What does it mean to be a Christian? There is no one answer, save following Jesus of course! We all have many ideas of what it means to be Christian, for some of us it is service in the community, for others it is helping at church, then there are those who feel the time, right now, is to come to church and just be. All are valid, but all must be based on the teaching of Jesus.

Jesus taught his disciples through example and story. We have heard so many of them as we have celebrated our major festivals. Yet there is so much more to learn. We now enter the season in the church calendar known as Ordinary Time. You will have heard me say at some point there is nothing ordinary about church. This special time is one where we might take the opportunity to deepen and grow our faith. Jesus was often asked questions Lord what should I do? Lord how should I? He often answers with his own questions; what do you want me to do for you? What do you think? He wants us to think about what it is we are asking, what it is that our faith is calling us to.

Faith is the anchor that holds us when things are difficult, it is also what lifts us in time of joy. Our Bible Studies are one of the ways in which we wish to encourage each other in our faith. Our personal prayer and bible reading is a wonderful way to maintain our faith, but coming together, whether at church or specific group studies will help us to deepen and understand further the love of God through Jesus and what it means to go out and reflect god’s love in our service to the communities we serve. In the coming days Jenny Hunt will join us as our new Curate. Jenny is as keen to learn about us and our expression of faith just as we are in finding out more about her. Jenny will be writing the foreword to next month’s newsletter. Enjoy the summer, your families and all whom you love. With every blessing. Reverend Al.