An Easter Message From Bishop Nick

In one of the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life and ministry, the Apostle John writes of the experience of those first disciples on the day that we now call Easter Day. He says: ‘When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house were locked for fear… Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you”. After he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you!’

Our experience this Easter will be unlike any other that we have ever experienced. Our community is on lock down and there are reports of some amongst us who are suffering the effects of the COVID 19 virus; some who are grieving the loss of loved ones. This is on top of the normal health and other struggles people face. Our Churches remain closed; many will not be able to provide or afford a special Easter meal and the normal patterns of Kite Flying parties and other social gatherings has been lost to us for this season.

But we should take this moment to remember that what we have enjoyed and taken for granted was not the experience of our forebearers, nor is it the experience of many around the world, for whom being a Christian comes with a health warning of persecution and trouble, especially at Easter. Moreover, there are many in our world and in our community for whom being shut in is not a momentary thing but a daily lived experience.

To those early disciples and to those facing persecution for their faith around the world – Easter is still the most wonderful reminder of the love and presence of God – behind locked doors – in our very hearts. Jesus, our Saviour died, yes – but he was raised from the dead – a fact of history – and is present and powerful to help, to heal, to comfort and to give hope. We are reminded in the familiar passages of scripture of these things. He came and stood in their midst and spoke the same words he had said to him when they were anticipating his death just a few days before – ‘Peace be with you, set your troubled hearts at rest.'

I don’t know what your heart is doing at this time? Is it filled with fear and anxiety- if so, hear Jesus’ words to you? But he also said to his disciples ‘as the Father has sent me, so I send you’. Each of us has a purpose in these days, the purpose of being ‘sent’ to those around us – reaching out to neighbours, friends, even our own family under the same roof. Being together in our various confined spaces may not always be easy or, indeed, feel safe – so hear Jesus’ word to you and also look out for how you can bring hope, healing and love to those closest to you.

We are a very resilient people – but we are also weak and vulnerable – it is good to acknowledge both and to seek help, where needed. May you find peace, hope and love during this Easter tide. Know, that if it is needed there is forgiveness and the possibility of starting again with God and one another – such is the effect of the cross. May the prospect of resurrection give you hope to look forward to a new day when we can rise up and go out and greet each other in the flesh. But until that day, my wife, family and I wish you all a truly blessed and peaceful Easter.

COVID - 19 Update

In the light of further developments in Bermuda with respect to the confirmed presence of the COVID 19 corona virus in our midst I am asking all Anglican Churches to suspend the normal practice of public Sunday worship and to seek different ways of uniting in worship and prayer. This is for a temporary period as we await the unfolding of this chapter in our history and support the efforts of the Bermuda Government and our health professionals to contain the spread of this virus. We will continue to uphold the protocols established for us – and I would wish to remind you all to follow their advice on www.gov.bm. When we have a hurricane approaching, we say ‘stay at home, keep safe and look out for your neighbors.’ Consider this period in the same light.

I want to remind you again of our dependence upon our loving heavenly father and the future that He holds. His love can drive out fear. When he calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee he said ‘Peace, be still’. Wherever we are, we are always able to call upon God in prayer and to show acts of kindness. We may not be able to touch physically, but can certainly touch others by our calls, prayers and generous giving, especially to the vulnerable.

During this difficult period, we remain the church – and although how we do church may change for a time, we have great opportunities to serve God in new ways. Our life will not be categorized by meetings in large gatherings but by prayers and service. In this way we present light and hope to those who are living in isolation and fear.

We will be live streaming via The Anglican Church of Bermuda – Episcopal Facebook page. (https://www.facebook.com/anglicanbda/). This will enable the people of God and anyone and everyone who looks to God for support and meaning in this time of crisis to participate in the life of worship at home. All normal services will resume upon receipt of further guidance from the Bermuda Government and the public will be updated accordingly.

We encourage you to hold on to one of God’s promises found in Psalms 46 - “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the seas […] Later he says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” And also, remember the invitation of 1 Peter 5:7 to “Cast all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.”

On behalf of The Anglican Church of Bermuda, I wish you inner peace and good health and safety during this unprecedented time in our history.

Yours sincerely, 

The Right Revd. Nicholas B. B. Dill

Bishop of Bermuda