A special Easter service

A special Easter service for adults with learning difficulties and other special needs was held at St Egwin’s Church earlier this week.  Led by Associate Priest, Caroline Green, it told the story of Easter from the entry to Jerusalem to the appearance to the disciples after resurrection.

Those who attended are all members of Freedom Day Centre in South Littleton, just outside of Evesham. The day centre aims to help their service users to gain new skills, grow in independence and become more involved in the community. A group from the centre have attended services at the church regularly over the last couple of years.

Caroline said: “In 2023, Director and Founder of the Centre, Tracey Hemming, contacted me to ask if it would be possible to have a Christmas service delivered in a way that was inclusive for the service users. I was happy to oblige as my youngest son, now 43 was benefiting from their support two days a week. After we had a toilet installed in church in 2024, a group started coming to us for services. Alongside Easter and Christmas services, we have also hosted them for Remembrance.”

The format of the service is kept relatively simple so that it can be followed by people with wide-ranging ability levels. Questions are incorporated to interact with those present and well-known hymns and celebration children’s songs are included.

A Remembrance service was added to because staff members became aware that became aware that although the day centre users knew about the day and the TV coverage etc, they didn’t fully understand the meaning or history behind it.

Caroline continued: “Jesus wanted to include those who were marginalised, support children, care for those who are vulnerable. This ministry serves those who often show the unconditional love we could all learn from.”