Dear Friends,
There is no little irony as I looked back to the last time I wrote the opening letter for the magazine – it was the May edition. At the time of writing, before Palm Sunday, I expected that day ‘to be declared ‘the hottest day of the year’ … so far!’
Today, I write as the fourth heatwave is well under way. In the intervening period, not so much water has gone under the bridges because of the scarcity of rain and we are seeing images of reservoirs that need urgent replenishing. If we needed yet another reminder of the challenges the world faces regarding climate change, we do not need to look far, although television pictures from all over the world demonstrate how widespread these challenges are.
The world is simply too big for an individual to fully comprehend, and yet the world is that little bit different because each of us is in it, as a unique, individual being. If an issue is too big for a single person to comprehend or address, it is more easily dealt with by joining together with another person or other people, enabling challenges to be met together: more resources, more ideas, more imagination, more impact. Can we each do a little bit more to preserve the planet for the future?
For the most part and for most people, Christianity is a faith exercised in community together. We share together. We learn from each other. We give one another encouragement. Bit by bit, the part of the world in which we have our being, can become a better place because of our contributions to it. Importantly, we should acknowledge the contribution made by each and every individual on a regular basis – thank you – and the church goes a little further in fulfilling its mission.
I also want to wish you a ‘Happy New Year,’ for the new Methodist Church year begins on September 1st annually. At the beginning of September, ministers and congregations all around the country will be meeting together in worship for the first time. It is the start of a new part of the faith journey for each, as they seek to do the work of God in new partnerships together.
As we continue our Christian work and witness here, God’s blessings be with us all.
Best wishes,
David.