Hopefully, some of you will remember Revd W.H.Osmund Moss a former Vicar of Uttoxeter who also held the title Rector of Bramshall. Well, it was usually about November time, when the leaves had changed colour and most of them were lying on the floor, the weather was generally dull and chilly, and there was a hint of decay in the air that Osmund would say, “the old year is dying.” At this time of remembrance our thoughts can be tinged with a note of solemnity or maybe even with a fond sense of nostalgia. Looking back can also offer the opportunity of reflecting on both our personal and corporate journeys to where we are now.

Each year begins with resolutions which generally soon fade and disappear as the ordinariness of life takes its inevitable hold. Like others, I keep a diary – not just for appointments, meetings, events and a reminder of special dates, but as a memoire of thoughts and feelings. Within the life of the Parochial Church Council there is a requirement to produce a Trustees Annual Report (TAR), which highlights the activities of the church throughout the year. This may seem an onerous document to produce, but it does reveal the achievements that have been accomplished, small as well as great, affirming everything that has been undertaken and is inspiring Personal diaries tend to be private, but the TAR should be available for all to read and feel validated, uplifted and encouraged. I would encourage you to read the TAR for your parish.

Heading into the ‘busyness’ end of the year can seem quite daunting, that feeling of being swept along with the tidal wave of needing to fulfil expectations, and the associated financial pressures and worries can dull any sense of optimism. Then throw into the mix the recent growing uncertainties and concerns surrounding Artificial Intelligence, the global political situation, it’s no wonder that we may feel like the world is shifting and changing so fast that it is different from one day to the next. Yet, throughout all of this, we can hold on to how we have arrived in the places we are now, and we may be able to perceive the one constant guiding and directing us, and that constant is Jesus Christ – the same yesterday, today and forever.

Grace & Peace be with you.

John

Reverand John Lander