​Mud- Not Yet Glorious!

It’s February- many of us are tired- fed up and running on empty. Covid- and everything that goes with it- continues to cast a real shadow, to cause real heartache, pain and strain. It’s really hard. And to add to our gloom this time the copious amounts of rain have meant mud, mud everywhere! 
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But thankfully there is hope on the horizon and oh how grateful we are to our NHS and all its staff; for the scientists and the vaccines that are being rolled out. And we can begin to smell Spring and the coming of lighter, longer days. Shoots and early blooms are peeking out, the birds are increasing their chatter.  It is a comforting to me, and perhaps to you, to know that the seasons roll on and God’s mercies and beauties of creation are new every morning.

This month also brings us into Lent. Don’t tell the Bishop - but I am not advocating a restrictive Lent – gosh haven’t we more than done this over the last year! What I suggest instead is 40 days of Spiritual Connection. In the Lent Course (anyone is welcome to join by Zoom or I can point you to materials) we will be looking at and trying out different ways to pray and connect with our spiritual self and the spirit of God. More generally it is about seeing ourselves and God as connected spiritual beings, as part of an entwined story which we can seek to connect with more deeply. We might read a biblical passage and set ourselves as one of the characters, what words would we say to or wish to hear from Jesus?  We might pick a leaf and consider the hands of the creator who made it, who made us.  We might hold a piece of soft material to our cheek and consider God as our great comforter and how that speaks to us of who God is …

Jesus talks a lot about little things making a big difference. He talks about the widow’s mite- a tiny financial contribution given with a big heart. He talks about a tiny bit of yeast raising a whole basin full of flour. He talks about a mustard seed of faith growing into a great tree. He talks about someone who offers a little one a cup of water being rewarded in heaven. 

Locked down as we are, we may feel helpless or useless, but we can all be receivers of and bringers of light, encouragement, comfort and hope.
God’s love surround you,
​
Nikki


​Church Notice Board Humour
With thanks to Alix Allan 
 
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals. 
 
The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.  'The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
 
Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale.  It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house.  Bring your husbands.
 
Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help. 
 
Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church.  So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
 
The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
 
Pot-luck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
 
The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind.  They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
 
This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church.  Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.