“Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.” John 20: 1
With this verse, John begins to unfold his account of the resurrection of Jesus. It’s a story that starts in uncertainty, darkness, mourning, loss and confusion. It is soon filled with discovery, amazement and revelation. The resurrection story is like that, but so is every spiritual awakening! They say that the darkest time is the moment before dawn.
There is a curious joy in recognising that there are a number of people who, at this exact moment in time, are in the darkness of confusion, without hope and without Christ right now, but even in the next few moments, days, weeks or months, could discover the Risen Christ and have everything change! This is the glory of the Jesus story that John wants to share…but isn’t it the story we all want to share?
The central message of the gospel, ‘Jesus is Lord’, has never been the most popular message – it has far-reaching implications! But the discovery of the reality of that message changes everything.
We hope and pray that wherever you choose to celebrate Easter, you, along with us at Sannox Christian Centre, will discover afresh the joy of the resurrection.
Come and visit us
Bookings at SCC are always open! Come aside and enjoy rest and restoration, with some time away from it all, at Sannox Christian Centre. Or, you might need to just have some time to seek God in this season and explore what he is saying to you just now. You can join in with daily morning worship and prayer, explore the island, take light or challenging walks, see the wildlife and seek after God in this beautiful island. We now have our new ferry, the Glen Sannox, and there will be no building work until at least November this year. The team look forward to welcoming you!
PRAYER REQUESTS
Give thanks for:
– a prolonged season of beautiful Spring weather on the island;
– recent financial blessings from Whitebeam Housing, an Arran housing association with links to SCC, as they wind up their charity;
– those volunteering to visit SCC in May to help paint the church and Dundarroch;
– our staff and small team of volunteers at SCC who keep things prepared for visitors throughout the year.
Please pray for:
– an increase in bookings for the Spring/Summer season;
– the development of the Sannox programme for the rest of 2025;
– continuing favour on fundraising for ongoing running costs;
– wisdom in utilising the funds from Whitebeam Housing;
– the preparation of the detailed building plans for the Beehive Chapel;
– those who are part of the community of Sannox Christian Centre, resident on Arran, facing health and pastoral challenges;
– an individual who could advise us on financial and funding issues;
– God to call people to serve as Trustees on the Board from Arran and beyond, to ensure continuity in the future, bring new skills and strengthen our representation on Arran;
– the on-going building of a team of people on the island working with Andrew and our staff;
– wisdom on how to fund and develop the former Manse in the future.
Sannox Saturday
Our next Sannox Saturday takes place on Saturday 5th April. As usual, we will start at 2pm with coffee, then a time of worship, prayer and a message following. We look forward to seeing all who are able to gather with us! Our speaker this month is Andrew Clark.
Upcoming Events and Retreats
Easter Weekend: 18th – 20th April
You are welcome to come and join us for Easter. There are a number of opportunities on the island and at Sannox to make Easter a special weekend.
Good Friday: Join with Christians on Arran for a walk of witness and a time of worship in Brodick, starting at Holy Cross Church at 2pm and ending at St Brides Church, Brodick. Andrew Clark will lead and preach at St Brides.
Holy Saturday: Join us at Sannox Christian Centre from 10.30am – 1.00pm for a morning’s retreat exploring the resurrection according to John’s gospel. You’re invited to bring lunch and eat with others at the close of the day.
Easter Sunday: Join us for a Sunrise Service on Sannox Beach at 6am, followed by breakfast. We meet again for a time of worship, prayer and celebration at Sannox Christian Centre at 3.30pm (tea/coffee from 3pm)
Email Heidi at admin@sannox.org to book accommodation, or to book in for the Saturday retreat in particular.
AGM – 3rd May
The Annual General Meeting for the last financial year will be held at Sannox in conjunction with the Sannox Saturday on Saturday 3rd May. Look out for a separate email with more details.
Painting Week! 12th – 16th May
A team will gather on this week to paint the outside of the church and Dundarroch. Accommodation is now booked up on-site, but volunteers are still welcome to help out. Get in touch with george@sannox.org for more information.
The Second ‘Sannox Shapenote Singing Weekend’: 23rd – 25th May
Join with visiting experienced Shapenote singers from around the country to learn the joyful art of Shapenote singing from ‘The Sacred Harp’ music book (music provided). The Sacred Harp tradition is a ‘four-part acapella primitive American gospel singing experience’ not to be missed! Accommodation is close to being fully booked for the weekend, but some space still available. We also make it possible to camp on the grounds for this event.
The event starts at 7.30pm on Friday with a ‘Singing School’, with Saturday singing from 10.30am – 3.30pm (bring something to share for lunch), and an evening ‘social sing’ at 7.00pm. On Sunday, there is an afternoon sing from 1.30pm – 4pm. An evening optional ‘folks session’ at Ormidale Hotel, Brodick, on Sunday evening is another opportunity!
Contact admin@sannox.org to enquire about accommodation, or andrew@sannox.org to ask about the singing!
The Sannox Prayer
“Today I choose to stand in this place you have called me to,
And I declare that You are a Mighty God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
Your Kingdom shall endure and will never be shaken.
Open the windows of Heaven and pour out Your promised blessings in this generation.
Revive us, restore us and heal our land.
Thank you for going before us to open the way and remove all obstacles.
Increase our Faith, stir up Hope and keep us grounded and walking in Love.
Thank you that You are creating a dwelling place for God and man here – in Sannox, on Arran, for the nations.
Amen”
We bless you in the name of Jesus, to receive all that the Father has for you, and we thank you for your continuing support of His work at SCC. Be blessed and protected in all you do for the Kingdom, in the mighty and beautiful name of Jesus.
The Trustees and staff of Sannox Christian Centre