"Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia!"

John and Dawn renew their vows after 40 years of marriage, watched by Charles.

John and Dawn Bowman are quiet servants of the Lord. They do not like the limelight and they seriously do not like getting taken by surprise. But the Rev Charles Sangster, who graced us with his presence in the pulpit on Easter Sunday, managed to score on all counts to the delight of the more than 120 members of the congregation in the pews.

John and Dawn, who were married at St Mark's, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with us on Easter Sunday, as we declared as one, "Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia!"

Charles called them forward and had them repeat their wedding vows watched by their daughter Jenny and their son Andrew, who had flown up from Cape Town. It was an emotion packed few minutes, which it did not end there. The Bowmans  paid for the flowers in the church, which Sophia Williamson and Marianne van Heerden had great fun in choosing at the Flower Market last Thursday. Sophia had then put her artistic skills to work, to craft a magnificent arrangement.

Another not fond of the limelight is Sophia Williamson ... but behind that palm frond is a familiar face

Then surprise number two. The arrangement was broken up into eight smaller arrangements. These were presented to surprised worshippers, among them Merle Nichols, and Solomon for Perpetue and David. The joy was spread to every corner of the church.

And our congregation can give itself a pat on the back on the back as well. Charles initially announced that we were six eggs short of the magic 100 dozen eggs that St Mark's usually gives to selected charities each Easter..

Then Irvine Florence, who was on door duty, came trotting up with another 1 1/2 dozens eggs and would you believe he had to make a third trip with more fresh eggs. So it was 102 dozen eggs, with change, that will be distributed to the needy shortly. The WA pantry also benefited  from the bounty on the day with the congregation giving generously to the pantry after Sophia's pep talk to all of us a week ago.

Sharai and Marianne about to get down to buttering the hot cross buns on Sunday

And let's not forget the hot cross buns. Sharai Simango and Marianne and the team had buttered furiously to get them ready for tea before the service. This was yet another treat in a neighbourhood where treats are few. We can truly say:"Christ the Lord is risen today. Alleluia!"

Other tidbits:
Peggy Hawkridge celebrates her 80th birthday on Thursday, while Helene Huvers, who attended the Sunrise Communion Service on Sunday, celebrated her birthday on Easter Sunday, but nipped out before the well wishers arrived. Nevertheless happy birthday Helene and Peggy.

NOTE: You can view a slideshow of all the pictures, but clicking on the thumbnail picture lower this this web site on the right hand side.

The St Mark's Editorial team.