LiFT 18th May
Dear friends, faithful people,
Another week rolls by, full of time with you, services, visits, meetings, and chance encounters. There has also been the endless stream of emails and some service preparation, but I’m really not complaining, I feel very blessed and privileged to be able to do all of this with you.
It is Ascension Day today – forty days after Easter, during which time Christ has been making appearances to his disciples and others, trying to help them understand the story, the truth, and now, today, having demonstrated the resurrection, he ascends to heaven to be with God. A tradition has developed over recent decades, encouraging us to make the time from now, until Pentecost (two Sundays time) a period of concentrated prayer, asking for the Holy Spirit to come and give us growth in the church. A quick Google search will tell you more, but I invite you to join me in praying over the next 11 days, that we will see our friends and family grow in faith, and our churches become better havens for those who are in need of spiritual care, and those who are lonely and searching for comfort.
My prayers for you over the coming season are for a growth in your relationship with God, for your faith to grow and blossom, and for you to understand better the plan that God has for you. I love it that our faith continues to grow with us throughout our lives, just as our fingernails and hair do. We can always learn something new about God, and ourselves.
That said, I wonder whether there is anything that you’re wondering about, or questions you have that I can be part of? I’m always excited to talk with people who are wondering 🙂
I’ll finish this week with another round of thank yous. Such an important word and possibly one that we don’t use often enough. So – thank you to all those of you who use your gifts and skills in our churches and communities but don’t think anyone notices. I hope that I do see your efforts and your contribution. I notice linen, churchyards, clean paths, tidy spaces, I know who is caring for our money, and who is visiting people. I see that pat testing happens, that flowers are refreshed, that gift aid is collected and that our buildings look welcoming. None of those things happen without you, so thank you.
If you have a burning desire to try your hand at something that you see might enhance our church life in any way, including all those things that we do with each other, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.
And now it’s time to close the computer and get ready for a day of resting and recharging (for which read – studying and writing, I have an essay due in!)
With love to you all, Sally xx–
–Please note I will not usually reply to emails received on Fridays as this is my rest day. If you need me urgently please send me a voicemail on my mobile number. Thank you for your understanding.
07813 264429