April can feel like a gentle change. The earth that lay quiet through winter now begins to show its transformation. Blossom appears on branches that seemed lifeless only weeks ago. Gardens brighten. The light grows stronger. We see more colour in nature around us now.Creation speaks clearly in April: renewal is possible.And April, as a month, holds deep spiritual significance. We journey through remembrance and rejoicing … reflecting on sacrifice, and celebrating resurrection hope. The message at the heart of our faith is written in Scripture and we feel it too, in the rhythm of the seasons: what appears finished is not always the end.There are times in life when we stand before what feels like a sealed tomb … unanswered prayers, personal struggles, uncertainty about the future. April gently reminds us that God’s work is often happening beyond the stone we cannot move ourselves.Resurrection follows surrender. It follows trust. Perhaps this month we might quietly consider:Where do I need to trust God with something that feels closed or hopeless?What new beginnings might He be shaping, even if I cannot yet see them?April reveals its message slowly in blossom, in birdsong, in longer evenings filled with light.May we enter this month attentive to the signs of new life around us, and open to the renewing work of Christ within us. For the same Lord who brings spring from winter is always at work bringing hope from sorrow, and life from what seemed lost.
🌿 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.
