🌿 1st March – A New Month in God’s Faithfulness As we step into the first day of March, we find ourselves in an in-between season. The sharpness of winter is beginning to soften, yet spring has not fully arrived. The days are slowly lengthening. The light is returning. Creation itself seems to preach a sermon of hope. … Beneath the soil, roots are strengthening. Buds are forming long before they are visible. Life is at work in hidden places. Is this not often how God works in us? There are seasons when we cannot see much fruit. Prayers seem slow in their answering. Growth feels subtle. But Scripture reminds us that the Lord is always at work even when the evidence is not yet visible to us. The first of March can be a gentle invitation to trust in quiet faithfulness. Perhaps we might ask ourselves: Where has God been sustaining me through winter, even if I did not notice at the time? What small signs of new life can I thank Him for today? Am I willing to let Him prepare my heart before He brings visible change? We do not need to force the season. We do not need to rush ahead of God’s timing. Just as the earth responds to increasing light, we respond to His steady presence. As this new month begins, may we rest in the assurance that the same God who tends the hidden roots is tending our lives with care. And in His perfect time, what has been forming in secret will come into bloom.photograph: Jane Rutherford
December’s Update Nicholforest Church had a most successful Christmas Carol Service led by Rev Eric Robinson. The church was full of families who helped create a lively Nativity scene. We had excellent readers of all ages and beautiful music (thanks especially to the organist Graeme Brownlee). The Christingle Service was a joy-filled gathering of young and old followed by the Midnight Mass led by Bishop Peter Ramsden. This was the perfect introduction to Christmas Day when we mark the birth of Jesus Christ. The Church was packed again for the first Nicholforest Christmas Concert. Thank you to The Esk Singers and organist Graeme Brownlee for the music and to Nicholforest Parish Council who kindly supported the event with a small grant. The concert raised over £500 for the Church and the Children's Society. We wish to thank all those who donated flowers and gave their time to decorating the church for the festive season. Particular appreciation goes to Brenda Davidson whose porch decorations were very popular with families taking pictures.
