As we head into the new calendar year, it's good to reflect on all that the past year has brought. 

For some of us 2025 will have been a joyful year, for some of us 2025 will have been a testing and perhaps painful year.

At the start of the year, it's important to look back at all that has happened, to pray for God's forgiveness for the things that we may have misjudged, but also to thank God for his faithfulness and the many blessings we have received from him, and ask for his guidance as we move forward through the new year. 

My prayer is one of thankfulness to God for this Benefice of East Dere Street and for the many wonderful people and churches in the communities which we serve. I pray too, that as we begin the new year we may know God's love, hope, joy, grace and peace and that we can continue to grow in love and service of both God and our communities.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you would like prayer or a chat over a cup of tea and a visit.  My email is [email protected] and my mobile is 07592016476.

A prayer as we start the New Year...

God of all our days, as we step into this new year, be our light in the darkness and our guide on the way.

Forgive what is past, bless what will be, and walk with us in every moment to come.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.