Dear Friends, As I write this, Epiphany was yesterday (the 6th of January) and we are still, for some traditions, in the season of Christmas-tide (ending on the 2nd of February, Candlemas). Having done my best to avoid being rail-roaded into Christmas by all the commercialism of what should be a quiet time of watching and waiting (Advent), I was rather alarmed/depressed/angry (other adjectives are available) to hear from a friend (complete with photos to prove it) that some shops are already offering... yes, Easter eggs. There's a certain satisfying, comforting rhythm to the Church's year. Like the monthly, gardening and farming calendars, it encourages us to take each activity and celebration in its proper time. It gives us the opportunity to think about what we're doing and why, whether it's joyful (Christmas, Easter Sunday), sorrowful (Good Friday) or contemplative (Remembrance Sunday). This year, February brings us Valentine's Day (of course!), but also, a few days later, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. But there are, in addition to these well-known festivals, men and women remembered who gave their lives to God's service, and the service of the people among whom they lived. At a time of year that is often rather cold and wet, and in a geo-political climate that is very concerning, here are a few reasons to be cheerful: some may be new to you. Commemorations in February: 1st February: St Brigid (died about 525), Ireland – compassion and leadership. 3rd February: Anskar (died in 865), France/Sweden/Denmark – care for the poor, patron saint of Denmark. 6th February: Martyrs of Japan (1597) – 36 men and women, lay and ordained. 17th February: Archbishop Janani Luwum (1977), Uganda – martyr for justice. 27th February: George Herbert (born 1593), Salisbury – poet and hymn writer. The primroses, early rhubarb and bluebell shoots have all been putting in their usual early appearance in my garden: God is the Father Who made and loves us, and we can go forward into Spring trusting His care, whatever the world (and some of its crazy leaders) throws at us. May God bless us all. Liz Lampard
Join us at one of this year’s Benefice Lent Groups to make a start - no guilt, no tests, and no ancient‑languages or theology degree required! For 5 weeks, starting Tuesday 24th February at Abbot’s Bromley at 11.00am and Colton at 1.00 pm and, Thursday 26th February at Colwich.
As the calendar turns to January, the word resolution is everywhere. According to the New Shorter Oxford English Dictionary (1993 edition), its meaning includes:The process of reducing a non-material object into a simpler form.Determination; firmness or steadfastness.By now, the excitement of Christmas has faded, and the baby in the manger seems a distant memory and the world will soon have forgotten its New Year celebrations and resolutions. Perhaps your resolutions are already broken and left behind? Perhaps a few of us are pondering what difference the 25th December really made? Where is peace on earth? Where is peace in my life? Has anything truly been resolved?In church, January worship might seem to echo this sense of moving on. The wise men finally arrive on Epiphany (6th January – marking the end of the Christmas season), but after that, the baby Jesus vanishes, apart, that is, from a brief appearance on the 2nd of February! No baby, but Jesus is not gone, he’s grown. And in the traditional readings of the Epiphany season, we are reminded just who this Jesus is.‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased,’ says the voice from heaven.‘Teacher, you are the Son of God,’ declares Nathanael.At a wedding in Cana, Jesus turns water into wine – the first of his signs, revealing his glory.What is or was your resolution this year? Mine is to make sure that I have enough time to write a new magazine letter instead of reworking an old one (with or without the help of AI)! However, the real question is not what resolutions we make, let alone keep. It is with what resolution we see Jesus. Is he just a baby in a manger or is he also the Son of God, who lived, died, rose, and was glorified – and all that for you and me?May your resolution grow ever clearer.Revd Mark Davys
