My Dear Friends,

I am conscious as I write that the world feels an uncertain place, and we may feel powerless in the face of world events. However we do have control over our own actions and responses. We can choose to act with kindness and compassion; we can pray for those far away and those nearby who need comfort and care. We can be kind and gentle to ourselves when we feel overwhelmed.

This is the season of hope in the Church as we’ve celebrated Easter – the resurrection of Jesus, which reminds us that all isn’t lost. We can glimpse heaven on earth through the love of others, the nature around us and through a relationship with our living God. In our churches we’ve had meaningful and special Holy Week and Easter services and are looking forward to Pentecost where we welcome the Holy Spirit…said to be the birthday of the church.

Hope is my focus for the rural church. I am hopeful that by paying attention to our rural churches we can retain and rebuild church communities. If you look closely at The Church of England’s main website you’ll find a phrase, a strapline, which reads ‘a Christan presence in every community’. Can we keep that Christian presence alive and well in our villages? I hope so - if you haven’t been into church for a while (or ever) do come along, you’ll find a hope-filled group of people waiting to welcome you.

So, my dear friends, my message is simple: please come to Church! We are as always your Christian presence in your community.

love and blessings.

Linda