Banners and Bells on Easter morning

Gloria Dei joined Anglican and Lutheran churches across Canada on Easter morning at 9AM as we rang our church bells -- making a joyful noise to announce that Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed, Alleluia!

The children at the church have a tradition to bury the Alleluia at the end of the service on the Feast of Transfiguration, the last Sunday before Lent. There is much joy and laughter to dig it up on Easter morning and then process into the Sanctuary with the banner held high with loud shouts and singing. So ... although we could not be together for this meaningful ritual, I wanted them to participate somehow, even if only vicariously. 

Ringing the courtyard bell gave me a concrete way to witness to the Risen Christ who walks among us, even in a time of pandemic. Doing it together with my puppet friend, made it even more fun. I look forward to the day when we can all gather once again in the church courtyard and shout out our Alleluias together.

Wishing joy and laughter to all who watch and say their own "No!" to death, and darkness and despair. 

Pastor Vida