Easter Bunny and Easter Egg Hunts

From the goddess with the hare's head, or hare companion, Eostre, hares and rabbits were associated with enviable prolific procreation as part of the worship of all things spring-time and fertile. The Easter Bunny is a hare/rabbit spirit that lays eggs in the grass, leading to the tradition of Easter egg hunts!! This concept has not had a Christian make-over!

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Easter Eggs

The Babylonian spring goddess Astarte is said to have fallen from heaven in an egg. It was thought that all life came from an egg, and so they were a symbol of the re-birth of spring. Read more about Easter Eggs. As Britain was converted to Christianity, Easter eggs were given a mental Christian make-over, to change them from representing fertility to representing the stone that was rolled away from the tomb where the body of Jesus was laid or the empty tomb if it was a hollow egg!

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

The Cross

The cross, or crucifix, is a Christian symbol of Easter time. Though the name from the earlier pre-Christian spring festival stuck, Easter Sunday is celebrated by Christians as the anniversary of the resurrection (coming back to life) of Jesus Christ, who three days earlier had been crucified (put to death on a cross). The cross is a symbol of Jesus Christ, his conquering of sin and death, and his love for us. Read more about Jesus

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Easter Traditions

Easter - Where did the name come from?

Many pagan cultures celebrated at this time of year to welcome the return of spring and the new plant life that grew and the animals that were born. The pagans worshipped gods of fertility and new life, such as the Druidic Ishtar, Egyptian Osiris, Babylonian Astarte (who sprung from an egg which fell from heaven), and the Saxon goddess of dawn called Eostre (often seen accompanied by a hare, or with a hare's head), from which we get the name "Easter".

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

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richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

We will also pray for the various outreaches that we, as a church, are currently involved in, and for direction in our own lives. We continue as the Holy Spirit leads, usually ending with a short Bible study, but if the need arises, we continue to minister as the Holy Spirit has directed us. The meeting finishes at approx 10pm.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

This will form the theme for the evening. The meeting is now open to all and sundry! Everyone is free to comment on what this word is saying to them and express their particular requests for prayer, etc. When everyone who wishes has had thier say, we will move as the Holy Spirit leads into a time of prayer and worship, praising and praying for the issues that may have come to light during our discussion.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

We need to be equipped to pass on our faith! The Care Group is exactly what it says: a place where we can care, pray, learn and encourage each other in the use of the gifts that God has bestowed upon us, without any fear that we may "get it wrong" sometimes, building our lives on the Bible and particularly the teachings of Jesus. The evening begins, as in all Care Groups, with tea, coffee, biscuits or cake, and chat. After this time (between 20-30 mins) Len or another member of the group will read a verse or passage of Scripture that has been given them and has focused their thoughts at some point.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Len & Barabara's group (North Bournemouth): The aim of our group is to develop along the lines of Paul's directions to Timothy: "The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men (and women) who will be qualified to teach others." (2Timothy 2:2) and "prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up" (Ephesians 4: 12). In other words, to go and make disciples!

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

During this short interval in the evening, when we also enjoy a delicious buffet, we give a small "taster" of the Christian life in a light-hearted manner. So far we have enjoyed two entertaining skittles evenings and one fun quiz evening which have all been very well received. We eagerly await our next event where we have the privilege of showing God's love to others.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Ash Wednesday - 46 days before Easter Sunday

On Ash Wednesday many traditional churches have an 'Ashing service' where Ash made from the previous year's palms are sprinkled with holy water and fumigated with incense and symbolically placed on the forehead in the sign of a cross, signifying penance. It is also a reminder of our own mortality: Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, and of a time when people repented with ashes and wearing sackcloth.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras (French for "Fat Tuesday") / "Pancake Day" - 47 days before Easter Sunday

This is the last day before Lent. "Shrove" means to 'have heard confession, assigned penance and absolved'. From the Middle Ages until the late Renaissance, eating all animal products except fish (which were considered bloodless) was forbidden during Lent. In more modern times the Lenten fast was confined to Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent, and abstinence from meat did not include other animal products (eggs, milk and cheese, for example). Therefore on Shrove Tuesday people made pancakes to use up their supplies of eggs, milk, butter and other fats. These cakes were made in flat pans (hence pancakes) and were seen as a sign of self-indulgence before the fast!

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Colin & Pauline's group (Boscombe) aim is to "grow in the knowledge of God" as we study His word, share our experiences and pray and worship together in a very relaxed and informal atmosphere. A sense of humour, having fun and a liking for biscuits would describe us quite well! But we are serious about caring for each other. We also have a strong desire to spread the "good news" to others and to this end we have social evenings from time to time on a Friday at an outside venue at which we introduce for a few minutes a little "food for thought".

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

We have 2 BSL (British Sign Language for the deaf) signers in our group who interpret for our deaf members. And we like to have an excuse to celebrate meals together in one or another of the local restaurant (anyone for an Indian?).

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Encouragement is a key element of this group, encouraging one another in our relationship with the Father, and with each other. Also encouraging one another to tell people about Jesus through our actions and words. We ususally then move into prayer, followed by discussion time revolving round a Bible passage or theme. We have just finished going through a course, 'Life in a New Dimension" by Selwyn Hughes, which took us about 18 months to complete, at the rate of a page a night as everybody had so much to contribute!

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Geof and Jan's Care group (Boscombe East) starts with tea, coffee & biscuits (or cake if it's someone's birthday!), and then about half an hour into the evening Geof begins by asking everyone if they have anything encouraging to say about the past week - anything that has happened to them or somebody they have met, or something they have heard about through the media, etc.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

During the time together we pray for each other and share the ways in which God has been shaping our lives. there's always a time of teaching and discussion centred upon the Bible which gives an opportunity to ask important and challenging questions as we grapple with growing in the love of God and serving one another. We also enjoy celebrating particular family events and additional social activities such as barbeques.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Dave & Hae Sook's group (Littledown) is wonderfully diverse in both age and background. We always begin our evening with tea, coffee and cake, and an opportunity to unwind after a busy day.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

If you would like to come along, speak to one of the leaders on Sunday, or telephone 01202 399448 or email us.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Care Groups

Church members meet on Tuesdays at 8pm in four different Care Groups for fellowship, prayer and Bible study... and tea and biscuits, of course! On the first Tuesday of each month all the Care Groups meet together at the church.The main aim of these groups is to encourage one another to grow in our faith and to look at ways in which to support each other in our daily lives.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Friday evening;

Saturday evening

International students at college or uni. are welcome to come to the 18 to 30s / UK Student Group.

please email us for more information

Back to 18 to 30s / UK Students Page

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Tuesday evening as a different type of Care Group;

Wednesday morning coffee;

Wednesday afternoon;

Thursday morning coffee;

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

When the 18 to 30s / Student Group could meet:

Sundays - straight after Morning Worship have lunch together and have an afternoon session;

Sundays - later in the afternoon;

Sundays after Prayer Meeting, so from 8pm;

Tuesday morning coffee;

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Where the 18 to 30s / Student Group could meet:

We can meet at the church itself in Boscombe;

Or at Mark’s flat in Talbot Village next to the Uni

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

Provide a space where it’s safe to ask questions or voice doubts;

Get involved in creative ministries: drama - dance - puppets (yes, really!) - whatever inspires you;

Socialise! - pizza and dvd night - go ten pin bowling - BBQ on the beach - Sunday
lunch together - pop to the pub

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.

What the 18 to 30s / Student Group could do:

Bible studies that leave you feeling the Bible is interesting and relevant;

Prayer for yourself, others and wider situations in plain English;

Prepare for outreach;

Student Alpha;

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK.