You may well have been deeply disturbed by the news this week — not about Covid this time! On Monday the UN Panel on Climate Change issued its starkest warning yet about the drastic effects of global heating and the urgent need for all countries to rapidly reduce their inputs of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. We are already seeing these effects on our TV screen as fires ravage Greece and floods increase around the world.

Have you have watched the Olympic games over the last week or so?

Did you know that the original Olympic Games, staged in Olympia ran from 776 BC through till 392 AD and was held, like today, every four years in conjunction with a festival to honour the Greek god, Zeus?

Recently, on annual leave, I decided to worship on Sunday via YouTube and the service provided by Newcastle West Methodist Circuit. I made myself a cup of coffee, sat in a comfortable chair and pondered that that was not the position I usually adopt when I am in Sunday worship; being the leader of worship, I stand up most of the time and water is my only beverage! However, I felt truly blessed by that service, based upon some words of Jesus to His disciples from Mark 6: 30-32,

I write this letter following a staff meeting on Zoom where I read the words of Psalm 121.

“I lift my eyes to the hills”.

The image it gives is one of God’s wonderful creation - valleys, hills, blue skies, sheep grazing in the fields. But reading a little on these words they had a different meaning in the ancient world. Then the hills were seen as places of danger, places of uncertainty to any traveller. There was no path or guide and thieves could be hidden away waiting to pounce.

Recently, I received a message on my mobile which was a message from the NHS track and trace system. This message was telling me I had to self-isolate for ten days due to being identified as a close contact ofsomeone else who had tested positive for the Covid virus. Thankfully, I am allowed out again now!

As we begin a return to some recognisable normal, we may do things we have not done for a while. As churches begin to reopen there will be things we return to. Last weekend I enjoyed the privilege of serving communion which I found very special.

‘Twelve Rules for a post Covid-19 Church’.

Within the ordination service the set Gospel Reading is John 20: 19-29. This is the account of Jesus appearing to the disciples, in a locked room following the resurrection. Jesus breathes upon them the Holy Spirit. A week later Jesus appears a second time, this time Thomas is with them. Jesus shares his peace with them, and then when Thomas sees Jesus he bows before him and says, `My Lord and my God.’

Despite these things, the Church has also been at its best when it is open to God moving in and through it. It has done many good things like feeding the hungry, clothing the naked. Standing up for those on the margins and holding those in power to account.

We enjoy being away many of us will not have been away quite as much as we would like but when we return to what we know we feel safe and secure. We have a base the things around you are your things you know where things are (hopefully)