Letter from our Rector …
What have we missed? The uncertain hope of an end to lockdown adds to our anxiety. We just want it all to be over and do the things we love to do with the people we love to do them with. Seeing family and friends, simply being outdoors more. Filling our diaries with events simply because we can once more. Engaging in our hobbies without limitations and impulsively doing stuff.
I read an article recently that said, living in the past is depression, living in the future is anxiety, living for now is where the full appreciation of joy is to be found. The Bible makes this same point, too many times for me to list. One verse that stands out in our current predicament is,
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:34
At this time of year, you cannot fail to see the changes going on around us naturally regardless of what we are doing. New life springing up everywhere, it lifts the mood and heartens the soul.
In church we are busy making the most of Easter. Restricted though we are, Easter is so important, more so than Christmas, that we will not let it pass without celebration. Holy Week the week leading to Good Friday, is busy with lots of tradition and worship. I love it!
But how many of us have our mind in the future? Are we allowing our anxiety to cloud the here and now? It is difficult I know; I struggle too. What I would like you to try and do is take time out. Spend time outdoors, even if sitting in your own garden, in the park or going on a good long ramble. Take in the natural beauty of it all and ask yourself, ‘is this really a coincidence as many would have us believe?’
I am currently working on plans to establish a Forest Church this summer. Beginning with once a month, we will gather and explore our natural environment. We will consider what makes it all happen. It will be an opportunity for anyone who wants to join in, young and old, it matters not. Above all it will be an opportunity to meet others and take a little time away from our anxieties and worries for we can come back to those later, (that’s biblical too).
More details will follow but, in the meantime, please do have a peaceful and joyous Easter.
Rev Barry
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