A former inmate of HM Prison Winchester will tell his story of recovery in an Easter Service, to be streamed into 37,000 cells across the country on Easter Day.
The Easter Service, led by Christ Church Winchester, will live-stream in over 50 HM Prisons across the country, sharing the good news and hope of Jesus Christ into each cell. Due to Covid restrictions the usual church services, led by chaplaincy teams and local churches in Prisons across the country, have been moved online and are reaching many more inmates.
A former Winchester prisoner, Lewis, will share his story in the Easter Service through a piece of remarkable poetry. Key figures from the Christian community will tell the Easter story of hope and transforming power of Jesus Christ, including Simon Ponsonby, one of the country’s leading pastors and theologians. Bear Grylls, adventurer, writer, and practising Christian, will also share a message of hope, talking about his own encounter with Jesus and encouraging us all to follow God’s calling this Easter.
The Reverend Craig Philbrick, Curate at Christ Church Winchester said:
“Prisons are often side-stepped by the community – no one really knows what to do or how to help. This service is a great example of how we can support the prisoners and staff of HMP Winchester, and we are so pleased to be able to share the real meaning of Easter.”
The Right Reverend, Dr Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester said:
“Over the last year we have all gained a sense of what it means to be confined, but lockdown has taken on a new meaning for prisons, particularly those that suffered a Covid outbreak. This Easter, we can share in the hope Christ offers, reflecting on what we’ve learnt from a challenging period of isolation and trusting in the risen Lord who gives new life to us in all circumstances.”
The service will be available on the prison tv channel, Wayout TV at 9am on Easter Day, Sunday 4 April.
