Dear Friends,
2020 is unlikely to go down as anyone’s favourite year (unless you are a major shareholder in Amazon or Zoom). Many have lost loved ones or jobs and others are separated from their families and feeling lonely and isolated.
In difficult times, we look for the hope that Christmas can provide. Although it will be different this year, the message remains the same: Jesus came to dispel the darkness and fear and bring the light of hope.
Our speech is now full of phrases never uttered before 2020. Social distancing. Track and Trace. The R number. In John 1, the traditional Christmas reading, there is an older phrase which if embraced would bring the hope we need as we enter 2021: Jesus came full of grace and truth.
Grace is God’s overwhelming, unconditional kindness and it means we can find the forgiveness we all need for our failings. Truth means that there is a God who directs the future, understands the past and knows us better than we do ourselves.
These have been uncertain times for Anita and me – purchasing a house at distance in the middle of a Pandemic has been challenging - but things have now become clearer. We will be overseeing necessary work and beginning our move in December a process which will be concluded in January allowing Richard to complete his handover to those who will run the interregnum.
Our final service will be broadcast on December 6th – sadly without a congregation – but if allowed we will say as many personal farewells as we can in between journeys up and down the M1.
We have made many friends here – thank you for all you have done to create the happy memories with which we will leave this beautiful part of the world.
May the God who came in his Son Jesus, full of grace and truth, shine his light upon you this Christmas and in the months and years to come.
With our love and prayers,
Richard and Anita