemn Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion; Saturday, April 3, 8.30pm, Easter Vigil & First Mass of Easter; Easter Sunday Mass, 9am at St Joseph’s, Rustington, 11am at St Catherine’s.

St Mary’s Church (Church Street): Maundy Thursday, April 2, 7pm, Mass of the Lord’s Supper; Good Friday, 3pm, Celebration of the Lord’s Passion; Saturday, April 3, 8pm, Easter Vigil; Easter Sunday 10 Sung Mass