2020 was an extraordinary year.  The Launceston Alive Steering Committee chose the theme 2020 Crystal Clear Vision for the 2020 Launceston Easter Community Festival.  However, months beforehand, we realised the need to postpone the 2020 Easter Festival in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before large gatherings became illegal we saw a moral obligation to reduce and delay COVID-19 transmission.

We looked  toward Springtime for the festival.  Aiming to continue with our theme 2020 Crystal Clear Vision we chose a new name for this Springtime event, namely SPRING TO LIFE. Of course, we recognised the need to monitor the COVID situation and safety-check our new plan as the time approached. 

We worked on modifying our festival design.  We considered mid or later in spring. We considered a multi-venue festival so that social distancing could be maintained.  But as Spring approached, the Victorian Wave was rising sharply.  What became clear was that we couldn’t see a path forward for safely staging Spring to Life in 2020. 

Humbled, we realised the big lesson is that WE DON’T HAVE CRYSTAL CLEAR VISION!   Only God has that.  Our vision is very limited.  We can’t see clearly into tomorrow.  We had planned to incentivise and reward visionary thinking, but then we realised that the first step is to admit we just don’t have 2020 vision when it comes to the future. 

That’s one of the reasons humans are not sufficient on our own.  To avoid stumbling in the dark we need the light of truth that never changes, and the one who is able to see clearly around the corners of time.  God’s incomparable love hasn’t changed.  It is as relevant today as ever.  God demonstrated his love for us by Jesus’ death on a cross.  He showed his power over death by Jesus coming alive from death. 

He promised eternal life, not by earning or deserving it, but as a free gift offered to all.  Now is a great time to accept his loving gift if you haven’t already – or to thank Him again for such amazing grace. Our prayer was that God would bless and protect all in NE Tasmania, as we realise that we don’t have crystal clear vision, but that He does, and with Him we can move safely, though humbly, into the future.

For similar reasons we had to cancel the 2021 Easter Festival. We now look forward to being together for Easter 2022.  Watch this space for details.   But don’t hold your breath, as we still leaning into Him, to see what He has in mind.   With care from all at Launceston Alive.

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This beautiful diverse city is nestled at the apex of a spectacular and productive valley, where North and South Esk rivers unite to form the Tamar. Surrounded by prime agricultural land and not far from spectacular mountains and picturesque beaches, it is not easy to find a place on Earth which compares. 

Historically and culturally rich, Launceston has developed into a thriving cosmopolitan kaleidoscope of opportunity – a place from which many prominent Australians have innovatively and compassionately served our nation and world. 

Launceston Alive has crystalised some of the DNA which makes our city and region so special – cohesive cooperation – relevant engagement – commemoration & celebration – the central place of Easter in all aspects of modern life – and the transformation which comes when truth and hope are held high. 

Welcome to our website and to the unique aliveness that is growing among us.