Dear Friends
Although strictly speaking it doesn’t make sense to exclaim “what a lot of weather we’ve had recently!”, as we always have weather of one sort or another!, it’s true that these last few days have contained lots of contrasts. As I sit in the church office now, the sun is shining as it was this morning on my early park walk. However, the sun was certainly absent in the previous two days, where walking outdoors seemed more of a penance than a pleasure!
Of course the weather we experience on the earth’s surface is always changing, but that isn’t the case above the clouds. I still remember the shock of one of my first plane flights to discover that after leaving a rainy Ringway (it was a while ago!) airport, that I was suddenly blinded by the sun as we rose above the clouds.
Over the last month, in church we’ve been reflecting on the life of Jacob, as he too experienced contrasting situations, the many ups and downs that made up his life. Indeed last Sunday, we heard how God again reminded him of His promise to stand by him – good news which I’m sure was a comfort in the midst of experiencing the deaths of three people very close to him. Indeed, I’m sure many of us can identify with the rollercoaster nature of life’s experiences. It was such a joy to be in the new hall last week for an uplifting celebration of Caribbean culture and the opportunity to acknowledge Mo’s service amongst us. But of course just a day afterwards we were forced to come to terms with the terrible news of Jas’ death in hospital, and how she will be mssed in so many ways.
Highs and lows, good times and bad, sunshine and showers. In what ever way we are experiencing life at the moment, be encouraged and assured that the sun continues to shine (even if we may not be able to see it presently, and that the promises given to Jacob, are through Jesus, given to us too.
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" Matthew 28. 20
Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith
Simon
Although strictly speaking it doesn’t make sense to exclaim “what a lot of weather we’ve had recently!”, as we always have weather of one sort or another!, it’s true that these last few days have contained lots of contrasts. As I sit in the church office now, the sun is shining as it was this morning on my early park walk. However, the sun was certainly absent in the previous two days, where walking outdoors seemed more of a penance than a pleasure!
Of course the weather we experience on the earth’s surface is always changing, but that isn’t the case above the clouds. I still remember the shock of one of my first plane flights to discover that after leaving a rainy Ringway (it was a while ago!) airport, that I was suddenly blinded by the sun as we rose above the clouds.
Over the last month, in church we’ve been reflecting on the life of Jacob, as he too experienced contrasting situations, the many ups and downs that made up his life. Indeed last Sunday, we heard how God again reminded him of His promise to stand by him – good news which I’m sure was a comfort in the midst of experiencing the deaths of three people very close to him. Indeed, I’m sure many of us can identify with the rollercoaster nature of life’s experiences. It was such a joy to be in the new hall last week for an uplifting celebration of Caribbean culture and the opportunity to acknowledge Mo’s service amongst us. But of course just a day afterwards we were forced to come to terms with the terrible news of Jas’ death in hospital, and how she will be mssed in so many ways.
Highs and lows, good times and bad, sunshine and showers. In what ever way we are experiencing life at the moment, be encouraged and assured that the sun continues to shine (even if we may not be able to see it presently, and that the promises given to Jacob, are through Jesus, given to us too.
"And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" Matthew 28. 20
Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith
Simon