Do not fear, for I am with you

I have been very fortunate in the last month to be able to take a week away. It was actually the first week away in 24 years that Steve and I have had on our own. We were blessed with the most beautiful weather in Somerset. It’s a county I didn’t know, and its beauty took my breath away: from the moorland and coming across Exmoor ponies and red deer, to the bird song which was at a level I don’t think I have heard since childhood, and it was like music to the soul.

I’m not sure if I just noticed everything so much more because we have been in lockdown, but to be soaked in God’s creation for a week was just what the doctor ordered! Everything was to be savoured, enjoyed, appreciated.

Being able to reconnect with nature, with family and friends after such a long time feels such a gift. Two years ago, I fear I may have taken more for granted. There has been this opportunity to reflect on what matters, what is important. 

I hope that as we start to come together again as the body of Christ, we will have the opportunity to ask the same about Church, where are our priorities, where has God been challenging us in what we do? what we offer? and I am sure that many of you have been thinking this through. It will probably mean that there will be quite a lot of changes, and we need to be gentle with each other, recognising that what we have been through will have changed and affected each one of us in different ways.

As we move forward, let us know that God is with us, that He goes before us, Isaiah 41:10

 So do not fear, for I am with you;

    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Even though all around us may feel different, we move forward with God, with confidence and assurance that if we keep our eyes focused on Him, He will lead us. Please do share with me what you feel God has been saying to you, I would love to know. We will talk more about this at the annual meeting on 9^th May. You can come to the service and annual meeting in Church or watch it on Zoom. 

Every blessing

Rev Jane