A letter from our Minister – Rev David Hood.
January is a time when we look back and then forward, wondering what the year ahead will hold for us. Writing this letter in the middle of January for a magazine to be delivered in March, presents a challenge.
I have no idea what the world, town, Parish and Church will be like in 2 months time. Huge international tensions, Ukraine and Russia, and military action in the Middle East are the more serious of humanly created issues, and the world is also experiencing more and more major natural events, often affecting huge numbers of people.
You may be reading this and thinking, “Well, not much has changed in the last 2 months”, but there is a real possibility that you are acutely aware of a particular event or situation in the world which has dominated the media for the last week or two, or more.
Change is the one constant we all face, and that applies to us as individuals – from small changes to the big life altering events which are part of life. Whenever my life is shaken by unwelcome illness, accident or loss, I seek reassurance and strength from the promises contained in the Bible, which declare that nothing can separate us for the love of God, found in Jesus.
Elsewhere it says that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. I try to hold on to these declarations as well as the promises of God’s presence and love. Christian believers are not exempt, and should not be surprised when challenges and change comes.
However, the real challenge is to hold to faith, to trust and follow, to persevere and grasp courage, knowing that we are never left to cope alone by the God of Love.
Looking ahead can also bring the anticipation of joy and celebration. The wedding scheduled for later this year, the birth due to take place, the special birthday or anniversary, or the trip of a lifetime – all of these can create a wonderful excitement as the day or event approaches. I have often described Jesus as a bit of a ‘party animal’.
His first miracle was when he was at a wedding and although reluctant, was persuaded by his Mum to help when the wine ran out. He didn’t just convert a few gallons, but rather he converted 1440 pints of water into he best quality wine. The wedding party got back on track and the wine would last well after the party had finished. That reminds me of the abundant generosity of our Saviour who loves us.
In the last magazine, I spoke about the new one due to be produced. Ironically we could not foresee some of the change related technical difficulties which have delayed this, and so this issue will be the last magazine in this format. If you are not already on the weekly email list, can I encourage you to have your address added [just email Tony the Church Secretary]? And if you have Facebook, please ‘like’ the Church page. Information and the link to the Livestream can always been found on the website as well.
Thanks for reading. I hope you find the Post interesting and inspiring.
David.