As I write this, we are a couple of weeks into the New Year. The decorations are down and despite some cold, snowy weather we are in what we might think of as a more normal time of year. Of course, it is not normal for some for whom life is always a struggle and indeed our world seems to be in a perpetual struggle with big nations throwing their weight around as of the only rule is ‘might is right’. As we, maybe, recover from the events of Christmas and New Year, this can be a time to look at our own lives and activities remembering the central message of the season we have just left and of Lent that begins in mid-February – seeing the presence of Jesus Christ active in our world and if we open ourselves to him, in our daily lives. Following him doesn’t mean we avoid the problems of life but, rather, we have a promise that we don’t need to face them alone. As we look at the needs of others we can glibly say ‘I’ll pray for you’, maybe we should ask ourselves how we can be part of the solution to our own and others’ issues and allow ourselves to be part of God’s flow of love and care in his world.Rather belatedly now, but I still wish you all a happy and peaceful 2026. Marcus Griffiths
This year our reflections are based around the theme of joy. Joy as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ during advent and joy as we ponder in prayer the great mystery of God’s saving love during the Christmas season. The angel said the shepherds, “do not be afraid, for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all people”. Luke 2;10-11 The great joy at Christmas, I believe, is the good news that the angel declared to the shepherds. The news of Jesus birth as Emmanuel (God with us). In Jesus, God comes to us in a form that we can recognise, as a human child. Advent is a season of anticipation, of the coming of our Lord and a season of discernment. During 2026 we will be considering through prayer and discernment where God will be taking us as a Benefice and who He is preparing for our part time posts of vicar and schools and families worker. January gives an opportunity to pray and reflect with a retreat day on waiting on Saturday 17th January. There is no doubt that we are living in tough times, our time on earth is limited and we are to use it wisely. God’s love is able to give us lasting meaning and joy to everything we do. Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her king; Let ev’ry heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing. Rev Chris Alexander
As I write this, the leaves are already changing colour, and each time I walk outside, there are more of them underfoot. There is a definite chill in the air, and the nights are drawing in. Although I’ve never really looked forward to Autumn or Winter, in recent years, I have begun to appreciate the special nature of each season. There is a stark beauty in the silhouette of a leafless tree, especially when the branches are tinged with sparkling frost. Nature seems to take a rest and for us, too, it can be an opportunity to reflect as we spend more time indoors and less time working in our gardens. November is traditionally a time of reflection and remembering. Remembrance Sunday falls this year on 9th November and each of our churches will be holding a service. We remember those men and women who have been involved in all wars and conflicts over the past century- not just those actively involved in combat, but also their families, as well as those who bring aid to the wounded, the homeless, the sick. We remember in order to honour and give thanks for those whose sacrifice has bought our freedom and peace. We think too of those places where war still rages, praying for peace and an end to conflict. Memories may sometimes be painful, but when we look back, we often recognise where we have found strength and peace in even the most difficult of times. We can see where our lives have been shaped and enhanced by the times we have been through – and by the people who have accompanied us and helped us on our journey. We can find comfort and hope in recognising where God has been present with us, even if it was hard to appreciate this at the time. At the end of November, we shall enter the season of Advent; a time of waiting, of looking to the future, but also of recalling God’s promises made to his people long ago and brought to fulfilment through his Son, Jesus Christ. November will mark a time of transition for us as a benefice as our dear friends Rev Becky and Rob move on to pastures new. We shall remember them too, giving thanks for all they have done among us and praying for them in their new venture. As we look to the future, and what it may bring, we do so remembering God’s grace and blessings of the past and trusting him in hope for the future. “I will remember your great deeds, Lord; I will recall the wonders you did in the past. I will think about all that you have done; I will meditate on your mighty acts.” Psalm 77: 11,12 Rev Chris Simpson
