Watford MP dresses as Easter bunny at Leavesden Church

Watford MP Matt Turmaine was welcomed to the morning service at All Saints Church in Leavesden by the Reverend Eddie Green on Sunday (April 5) and gave a reading from the Bible, Jeramiah Chapter 31, Verses 1-6, a powerful message of restoration and renewal.

The service, led by The Reverend Verity Harvey, began with the traditional Easter hymn Thine Be the Glory.

Watford MP Matt Turmaine gives an Easter reading at All Saints Church in Leavesden (Image: Matt Turmaine MP)

Children lit and put out candles, rolled the stone away from the entrance to the tomb of Jesus, played musical instruments and exhibited what they had created from paper and clay during the service.

The youngsters then distributed flags among the congregation for waving during the recessional hymn Jesus Christ is Risen Today.

Easter Bunny Matt Turmaine MP and basket laden with creme eggs following the Easter Sunday service at All Saints Church, in Leavesden (Image: Matt Turmaine MP)

As parishioners left the 19th century church, designed by Sir Gilbert Scott, Mr Turmaine reappeared dressed as the Easter Bunny and gave out 100 creme eggs from a basket.

He said: “It was a very uplifting service and I would like to thank everyone at the church who made me so welcome.

Another happy girl gives the Easter Bunny a hug outside church (Image: Matt Turmaine MP)

"Obviously, Easter Sunday, at the end of Holy Week, is an exceptionally important day in the Christian calendar and is the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

"I was honoured to be asked to participate, and I hope the surprise appearance of the Easter Bunny made it just that little bit more special this year."

The Reverend Eddie Green is a ‘good egg’ as he tucks into one of the Easter Bunny’s oval offerings following the Easter Sunday service (Image: Matt Turmaine MP)

“It was wonderful to welcome Matt Turmaine to our Easter celebration at All Saints,” said The Reverend Eddie Green.

“Easter Sunday is the heart of our faith - a time of joy, hope, resurrection and renewal - and having our local MP join us to read from scripture and even don the Easter Bunny suit brought a special sense of fun and community spirit to the occasion. The children, especially, were delighted!”

The Reverend Verity Harvey accepts the Easter Bunny's offering (Image: Matt Turmaine MP)

Earlier this year Mr Turmaine attended an event in Parliament hosted by the religious charity ‘Open Doors’ which publishes the World Watch List, an annual report ranking 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.

Iran retained its place in the top ten danger hotspots, with North Korea remaining the most repressive regime.