28th March 2024
Easter is a special time within the Christian faith and community. Thame Town Council caught up with Anthony Taylor, Pastor of Grace Church in Thame to see what Easter means to him.
I have been a Christian (a serious follower of Jesus) for just over thirty years and the pastor of Grace Church Thame for the last sixteen.
When I think about what Easter means to me, my first thought, and the shortest answer is, everything!
Easter means everything to me.
The longer answer is that for the last thirty-plus years, my whole life has been, and continues to be, defined by what we celebrate at Easter. I'm not talking about chocolate eggs and bunnies; they are all good. I'm not even talking about being a church pastor. No, I'm talking about my whole life being defined by an event that took place more than 2000 years ago when a man was killed on a cross for claiming to be God. Not only that, his followers claimed (and still do today) that this man, Jesus, came back to life three days later and is still alive today living in and through his followers.
For many, this might sound like pure fantasy, something akin to the Lord of the Rings, but from the moment I believed Jesus rose from the dead, I began to experience Jesus' life within me every day. It literally changed my life. I wouldn't say I was a particularly bad person before, but I started to change anyway. I became kinder, more patient, more honest, and more caring. And the amazing thing is I'm not alone in this. Countless others have, and continue to have, similar experiences today.
I'd like to encourage you to take some time to find out what all the fuss is about. Join us on Easter Sunday or any other Sunday to explore the new life that Jesus brings. At worst, nothing much changes for you; at best, it could literally change your life forever!
At Grace Church Thame, we aim to give space for anyone, whatever their background, to explore what Easter means for them. There's no pressure, and we welcome discussion.
Alternatively, check out one of the other local churches in Thame; they're all great churches full of ordinary people who have been transformed by an extraordinary God.
This Easter Sunday, Grace Church Thame will be meeting in the Upper Chamber at the Town Hall from 10.30am - 12pm.
Whatever stage you are at in your faith journey. Find out more at www.gracechurchthame.org.uk
