LETTER FROM REVD LOUISE Dear Friends,We live in sad and war-torn times. The news is particularly bleak at present with the devastation in the Middle East, the outbreak of meningitis in Kent and the effect the fighting between the US, Iran and Israel is likely to have on the world economy. It can be tempting to just give up in despair at the violence and fear that drives people to fight and kill. Yet Christian people across the world are getting ready for Holy Week. We are preparing to walk with Jesus to the cross and spend some time thinking about his death, his words of forgiveness, his bearing the pain and violence of the world. We will listen again to those final hours of his life, the story of an innocent young man, brutally killed. And we will bring our prayers for a world in which many innocent people are maimed and killed day after day, to the God who in Jesus, has held that pain and injustice and sits alongside the victims, the wounded and the bereaved. The suffering God who knows about the pain of the world. Jesus, who was unjustly killed, yet didn’t respond in hatred.We believe that the death of Jesus wasn’t the end of the story. We believe that despite the horror of Good Friday, Jesus was raised to life, confirming his claim to be the Son of God. This resurrection wasn’t just a mysterious and wonderful event for Jesus and his friends. It was a sign for all in the darkness of fear and despair that, in St Paul’s words, ‘Nothing can separate us from the love of God’. In the darkness of our world, the light of resurrection continues to give us hope. This Holy Week, come and spend some time at the cross on Good Friday, bringing your burdens of fear, sadness, guilt and uncertainty, and give them to the one who knows, cares and loves you and all people. And then come and celebrate on Easter Morning that, in the darkness of this world, light still shines. There is still hope and love and goodness in God and we can live through dark days knowing and trusting in his presence with us.35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?837 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8.35-39)God bless you with a peaceful and hope-filled Easter, Louise.x
Congratulations to Brian and Jennifer Whymark as they celebrate 65 years of married life, on March 18th. They were married at St Paul’s Bentley Common, near Chelmsford and they give thanks for the blessings of their family and the long life they have shared together.
Electoral Roll Revision Each year we revise our membership list. If you have attended St Andrew’s and/or St Peter’s and have been baptised, you are welcome to have your name included on our role. If you signed a form last year you do not need to do so this year. If not, please ask for a form at church! The revision of the role takes place from March 8th-22nd.
Thank you for your kind congratulations following my graduation on January 8th. I’ve completed a 3-year part-time MA in theology based at St Augustine’s College of Theology in West Malling (Kent). The degree was conferred by Durham University and so I had to go to Durham Cathedral for the ceremony. I have loved my studies, and it was a very happy occasion. No mortar boards, but here’s a picture of me in my academic robes on very cold day! The building above my head is Durham Cathedral. Louise.
