Easter Morning 8th April 2012

Up with the larks this morning the walkers left the church at 0730 heading for Falkland Hill. We took the minibus hoping that we might have some new people just wanting a taster on Easter morning. We did have one newbie, Lewis, who was enticed to come along by the promise of a bacon butty back at the church. We missed several of our usual walkers, some of whom had a doctor's line.
It was a lovely clear morning, though a bit parky, and even from the car park at Purin Hill we saw for miles across the Forth, north to south. We chose a nice flat spot to have a wee short time of celebration. Rona gave us the Easter message - old familiar words delivered in her own inimitable way, and Charlie prayed a lovely prayer, almost in verse. Thank you R & C. We all sang a couple of hymns - and we really belted them out - and felt content with this good start to Easter Day.

Meanwhile, in the background, Lewis was getting the tail secured onto the kite, and as we began the climb up the East Lomond, it was sent flying with the message HE IS RISEN for all to see. We had some fantoosh stunts and a couple of nose dives (the kite that is) but the wind was just strong enough to keep it flying a good long time. Other people we passed who had already been up the hill asked us for a photo of our kite, so they must have the message as well.

We all climbed at different rates but gathered at the top to take in the terrific 360o views across Fife and the Lothians and as far as the Ochils for those with good sight. Falkland village nestled below and looked like it wasn't quite awake yet.  Now its not as easy as you'd imagine to come down a hill; you have to be careful not to overbalance and go head over heels. So we were all looking at our feet watching every step we took, not really paying much attention to where we were being led. And so a short detour was taken across the long grass, ' just for a wee change of scenery', according to the male leader. Aye, right.....
We still had wonderful views as we drove down the hill in the minibus, taking in the landscape which resembled quilting created in every shade of green and brown. It was a rather quiet return journey, all of us now anticipating the smell of bacon sizzling in the pan back at the kirk.
As expected, Janis and Hilda got their sleeves up at the cooker the moment we returned and the rest of us made preparations  for the breakfast. Sharing breakfast is a time of fellowship which always seems more meaningful than other meals, especially on a morning such as today. Janis had made a beautiful lemon cake for us as well so we were fed way beyond sufficiency.
We were looking forward to hearing Robin this morning and we were not disappointed. A contemporary slant on the Easter service lifted our spirits, but of course we had to finish with a rendering of Maccabeus that GF Handel composed in 1746 so surely something for everyone today.
Braw singing Bennochy.


                  He is Risen! He is Risen indeed! is the message for Easter Day.

And He is still rolling stones away.