Christmas: How It All Started, part 6

The 25th of December was announced as the official date for Christmas by Julius 1st who was pope from 337 to 352AD. It was a blatant attempt to replace various forms of winter pagan worship with something Christian-centred and was observed by the "Western" churches in Italy, France, Spain and Britain. However, the "Eastern" churches in Greece, Turkey, Israel and Egypt were being run from Constantinople (modern day Istanbul), not Rome, and chose their own date -the 6th of January- to be Christmas Day. By the beginning of the 5th century East and West had coordinated their practise, holding the 25th of December as the date of the birth of Christ and the 6th of January as the anniversary of the visit of the wise men, or Magi (also known as "Epiphany", the revealing of Jesus to the non-Jews). A difference arose again in the 18th century when the West adopted the Gregorian calendar, which led to an adjustment of 12 days, while the East retained the old calendar.

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

Christmas: How It All Started, part 5

So why the 25th of December?

Few, if any, early Christian celebrated the birthday of Jesus. There was no precedent for celebrating birthdays in Judaism or Christianity. None of the birth dates of any of the important figures in the Bible are known -not Adam, or Soloman, or Moses. Only two birthdays are mentioned in the Bible, those of Pharoah (Genesis 40:16-22) and King Herod (Matthew 14:6-10 and Mark 6:21-27) and celebrating birthdays was considered to have pagan overtones. Those who did commemorate his birth (not knowing when it actually was) chose to do so in spring as it is the time associated with new life. Though the evidence is very sketchy, for some reason tradition holds that Christ's birthday has been celebrated since 98AD and in 137AD the Pope (possibly Pope Hyginus) ordered that Christ's birthday should be celebrated as a solemn feast. Solemn, as in, reverent and respectful, not just an excuse for a party.

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

Christmas: How It All Started, part 4

Astronomy records offer possible explanations for the "star" the Magi followed including: when Jupiter (the King's planet) encountered Saturn (the shield of Palestine) in Pisces (ephocal events) and was then joined by Mars in February 6BC; a comet that appeared near the constellation Capricorn in March and April 5BC; and a tailess comet (which was possibly a nova) that appeared in constellation Aquila during March and April 4BC.


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

Christmas: How it All Started, part 3

When Did the Magi (Wise Men) Visit?

The Magi were priests and astrologers and high ranking Persian officials, and their understanding of the importance of the birth of Jesus may have been because they were descendants of the ten tribes of Israel that were taken into exile in 722BC and never re-grouped. The Bible doesn't say anywhere that there were "three wise men"! This is an assumption based on the bringing of the three gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, but the delegation of Magi could have consisted of at least ten or twelve men, representing the various tribes of Israel, and an armed guard. Their journey from Persia to Jerusalem, to Bethlehem, and eventually to Jesus could have taken months. The story of the Magi's visit to Jesus is told in chapter two of Matthew's gospel. It says the Magi visited the "young child" Jesus at a "house", and that based on the information the Magi gave, King Herod ordered the murder of all boys in the Bethlehem area who were "two years old and under". Therefore, it is possible that actually the Magi visited Jesus up to two years after he was born, and did not see him when he was the baby in the manger (see www.ensignmessage.com/archives/moreaboutmagi.html )

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

Christmas: How it all Started, part 2

What Month?

Cold rains and occasional snow are common in Judea in the winter months of December to February, and it is very cold at night. The fact that Mary and Joseph were journeying to sign the census and that shepherds were tending their flocks out on the open hillside suggests September or October, as it was not practical to ask people to travel for a census in winter when the roads were wet and muddy -there is evidence of an earlier census being held at the same time as The Feast of Tabernacles- and sheep were not kept out in the open in winter either. It has also been suggested (see www.wildolive.co.uk) that September/October fits in with the timing of John the Baptist's conception and birth according to the date of his father's duty at the temple (as a member of the eighth division he would have served around June) and Mary's visit to John's mother, Elizabeth (see chapter one of Luke's gospel). Another possibility is that Jesus was born in March or April, but this idea is based largely on the astronomical evidence and the assumption that the Magi or "wise men" visited Jesus as soon as he was born, which is debatable, and some guess work that as the Jewish festival of Passover was held in April and many families would have come together to celebrate, this would have been an excellent time for a census (but see comment on census above).



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

Christmas: How It All Started

The easy answer is that Christmas Day is when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. The complicated answer is that Jesus wasn't actually born on the 25th of December, or in the year 1AD, and that most of the traditions of Christmas had very little to do with Jesus!
So let's start with the complicated origins of Christmas!

The Bible doesn't specifically say WHEN Jesus was born, but there is evidence to suggest it is likely to have been in September or October sometime between 7 and 4BC.



What Year?

It was over 500 years after the birth of Jesus that a monk called Dionysius Exiguus introduced a new way of numbering years, according to whether they were "before Christ" or "Anno Domini", meaning "in the year of the Lord", and another 200 years after that before another monk, called Bede, made it a popular way of recording a date. There were also discrepancies between when one year was considered to have ended and another begun; the 46BC Julian calendar and the 1582AD Gregorian calendar were attempts to resolve these differences and set a standard number of days per year, but with these complications you can imagine how a few years might get "lost" in the calculations, which explains why Jesus' birth is now reckoned to have been between the years 7 and 4 "Before Christ"!! It would be helpful if we could find a date in historical records for the census that led to Mary and Joseph going to Bethlehem, but although this is estimated to have begun in 7BC, back then a census could take years to complete, so more vagueness! However, the date range 7-4BC does fits in with the reign of King Herod (remember his role in the Christmas story? - he's the bad guy), who died in 4BC.


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

History of Christmas, part 4

The nativity play was invented to teach people about the birth of Jesus in an entertaining and easy to understand way and really helped with the Christianisation of the 25th December. Displacing the winter songs that were traditionally sung in public with carols telling stories with Christian Christmas themes was also effective in spreading the message of Jesus, especially after Francis of Assissi had some translated out of Latin into languages spoken by the average person!


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

History of Christmas, part 3

The 25th of December was chosen because that was the day, on or near the winter solstice, that all ancient religions celebrated the births of their various sun gods. These festivals included the use of incense, candles and decorating buildings with evergreens, gift giving, feasting and drinking. The church wanted to Christianise these practises, either to cover-over the fact that pagan religions were still out-stripping Christianity in popularity, or as a genuine attempt to win people over to Jesus.

The name "Christmas", taken from the Latin for "Mass of Christ", wasn't used in Britain until around 1043AD. As Christmas began to rival Easter as the most important Christian festival an extended period of preparation was added to the church calendar called "Advent" (taken from the Latin for "arrival").


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

History of Christmas, part 2

It is not known when exactly Jesus was born - not the day, or the month, or even the year! There have been several big changes made to how dates were recorded throughout history, and as a result of these confusions we now calculate that Jesus was born sometime between 7 and 4 BC ("before Christ"!). Also, we know that it is very unlikely Jesus was born in December because in the story of his birth given in the Bible it talks about sheep out on the open hillside and Mary and Joseph travelling to sign a census, things that would not take place in the wet and cold Judean winter months.


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

History of Christmas part 1

Logically, it would make sense if Christmas had existed since the birth of Jesus, or at least since the resurrection of Jesus and the founding of the early Christian church. But, oh no! That would be far too easy! The first Christians didn't celebrate the birthday of Jesus; birthdays weren't considered a big deal in Jewish or early Christian culture. It was over one hundred years after the birth of Jesus that the church first suggested a solemn, respectful feast should be observed in honour of Jesus' birthday, and not until Julius 1st -who was pope from 337 to 352AD- that the date of 25th December was set for this "Feast of the Nativity".


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

History of Halloween

The date was chosen on purpose to rival Samhain and involved similar traditions, including dressing up as a saint, an angel or a devil and joining a parade, with the aim of weaning people off of the pagan festival. By the 9th century, Samhain traditions were still going strong, so the church tried to take-over the evening of the 31st of October itself by making it another feast day, "All Hallows Even" (evening) and this and Samhain (remember, it's pronounced something like "sow-een") merged to become "Halloween". Because of it's Celtic history it is only popular in the UK, and the USA and Canada, taken there by the Irish who emigrated to America in their tens of thousands after the 1845 potato famine.



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

History of Halloween

People tried to protect themselves from attack by disguising themselves as witches, devils and ghosts, and carved grotesque faces in things like pumpkins, which they kept illuminated by candlelight, to ward off evil spirits. They also left out treats, like cakes, as a peace offering. When the Romans came to Britain (successfully in 43AD after failed attempts in 55BC and 54BC) they added the traditions of their own harvest festival, "Pomona", to Samhain, such as bobbing for apples in water barrels and putting nuts in the fire to watch where they jump to.

Meanwhile, after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in 30AD, the "new" controversial religion, Christianity, spread to Asia Minor, Greece and to Rome, and so through the Roman Empire, largely as a result of persecuted Christians having to flee Jerusalem. As Christians were killed for preaching about Jesus and standing up for their beliefs, those surviving chose to commemorate the death of these martyrs or saints by celebrating "martyrs days" or "saints days". These were usually local festivals, though the martyrdom of some of the apostles were more widely celebrated. Pope Gregory III (731-741AD) decided to have one day a year in the church calendar to celebrate all the martyrs or saints, instead of lots of different regional saint's days, and this was set as the 1st of November, and known as the "Feast of All Saints" or "All Saint's Day" or "All Hallows Day" ("hallow" is an old English word for saint or holy person).



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

What is Halloween?

Halloween was originally called "Samhain" -a Gaelic word pronounced "sow-in" (in Ireland), or "sow-een" (in Wales), or "sav-en" (in Scotland) - meaning "summer's end." The Celtic culture had established itself throughout the British Isles from approx. 600 BC to 50 AD, and Samhain was an ancient Celtic type of harvest festival, marking the beginning of winter and the first day of the Celtic new year, celebrated on the evening of the 31st of October. The Druids (Celtic priests) also believed that on this day (exactly between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice) the barriers between the human and supernatural worlds were broken, allowing demons, witches and lost souls to harass the living and play tricks on them.

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

October 2011 Events at Richmond Park Church

What’s Happening This Month

Bible conference at RPC - 8-9th October - Speaker Rev Sandy McMeekin.
Saturday 8th— Starting at 7.30pm
Sunday 9th– Both morning and evening services at our normal times.
(In order to make it easier for us to attend this special weekend we have cancelled the Care group meeting.)

‘No ticket needed’- Hosted at the Wessex Christian Centre. The Kings Chamber Orchestra on Friday 7th Oct & Pilgrims Progress by the Saltmine Theatre Company on 14th Oct. For further details and too reserve your free place please see the notice board.

‘How Great is our God’- Sunday AM 30th October - A DVD by Louie Giglio focusing on the greatness of God and his love for human kind. This is a guest service, so please invite your friends.

Halloween Alternative– 31 October– We are planning to have a little something for the children on this night. Details to follow.

Thank you!- Sylvia would like to thank everyone who has bought cards from her box. £50 has been sent to Open Doors. Keep buying!

Clocks go back one hour! - Sunday 30th October.


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

Parents & Toddlers

We warmly invite you to our Parents & Toddlers morning, "Step By Step", Tuesdays term time from 9.30 to 11.30am.This is a great time to come together in a secure, relaxed and informal atmosphere where parents and carers can unwind as their children enjoy playing with toys, creating different things, sliding down the slide, singing and learning to relate to one another at a young age.

We are aware that during our get-togethers lasting relationships have been formed among the parents and the children are often asking them when the next "toy time at that church" is!

We follow normal child protection guidelines and all staff are CRB checked.



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

September Events

Monday 19th September:

Fund raising fashion show for Hope FM and Hope HIV at St Leonards & St Ives Village Hall from 7pm (see notice board for more information).


Wednesday 21st September:

Teen Challenge concert at Boscombe Salvation Army starts 7.30pm (free entrance), everyone welcome.


Sunday 25th September:

10.30am Harvest Family service and 5pm Harvest Supper sit down meal, hymns and drama.


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

Pastor's Corner September 2011

So as the Harvest season draws near, spend some time thinking upon God’s goodness and provision to you in every aspect, then allow that spirit of thankfulness and praise to well up within your hearts. Allow that to overflow and affect the lives of those around you; those in church and those outside too and be amazed at the difference it makes in your life, as well as theirs. Let’s not forget, thankful people tend to be happier (and more contented) people.

A little exercise to help towards a thankful heart. Take a look at the different Bible passages using the word thank or thanks and note the different reasons, meditate on them and allow them to encourage you.

By the way; thanks for reading this.
God Bless Martin


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

Pastor's Corner Sept 2011

Thankfulness seems to be rapidly vanishing from our society; with selfishness and greed seemingly predominating. There is a preoccupation with our rights and entitlements, which has all but stamped out any feelings of gratitude and appreciation. This can be seen in the homes, work place and society at large. We need to guard against it in the church, in our relationships with each other but supremely in our relationship with the Lord.

As a gauge of our thankfulness, let’s ask ourselves the question, when was the last time we said ‘thank you’ to someone or to the Lord? And perhaps how many times have we said ‘thank you’ this past month? Saying thank you is so important and so encouraging. It says that you care about that person, appreciate what they have done and that you are not taking them for granted. It says a lot about the person saying thank you too!


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

Pastor's Corner September 2011

Pastor’s Corner

How many of us can still hear our parents saying, ‘what do you say?’ Or can hear ourselves,
perhaps even quite recently, saying it to our children or grandchildren? Of course, it is the
question asked to evoke the response; ‘thank you,’ to some kind deed or gift. It is a
question we pose to our children from time to time, though I must admit they are
getting much better and tend to need less prompting nowadays.

Later on in the month we are going to be celebrating Harvest here in the church. We, like
many churches, will be using it as an evangelistic opportunity, as we do with Christmas and
Easter. However, again similar to Christmas and Easter, we need to guard against us viewing
it only in an evangelistic light. It is a time for us above any other to be thankful, as we
reflect upon God’s provision for us, our families and our church, both on a material and
spiritual level.


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

International Student Meal Evening

Our main activity for students is our International Student Meal Evening (ISME), held every other Thursday at 6pm, to which you are warmly invited. The evening includes food, a short English language session, a time of worship and short message about the Christian faith.



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

International Student Meal Evening

Next meeting
Thursday 25th August at 6pm.

As Bournemouth is a centre for language schools we have the privilege of meeting students from all over the world, and because of this we are happy to provide opportunities for friendship and language learning. It is our great joy to have welcomed many, many international students to the church.

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

Sunday Evening Prayer Meeting at Richmond Park Church

As well as our Sunday morning service, we meet to pray Sunday evenings in the church at 6.30pm. You don't need to be in a church or with a group of people to pray; praying is just talking to God and you can do it walking along the street, doing the housework, while fetching a coffee from the vending machine in the office... but sometimes it's really good to get together and have other people back-up your prayers.



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

Morning Worship at Richmond Park Church

Then someone from the leadership team, or sometimes a guest speaker from another church, will spend 30 minutes teaching us about what the Bible says and how that applies to our lives today. We mainly use the New International (NIV) Version of the Bible. We have two BSL (British Sign Language for the deaf) signers in our church who interpret for our deaf members. On the third Sunday of every month the service includes taking Communion (also known as Holy Communion or the Eucharist). This is when Christians eat a piece of bread and drink a little bit of wine or red grape/currant juice as a reminder of Jesus' body being broken for us (the bread) and his blood spilt (the wine) when he died on the cross and how grateful and amazed we should be that he went through all that suffering to pay the price for our sins and reunite us with God the Father.

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

Morning Worship at Richmond Park Church

We do indeed sing our praise songs (modern hymns) along to the music of a guitar, keyboard, trombone, and drums, sometimes clapping along, and a couple of people even shake a tambourine! No organs or pews or stained glass windows for us! We have chairs set in rows; a Powerpoint projector beams the words of our songs onto a screen, we don't have hymn books; we don't have prayer books either - people pray out loud when they feel able to, from where they are standing or sitting. Some of the ladies dance to the songs, using expressive hand movements, or waving flags. Sometimes before the sermon our amateur drama group will act, or use puppets, to visually present their five minute interpretation of a Bible story or theme.

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

Morning Worship at Richmond Park Church

'Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and the flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals...Let everything that has breath praise the Lord' ~ Psalm 150: 3-6

Morning Worship

On Sunday mornings we meet at 10.30am. We run Little Fish for the 0 to 5 year olds, Jesus and Me (for 6 to 11 year olds) and Young People's Fellowship (12 to 16s). All the church folk that work with the kids are CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) checked and cleared.

Richmond Park Church is what is sometimes known as a "happy clappy" church!!

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

This Weeks Diary

FROM SUNDAY 10th July::
Morning Worship in church at 10.30am.

Followed by church picnic on Wilverley Plain, New Forest from 1pm.

(NO Prayer Meeting this evening)


MONDAY 11th July:

Dance Group in church at 8pm


TUESDAY 12th July:

Step by Step Parents & Toddlers Group in church 9.30 - 11.30am

Teen Challenge Bible Study in church 2 to 4pm

Care Groups meet at 8pm (phone 01202 399448or email for more information).

Dave & Hae Sook's Group meet in their home

Len & Barbara's Group meet in their home

Mike & Hazel's Group meet in Margaret's home

Colin & Pauline's Group meet in church






WEDNESDAY 13th July:

Prayer Surgery in church 10am-2pm



THURSDAY 14th July:

International Student Meal Evening in church at 6pm



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

The Story of Jesus (drama sketch)

Narrator: Later, on a mountain in Galilee, Jesus came to the disciples and said “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Mathew 28: 16-20). The disciples said:

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (arms up in praise)

Narrator: Then Jesus ascended into heaven (Mark 16:19, Luke 24: 50-51), leaving his disciples with the power of the Holy Spirit to share the good news about the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God (Luke 24: 45-49). And the same message still goes out today:

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (said x3 in unison with Sceptic, whilst walking forward. End kneeling, face down in worship, freeze whilst Sceptic 2 and Believer 2 speak and then for a further count of three at the very end)

Sceptic: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool (said x3 in unison with Believer, whilst walking forward. End standing, arms folded, looking defiant, freeze whilst Sceptic 2 and Believer 2 speak and then for a further count of three at the very end)

Sceptic 2: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool (stands up from where he/she is seated among the congregation, to be said loudly and angrily, then storm out of church without any apology or explanation and don’t reappear until other actors have finished and left the stage)

Believer 2: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (stands up from where he/she is seated among the congregation, to be said loudly and passionately, arms up in praise, freeze for a count of three)


The End.


© Copyright Michelle Fogg, all rights reserved. This script may be performed free of charge, on the condition that copies are not sold for profit in any medium, including books, CDs and on the Internet. Authorship of Michelle Fogg should be acknowledged on any free copies made. http://www.richmondparkchurch.org.uk/ This © Copyright notice must remain with this document at all times.


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

The Story of Jesus, continued

Narrator: It was a long, drawn-out, painful death.

(Believer covers face crying)

Narrator: Mary Magdalene was the first to see Jesus alive again (Mark 16:9, John 20: 11-17) as she stood outside the tomb crying, wondering who had moved his body and where to. Jesus said to her “Mary...” Mary said:

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (falling to knees in worship)

Narrator: As two of the disciples walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus, Jesus joined them (Luke 24: 13-35):

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (stepping forward, arms out)

Narrator: Jesus then appeared to the disciples who were hiding in a locked room, afraid of the religious leaders (John 20: 19-23). Jesus said, “Peace be with you!”. The disciples said:

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (falling to knees, arms out, then stand up and step back)

Narrator: And then again when the disciples were out fishing Jesus stood on the shore and called to them (John 21: 1-14). The disciples said:

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (stepping forward, arms out)

Narrator: The religious leaders and Romans talked together to get their story straight. They decided to say the disciples had stolen the body (Matthew 28: 11-15).

Sceptic: There was no resurrection! Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool.


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

The Story of Jesus (Christian drama sketch)

Narrator: And so Pilate was persuaded to hand Jesus over to be crucified (John 19:16). As Jesus hung on the cross, the religious leaders, the soldiers, and the passing crowds all stopped to mock him (Matthew 27:39-44, Mark 15:29-32, Luke 23: 35-37):

Sceptic: You saved others, why don’t you save yourself? Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool

Narrator: Two thieves were crucified next to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43).

(Sceptic and Believer both put arms out at same time as though hung on cross as Narrator says this line)

Narrator: One of the thieves called out:

Sceptic: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool (arms out as though hung on cross)

Narrator: But the other thief said:

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (arms out as though hung on cross, look up slowly)

Narrator: And Jesus answered him: “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23: 43).

(Sceptic and Believer put arms down at same time)


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

The Story of Jesus (Christian drama setch)

Narrator: And sent him back to Pilate. Pilate didn’t want to kill Jesus, but he didn’t understand the answers Jesus gave, about being a king, but not of this world (John 18: 28-40). Pilate said:

Sceptic: Why don’t you answer me properly?! Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool

(Believer looks down in defeat)

Narrator: Pilate’s soldiers twisted together a crown of thorns and put it on Jesus’ head. They flogged Jesus (John 19: 1-3), saying:

Sceptic: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool (mime flogging)

Narrator: The religious leaders told Pilate that he would be in trouble with Caesar if he let Jesus live after Jesus had claimed to be a king (John 19: 12-15) . They shouted:

Sceptic: Crucify him! Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool.

Narrator: And so Pilate was persuaded to hand Jesus over to be crucified (John 19:16). As Jesus hung on the cross, the religious leaders, the soldiers, and the passing crowds all stopped to mock him (Matthew 27:39-44, Mark 15:29-32, Luke 23: 35-37):

Sceptic: You saved others, why don’t you save yourself? Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool



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

The Story of Jesus (Christian drama sketch)

Narrator: And from that day on they plotted to take his life. On Palm Sunday, a week before Easter, Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem and the crowds shouted:

Believer: Hosanna! Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (arms up in praise)

Narrator: But one of Jesus’ disciples, Judas, was not happy with the type of leader Jesus had turned out to be. Judas said:

Sceptic: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool

Narrator: And plotted with the religious leaders to betray Jesus (John 18: 2-5). They had him arrested and questioned him. They didn’t like the fact that Jesus was teaching the Jewish people a new way of living, they were afraid of losing their authority. Then the religious leaders took Jesus to the Roman governor, called Pilate. They wanted Jesus killed but only the Roman rulers were allowed to execute someone. Pilate questioned Jesus, trying to determine what he had done wrong (John 18: 28-40). Pilate sent Jesus to Herod, the ruler of Galilee who was visiting Jerusalem at that time (Luke 23: 6-12). But when Jesus wouldn’t entertain him by performing miracles Herod said:

Sceptic: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool


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

The Story of Jesus drama sketch continued

Narrator: Even Jesus own brothers (John 7:1-7) said:

Sceptic: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool

Narrator: When Jesus restored the sight of a man who was born blind, the man said (John 9:38):

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (steps forward, stays standing, arms out, then steps back into place)

Narrator: But the religious leaders, who didn’t like the fact that Jesus had the power to heal, said (John 9: 1-41):

Sceptic: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool

Narrator: When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11: 45) many Jews said:

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord out, then steps back into place)

Narrator: But the religious leaders said (John 11: 46-53):

Sceptic: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool

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

The Story of Jesus (drama sketch)

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (said from behind screen, using microphone)

Narrator: Of course, not everyone believes this, and the devil -who does know it’s true- is much happier when people think it’s all a lie, a made-up story, a misunderstanding.

(Believer and Sceptic walk on to stage and stand either side of Narrator)

Narrator: When Jesus was born, the angels, shepherds (Luke 2: 8-20) and wise men (Matthew 2:1-18) said:

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (steps forward, and kneels to worship, arms out)

Narrator: But when King Herod heard a rival King had been born, he said:

Sceptic: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool

Narrator: And he had all the boys in Bethlehem who were under two years old killed hoping that Jesus would be one of them (Matthew 2:1-18).

When Jesus began his ministry, those who saw him perform miraculous healings (John 2:23) said:
Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (steps forward, stays standing, arms out, then steps back into place)
Narrator: But when Jesus drove the money-changers and sellers out of the temple for disrespecting God’s ways (John 2:14-22), the religious leaders said:

Sceptic: Jesus, Liar, Trouble-Maker, Fool




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

The Story of Jesus (Christian drama sketch)

Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (said from behind screen, using microphone)
Narrator: God created people free to choose to live God’s way or free to follow their own path. And you know how that story goes: Adam and Eve chose to go their own way. But this didn’t catch God off-guard, he already knew what was going to happen, and had factored in a rescue package:
Believer: Jesus, Saviour, Son of God, Lord (said from behind screen, using microphone)
Narrator: It makes your head spin trying to understand why God would do things this way, but then we don’t see the bigger picture, we don’t see things the way God does. From before time began, God’s plan had always been to send his son in human form to earth, knowing that this part of Jesus’ story would end with him being killed on a cross, that we might look at it and see only Roman soldiers killing a Jewish rebel, but in the spiritual realm, a mighty battle was won. Everything you’ve ever done wrong, everything wrong that’s ever been done to you, all that evil, selfishness, and pain—Jesus took it all upon himself and took the blame and the punishment. Now when we surrender our lives to Jesus, and God the father looks upon us, He sees us as innocent, because Jesus has paid the price for our sins so that we don’t have to.

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

The Story of Jesus

The Story of Jesus

Matthew 26: 47 – 28: 20; Mark 14: 43 – 16: 20; Luke 22: 63 – 24: 53; John 18: 1 – 21: 14

This is essentially the Easter story, describing the events of Easter week, or The Passion and resurrection of Jesus, but with an introduction explaining their spiritual significance – Jesus came to die on a cross to pay the price for our sins and reconcile us to God the Father – and in the context of his birth and ministry.

The Bible chapter and verses given are for reference only and are not to be read out loud. Sceptic 2 and Believer 2 only have one line each, but they are the surprise grand finale, and should be plants sat among the congregation ready to stand up and loudly declare their unbelief and belief respectively, to bring home the point that we are all called to make a decision: is Jesus Lord or not. Sceptic should wear black top, Believer something light (but not white). Sceptic and Believer need to get a different emphasis on each of their lines, eg. sarcasm, anger, or confusion, etc for the Sceptic; joyful praise or heartfelt worship, etc for the Believer. Sketch starts with Narrator centre stage, Sceptic and Believer out of sight behind screen.

Narrator: When the universe began it was created through Jesus (Hebrews 1:2) and as the Lord laid the earth’s foundations, the angels shouted for joy (Job 38: 4-7):


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

Our Weekly Diary

SUNDAY
10.30am-12 Morning Worship

6.30-8.00pm Prayer Meeting

MONDAY
8.00-10.00pm Worship Dance Group

TUESDAY
9.30-11.30am Parents & Toddlers Group (school term time only)

8.00-10.00pm Care Groups
(in different homes)

WEDNESDAY
10am-2.00pm Prayer Surgery

THURSDAY
6.00-8.00pm International Student Evening (fortnightly)


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

Worship Dance Group

Our times are a good mixture of seriousness and fun. We always have a good chat and often a good laugh - a good aid to joyful dancing. But whatever we do, our main aim is to lift up Jesus and bring glory to His Name.


Not unto us O Lord, not unto us, but to your Name be the glory. ~ Psalm 115:1


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

Worship Dance Group

We are a group of ladies who meet each week to seek the Lord in dance. We have four specific areas:

(1) Dancing in church to enhance the praise and worship. This is spontaneous according to what songs are sung.
(2) Ministry - where the Lord gives us anointed dances to speak and minister into people's lives in a specific way.
(3) Outreach - we are sometimes asked to dance at outside venues eg. Wimborne folk festival, or other churches
(4) Intercession - prayer dancing for particular topics involving spiritual warfare.


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

FROM SUNDAY 15th May:
Morning Worship (incl. Communion) in church at 10.30am.

Prayer Meeting in Church at 6.30pm.


MONDAY 16th May:

Dance Group meet in church at 8pm


TUESDAY 17th May:

Step by Step Parents & Toddlers Group in church 9.30 to 11.30am

Care Groups meet at 8pm (phone 01202 399448 or email for more information)

Dave & Hae Sook's Group meet in their home

Len & Barbara's Group meet in their home

Mike & Hazel's Group meet in Margaret's home

Colin & Pauline's Group meet in church



WEDNESDAY 18th May:

Prayer Surgery in church between 10am - 2pm


THURSDAY 19th May:
International Student Meal Evening in church at 6pm


FRIDAY 20th May:
Good News After Schools Club in church from 3.30 to 5pm


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

help and information

Jesus wants you to be able to say goodbye to the past and live each new day in step with him, in freedom, in hope and in joy. He loves us so much that he died on the cross and rose again to give us this new life. Being a Christian doesn't just give you entrance to heaven - it also gives you the ability, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to change for the better in this lifetime.


The links on this page will take you to articles on various everyday life issues that offer practical, Biblical, explanations and advice. Our prayer is that this information will help you on your way to finding freedom, peace of mind and a renewed zest for life.


richmondparkchurch.org.uk_help and information an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, UK

Help and Information

'Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction...' ~ Psalm 103: 2-4

Sometimes the negative circumstances we are struggling with can seem overwhelming and make us feel as though there is no possibility of change and no hope. In our lives we have to work through the consequences of the mistakes we make, the wrong choices we purposefully make, and the impact on us of other people's mistakes and wrong choices.


Whatever you are going through, whatever you are stuck in, whatever you are dealing with - Jesus already knows, he wants to help and he can help. Jesus can take away any amount of guilt and shame; Jesus can heal your body, mind, spirit and emotions.

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

Results of council elections for Boscombe area

Last Updated (Saturday, 07 May 2011 19:26)

Local Councillors

Our area is covered by three council wards: Boscombe East, Boscombe West and East Cliff & Springbourne.


The councillors for Boscombe East are:

Councillor Linda Bailey - Conservative
E-Mail linda.bailey@bournemouth.gov.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Councillor John Wilson - Conservative

Councillor Christopher Rochester - Conservative
7 Harcourt Road, Pokesdown, Bournemouth, BH5 2JG
Home Telephone 01202 432690
E-Mail christopher.rochester@bournemouth.gov.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The councillors for Boscombe West are:

Councillor Jane Kelly - Conservative

Councillor Philip Stanley-Watts - Conservative
6F Anchor Close, Bearcross, Bournemouth, BH11 9HY
Home Telephone 593175
E-Mail philip.stanley-watts@bournemouth.gov.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Ward surgeries are held every last Thursday of the month from 6.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m. at the Neighbourhood Management offices.

Councillor Christopher Wakefield - Conservative
6 Wharncliffe Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, BH5 1AH
Mobile Phone 07775 677162
E-Mail christopher.wakefield@bournemouth.gov.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Ward Surgery is held on the last Saturday of every month at Boscombe Library, between 2:00 and 4:00p.m.


The councillors for East Cliff & Springbourne are:

Councillor Michael Filer FCA,ATII - Conservative
8 Boscombe Cliff Road, Bournemouth, BH5 1JL
Home Telephone (01202) 304464
Fax (01202) 399205
E-Mail michael.filer@bournemouth.gov.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Councillor Anne Filer, The Mayor - Conservative
8 Boscombe Cliff Road, Bournemouth, BH5 1JL
Home Telephone (01202) 304464
Fax (01202) 399205
E-Mail anne.filer@bournemouth.gov.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; mayor@bournemouth.gov.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Councillor David Kelsey - Conservative
Flat A, 42 Washington Avenue, Bournemouth, BH1 4QR
Home Telephone 01202 391765
Mobile Phone 07816 417675
E-Mail david.kelsey@bournemouth.gov.uk This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

see http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/Council/Councillors/Wards.asp for contact details.


You can use Write To Them.com to email any MP, MEP or Councillor.




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

Pentecost or Whit Sunday

50 days AFTER Easter Sunday


50 days after Easter is Pentecost (from the Greek for "the fiftieth"). On this day Christians remember the Holy Spirit first coming and filling Christians with God's power. Pentecost is also known as Whit Sunday so called because of the white clothes worn by those who were baptised that day.


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

Ascension Day

40 days AFTER Easter Sunday



Looking forward from Easter day to the end of the Easter period there are the little remembered Rogation days (for prayer, and formerly also of fasting, aimed at persuading God to protect and give a good harvest). These lead up to Ascension Day 40 days after Easter Day - when we remember Jesus ascending into heaven. This concludes the Easter period itself.



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

Easter Sunday

The Christian festival reaches its climax on Easter Day with celebration marking Jesus conquering death. Counting inclusively, as was done at the time, from Friday makes Sunday the third day. So you can say Jesus rose on the third day. The resurrection was such a stunning event that Christians held celebrations on Sundays in addition to the Jewish Sabbath, and as the church grew away from Judaism, Sunday became the regular day of worship. (although many Christians argue there is absolutely no Biblical mandate for Christians making Sunday their Sabbath, and therefore Saturday should still be observed as the Sabbath).


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

Holy Saturday

or Easter Eve -1 day before Easter Sunday

The last day of Lent. Holy Saturday is about emptiness, reflecting on the awfulness of a world without Jesus, and our need for him. It is meant to be a day of prayer.


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

Good Friday

2 days before Easter Sunday

This is the day when Christians remember Jesus dying on the cross at Calvary for our sins. But there is confusion about how Jewish times and dates were worked out, resulting in some Christians being CONVINCED he was crucified on a WEDNESDAY (also the Wild Olive website) and others ADAMENT it was a FRIDAY. Either way, traditionally, Christians think about Jesus dying on the cross for our sins on the Friday.


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

Maundy Thursday

3 days before Easter Sunday

On Maundy Thursday Christians remember Jesus washing his disciples feet. His words are recorded in John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." This gives rise to the name for the day. The Latin for 'commandment' is 'mandatum' - hence Maundy. In England on Maundy Thursday the Queen follows a very traditional role of giving Maundy coins. A complete set of Maundy money consists of a groat (4p), a threepence (3p), a half-groat (2p) and a penny (1p) - totalling 10p given to pensioners of "modest income" whoare selected for their service to "church and community". Some people believe that Lent officially ends at sundown and celebrate with Holy Communion and, often, a meal known as a 'agapé' or 'love feast'.



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

Palm Sunday

7days before Easter Sunday

The most important week in the traditional Church calendar is Holy Week. Through the week Christians recall the events that occurred in Jerusalem when Jesus entered the city, was crucified, died and then returned to life. The week starts with Palm Sunday when Christians remember Jesus entering Jerusalem and the crowds laying Palm leaves in front of him.



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

Mothers day

21 days before Easter Sunday

This is always on the fourth Sunday during Lent, and is now a day set aside to remember, thank and celebrate mothers. Origianlly, in England, it was a day for people to attend their "mother church", ie. the biggest church or cathedral in the area. The local parish church that people normally attended was known as the "daughter church".


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

What is "The Passion"?

Easter, and the events in the life of Jesus leading up to Easter, have also been called "The Passion (of Christ)"; this is from Saint Luke's description in the Bible of the apperance of Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection: "he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs" (Acts 1:3). The word "passion" was used in Latin and in old English translations of the book of Acts (originally written in Greek) whereas in modern English we would say "suffering".

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

Easter Calendar

All the other holy days of the seven weeks of Easter observances that the traditional churches still follow were made up during the fourth century AD. Some independent evangelical churches, like Richmond Park Church, choose not to stringently follow traditions that were made up by the fourth century church, but which are not spelled out in the Bible. There is nothing inherently wrong with these traditions, as they are all designed to point people in the direction of the example and life of Jesus, but neither is it compulsory to observe these created "holy days" to be a faithful Christian. However, after several decades of making a conscious effort to separate themselves from things which are merely "tradition", and not specifically Biblical, many evangelical churches are coming round to the idea that these traditional ceremonies are not without merit. Some are being re-introduced into independent churches and traditional churches, in a slightly revised fashion focusing on doing something pro-active to help others during Lent as a constructive way of not focusing on our selfs, eg the "Buy Less" "credit card".



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

Date of Easter

At a meeting of church leaders -called the Council of Nicaea- in 325 AD to try to coordinate practise it was decided that Easter was to be celebrated on the first Sunday after the full moon that directly followed the Vernal (or Spring) Equinox. In most years this would coincide with Passover, but it would not always be so. The Eastern Churches still retained the earlier Passover practice for several centuries, and the British (Celtic) Church did not adopt the Roman calendar until Roman missionaries arrived in the sixth century.



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

From Passover to Easter

You won't find any references about how to celebrate Easter in the Bible! The Bible only instructs us to observe communion in rememberance of Jesus death, and we don't know how the early Christians chose to commemorate the resurrection. We do know that by the second century AD some Christians were celebrating it Passover-style (mainly the Eastern church), and some celebrated on the Sunday after Passover as a distinctly seperate event (mainly the Roman church).



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

What is Passover and what has it got to do with Easter?

1) The Lamb. Jesus chose to be the lamb without defect that was sacrificed for our sins, in the same way that the Israelites had had to kill a lamb per family for God to save their lives (1Corinthians 5:7).


2) The Four Cups. In the Passover there are four cups of wine to drink, two before the meal and two after the meal. These are to remember the events of Exodus 6:6-7: I will bring you out; I will free you; I will redeem you; and I will take you as my people. These are things Jesus also promised.


3) The First Fruits. The resurrection of Jesus happened as the priests were presenting an offering of the first sheaf of the newly ripened barley harvest. Jesus was the first fruits from the grave.


Some Christians, particularly Messianic Jews (ie. Jews who have become Christians), celebrate "Easter" by observing the actual Passover meal ("the Seder" or "Haggadah" or "Last Supper"), drawing out the references to Jesus in this Old Testament festival.



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

What is Passover and what has it got to do with Easter?

The Jewish celebration of Passover, or "Pesach" in Hebrew, was started about 1200 years before Jesus. The origins and form of this festival are described in the Bible, in chapter 12 of the book of Exodus. It is from when Moses was asking the Pharaoh to let the Jews -who were at that time slaves- leave Egypt, and because Pharaoh kept refusing, God punished the Egyptians by killing all their first born sons. The Jewish families were kept safe by daubing lamb's blood on their door-posts - when God saw this blood he "passed over" those homes.

It is not a coincidence that the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus happened at the same time as Passover. The festivals in the Old Testament (that Jewish people still observe today) were both celebrations of how God had helped the Israelites and pictures of what Jesus was going to do. Parallels between Passover and Jesus include:


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

Why is it called Easter?

Why is it called "Easter"?


Long before Jesus, many pagan cultures already 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 with a hare's head (or hare companion) called Eostre, from which we get the name "Easter".


It is unhelpful that the anniversary of the resurrection of Jesus is commonly known as "Easter", a name derived from a pagan god. A more appropriate name might be the "Christian Passover". Many other modern languages derive their name for Easter from the Latin pascha, in turn taken from the Hebrew pesach or Passover, eg the French "Paques", the Spanish "Pascua" and the Italian "Pasqua". This acknowledges that the Christian feast is a successor to the Jewish Passover.



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

Origins of Easter

History records show that Jesus was crucified outside of the city of Jerusalem in around 33AD, just before the Jewish festival of Passover. He was executed after Jewish religious leaders accused him of being a would-be revolutionary who wanted to overturn Roman rule. But Christians believe that God planned for this to happen and that in the spiritual realm the death, and then resurrection, of Jesus was necessary to conquer sin and enable believers to live a life guided by God's forgiveness and Holy Spirit.



"Without the feeding of the five thousand or the walking on water, we'd still have Christianity. But without the resurrection, it would be just a minor cult in first-century Judaism." (Michael Symmons Roberts, "The Miracles of Jesus" )


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

History of Easter

These are things Jesus promises us today. In Old Testament days a lamb had to be killed as an offering to God to make up for people's sins. When Jesus was crucified he took the role of a sacrificial lamb, and the Bible says he was the last lamb that would need to be sacrificed. Christians believe that when Jesus died, he died for all our sins, and when he came back to life he showed he had conquered sin once and for all.


And that's what we celebrate on Easter Sunday!


Back in the fourth century AD the church devised a whole Easter calendar to remember all the different events in the lead up to the crucifixion and resurrection, things like Pancake Day to eat up all your good food before fasting during the weeks of Lent.



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

History of Easter

Later, about 350 years after the crucifixion of Jesus, an important meeting of church leaders met to decide whether Easter should be celebrated the day after Passover, even if it fell on a week day, or whether Easter Day should always be on a Sunday. They didn't set a definite fixed yearly date for Easter, or stick to the old Jewish calendar. Instead they made-up their own formula to calculate the date to complicate matters further. Are you ready for this? Pay attention!

Easter Sunday is always the first Sunday after the full moon that directly follows the Spring Equinox.

Despite it's name, Christian "Easter" has much more to do with the Jewish Passover than pagan spring-time festivals. God instructed Jewish people to celebrate Passover to remember their escape from slavery in Egypt about 1200 years before Jesus. At that time God promised: I will get you out of the mess you've made; I will lead you to a freer life; I will treat you as my own children; and I will save you spiritually.


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

The History of Easter

The pagans celebrated the arrival of spring, encouraging their gods to bless the re-birth of plants and animals at this time of year.

We know that Jesus was killed at this time of year because the Bible and other historical records tell us he was crucified just before the Jewish festival called Passover.

The exact date of Passover shifts about a bit as it is calculated on the old Jewish calendar which was based on what the moon was doing, and this doesn't tie-in exactly with the modern calendar.


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

Easter

This is also the origin of the Easter Bunny, and strangely, Easter Eggs (what? no chickens?!) - all life was thought to have originally come from an egg, and eggs were another favoured symbol of fertility. The "spirit" Easter Bunny/Hare was supposed to lay its eggs in the grass, and people would go searching for them - the fore-runner of modern day Easter egg hunts.


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

Easter

Easter is the spring-time holiday associated with chocolate eggs and bunny rabbits. For Christians it is also the anniversary and celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.
Easter gets it's name from the Saxon goddess of spring called "Eostre". This goddess had a hare's head, or a hare companion, which makes sense when you remember that pagan worship centred on nature and fertility, and hares and rabbits breed like....well, rabbits!


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

Pancake Day to Pentecost

The holy days of the seven weeks of Easter observances that the traditional churches still follow were made up during the fourth century AD. Some independent evangelical churches, like Richmond Park Church, choose not to stringently follow traditions that were made up by the fourth century church, but which are not spelled out in the Bible. There is nothing inherently wrong with these traditions, if they are designed to point people in the direction of the example and life of Jesus, but neither is it compulsory to observe these created "holy days" to be a faithful Christian. However, after several decades of making a conscious effort to separate themselves from things which are merely "tradition", and not specifically Biblical, many evangelical churches are coming round to the idea that these traditional ceremonies are not without merit. Some are being re-introduced into independent churches and traditional churches, in a slightly revised fashion focusing on doing something pro-active to help others during Lent as a constructive way of not focusing on our selfs, eg the "Buy Less" "credit card".



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

Pancake Day

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

The Unopened Present: Christian drama sketch

Geof: It’s a terrible present, it’s like giving me guilt and work as a present, you have it! (panicking, throwing it back)
Michelle: I don’t need it, I’ve already got Jesus
Geof: That explains a lot! Sighs. I don’t know what to do with that (pointing at leaflet). It’s going to be all “you need to change your life, you need to stop doing this, that and the other, you need to be nice to Grandma”, it’s going to be a load of grief. Who wants that?
Michelle: Nobody wants the present you’re describing, but that’s not what Jesus is about. He’s about making peace between you and God, he’s about being free and having hope, not do’s and don’ts. You don’t have to take my word for it, give him a go and see for yourself. He is the best present ever. All you have to do is receive him (offering leaflet back to Geof, Geof reaches for it, freeze both holding it)


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

The Unopened Present: A Christian drama sketch

Geof: In a “secret Santa”? I don’t think so
Michelle: Just open it will you?!
Geof: (opens present) I don’t know what it is
Michelle: Ooh! Someone’s given you Jesus, that’s nice
Geof: Ah! (throws leaflet to Michelle) I don’t want it
Michelle: Yes you do, it’s your present (throwing it back)
Geof: I didn’t ask for it! (throwing it back)
Michelle: It’s a brilliant present (throwing it back)
Geof: If I decide I want it later, I’ll buy it myself then (trying to negotiate his way out of taking it)
Michelle: You can’t buy Jesus! Or earn him. He’s a free present.


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

Christian drama sketch The Unopened Present

Michelle: Not for you it isn’t! (shaking present at him)
Geof: I don’t want it, I’m not in the mood. Stick it in a draw for someone to have next year.
Michelle: How can you not want a present? Are you ill?
Geof: No, I just don’t want to pretend there’s anything left to celebrate, when the reality is the holidays are over and we’re back to work, back to normal life
Michelle: But there is something left to celebrate, here it is in my hand! A present! Just for you!
Geof: What if it’s some I rubbish I don’t want? I can’t face the disappointment
Michelle: What if it’s the best present you’ve ever had EVER?


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

Christian drama sketch

The Unopened Present

Michelle: Geof! You’ve made it back to work at last! It seems an age since you’ve been here
Geof: Well, first it was the snow, then the ice, then Christmas break, then that training course...
Michelle: Don’t worry, you’ve not missed out, I’ve kept it for you
Geof: Kept what?
Michelle: Your “secret Santa” present (getting a wrapped Christmas present out of a Santa sack)
Geof: I can’t have a “secret Santa” present now, it’s the 14th January! It’s too late! Christmas is over.


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

As a place to live, Bournemouth ("Bomo"?!) is now famed for it's pubs and clubs (in good ways and bad!), as well as it's award winning beach, and this is an added appeal to many in choosing to come here.



We have put together some useful information and links for students studying here, or thinking of coming to Bournemouth.

UK Students in Bournemouth


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

Bournemouth students

In the 2009 league table, Bournemouth University was ranked 32nd out of 117 overall, a leap of 48 places in four years, and called the number 1 new university by the Guardian University Guide. Tourism and Sports Science at the University are ranked second in the country. The Arts University College at Bournemouth has developed into one of the leading specialist education institutions in Europe focusing exclusively upon contemporary arts, design and media. There are only four accredited Chiropractic Schools in the UK, and one of them, the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic, is right here in Boscombe! Bournemouth & Poole College offers a wide variety of further education courses for school leavers and mature students - including BTECs, AS and A levels, and many vocational courses - but also now runs higher education courses.



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

New Year's greeting from Pastor Martin

I am truly looking forward to what the Lord has in store for us and am confident that he will do a great work in and through us as his church. I love Jer 29:11; we actually had it as a motto verse in Bristol. It reminds us something of what the Lord’s heart is for RPC and indeed each of us as individuals and not just for 2011, but for the whole of our lives. It reads:-.

‘For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jer 29:11

So friends let’s stand together united in prayer, praise and service this coming year and discover his exciting plans and purposes for our lives.

God bless Martin


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

New year's greeting from Pastor Martin

Message from Pastor Martin, January 2011

Wow! Where did 2010 go! Talk about time flying; well I think it must be flying at the speed of light. This time last year Joy and I started seeking the Lord in earnest as to where he wanted us to go and serve him next. Here we are today after already serving here at RPC for nearly 4 months. We can’t believe it!

So what does 2011 hold for us as a church and what do you feel about that? Are you looking forward with a sense of excitement and anticipation; or perhaps with a degree of reservation and trepidation, particularly with the talk of change in the air? After all change is not a thing we as human beings naturally warm to. Despite this however, I trust the Lord has been stirring your hearts, as he has mine and excitement mixed with anticipation is your pervading experience.



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