Minister’s Message for 11 August 2024
Dear Friends,
As the schools return this coming week our prayers are with all the children and young people of the parish and their parents and also with teachers and other members of school staff as they gear up for the new session. We remember especially those who have received their exam results this past week – these will open or close doors that will help direct their future whether in the short term or in the longer term, although they are not what define us as human beings. It is important for all of us (young and old alike) to remember that as Christians what makes us who we are is our relationship to God. No matter what circumstances may come upon us at any given point in our lives we have the assurance of our calling as children of God.
The coming weeks also see activities in the church beginning to start up again after the summer break and I encourage all of you to give consideration to getting involved in something new. Why not try something out for a few weeks – groups like the Choir, Table Talk, the Craft Group, Housegroups, the Guild, will be starting up again and any one of them will give you a warm welcome. Keep an eye on the weekly notices for details of what's on when and where, and don't hesitate to ask for further details of anything that happens.
It can also be a good time to engage in new ways with the ongoing life of the church – Time for Prayer has continued through the summer but the new session brings a new impetus. And this is a good opportunity to remind those who only ever join worship online that we miss your presence at church and we would love to see you in person even now and again.
As we join this Sunday with the parents of Anna Z in giving thanks for her birth and asking God's blessing for her, we also join in giving thanks for the life of Margaret Borland, a member of the congregation, who has died in the past week.
With all prayerful good wishes,
Alan,
Rev. Alan D. Reid