Market Day with the Kindergarten, on Saturday the 24th and held our A.G.M the following day, Sunday 25th. The Market Day was “cold, wet and windy” and yet people turned up to hold stalls or bring produce etc.  The difficult weather only reinforced how effective the building complex is.

Sunday’s A.G.M, in the context of worship, was a time to reflect on our life together and give thanks for the good people who do so much for others.  We should never take this for granted and we need to affirm and appreciate what so many do. I’ve experienced how people can be taken for granted or criticised for the work they do, leading to hurt feelings, anger and conflict.  There is a better way, let me explain.

As we celebrate Easter, we will retell familiar stories about entry into Jerusalem, arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection.  For most of us, very familiar; and because of this Easter can lose its power for us. It might be something we know, well known hymns and images, the concept Jesus’ death for us and resurrection as the promise of life with God. This year you might think these words we find in John’s Gospel: “Before the world was created, the Word (Jesus) already existed; he was with God, and he was the same as God” (John 1:1) Think about what is, happening on the Cross, the Word on the Cross, the relationship between, or within, God and the transforming power of God’s love for us.

As Christians, we use that word a lot. I mean that word “Love”.  What effect has this love on your life?  Do you allow God’s love for you to shape the way you relate to other people?  It should, or more correctly, it must!  I pray that Easter may be a powerful experience for you.

Following Easter, I will be promoting “Bible Study in Depth”.  Some of us think we know our Bible, some are unsure and some might be scared off. I will be inviting all of you to make the time and effort to get to know the Bible thoroughly.  This is not just about gaining information, rather gaining a deeper understanding of yourself and now God can enrich your life.  The rewards will be linked to your efforts.  This will be an opportunity for growing in faith together.

Your friend,