Easter 2026 - The URC in Huddersfield

Lent

Lent 2026
Hello Friends,
The focus of this year’s Lent across the pastorate churches of Moldgreen and
Waverley URC is looking at the theme of Jesus as Loving teacher and the
Gospel Writings of Freedom. Please see the following worship service and
readings which we have been exploring;
1) Reading: Matthew 4 v 1-11 / Theme is ‘Teaching the Devil a thing or two’
2) Reading: John 3 v 1-17/ Theme is ‘Teaching Nicodemus, teacher to
teacher’
3) Reading: John 4 v 5-42 / Theme is ‘The Teaching Well’
4) Reading: 1 Samuel 1 Chapter & 1 Samuel 2 v 1-11 / Theme is ‘Writings of
Freedom – The Praying and Waiting Mother’
5) Reading: John 11 v 1-45 / Theme is ‘Jesus teaches his friends about
death, grief and life’.
6) Reading: Matthew 21 v 1-11 / Theme is ‘Freedom ride and expression’

Have a read through the scriptures above and see if you can pick out areas on
which the themes cover, I encourage you to reflect on the journey of lent and
what Jesus is teaching you in your faith today.
If you would like to explore Lent in a different medium – we have just the thing
for you. We have looked at our theme using a film to aid us in all sorts of
discussions.
Lent through Film: The film chosen is ‘Freedom Writers’ cert 12.
It is a film based on a real-life event that happened in American in the 1990s. A
classroom of students who find it hard to learn and navigate life are given a
new teacher who gives them the one thing they need the most: a voice. It is a
story about power of freedom, unity, struggle, transformation and a teacher
who makes time to see and understand those in front of her.
This film can be found on streaming platform and also on DVD.
We have put together a series of questions for you to look at, follow or spark
reflection on the following theme;

Role of the Loving Teacher
 Who was your favorite teacher at school? Why?
 Who was your least favorite teacher at school? Why?
 Some of you here are teachers – what is it like to be a teacher?
Central Role of ERIN
 What is Erin like as a teacher?
 What are her good qualities?
 What is the power dynamic with the students?
 What is her classroom like?
 What are her responsibilities?
 What are her sacrifices, drives, insecurities?
 What are her mistakes? What criticisms does she take in the film
and how does she react?
 What are the crossovers between Erin and Jesus?

Roles of Margaret/Brian
 What is their advice
 What are they dealing with?
 What are their passions for teaching?
 What are their thoughts on what a school, role of teacher and
classrooms should be?
 What are the crossovers between Jesus and Other Teachers?

Wider Questions:
How does Jesus approach teaching different/hostile/hurt people in the Bible?
How do we show, give or act in ways of Respect?
What do we think about teachers as being ‘blessed with a burden’?
How does this connect with disciples, sharing the good news?
Do we believe that teaching can transform ‘Toast for Change?’
How does Lent, Easter period toast for change to our faith as we are
transformed by Jesus?

Prayer
Lord, we thank you for all those who have taught us, all those who are
teachers in and outside of the churches and all those who are learning to trust
God and the Gospel. Fill us up and guide us with the Holy Spirit. Amen

Next Week, we shall add on questions for the theme ‘Voices of Freedom’.
Many Blessings,
Rev Sarah Fitton

Easter Words

Easter and Holy Week is nearly here and I wish you further time of meditation,
reflection, worship and joy. The week before Easter, a mediation pack for
everyday in Holy week, will be circulated to the churches and uploaded here.
Keep your eyes peeled for this!
Build your life around God’s teachings. Build your life around those that share
and need extra love, service and faith at this time. Build your life that you may
speak from truth, beauty and wisdom.
I leave you with this encouragement – Share the message of Easter, that Jesus
in his death, and resurrection taught us what it is to truly be alive! Now and
forever!
Join with me in saying on Easter Sunday
Christ is Risen!
He is risen indeed!
Alleluia
Amen
Rev Sarah Fitton

Palm Sunday.

This event is celebrated each year by Christians on Palm Sunday. According to the gospels, Jesus arrived in Jerusalem to celebrate Passover, entering the city riding a donkey. He was greeted by a crowd acclaiming him by waving palm branches and laying cloaks on the ground to honour him.

Palm Sunday Services Sunday 29 March At Moldgreen

Maundy Thursday Service.

7.00pm on 2nd April at the Salvation Army, New Hey Road.

This is the Thursday before Easter where Jesus shared a final meal with
his friends and taught them how to serve and help other.

Good Friday Service
3.00pm on 3rd April at Castle Hill

This day is where we gather to remember the death of Jesus upon the cross.

Easter Breakfast Easter Sunday Service 11.00am on 5th April at Focal Centre, New Hey Road

This is the greatest day in history, it is the day we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus rising from the tomb, filling us with joy and Good News, bringing us to new life.