Dear Friends,

Who could possibly live without hope? At a time of uncertainty about Brexit, when economic uncertainties persist, casting their shadows over many lives; when so much pain and suffering can create doubt about the goodness of life, we need to be reminded that hope is always justified. Holy Week and Easter bring us a reminder of why there is always a cause for hope. The God who caused all life to be in the first place chose to bring His crucified Son back to New Life. The Festival of Easter celebrates the truth that God`s love and life will always be triumphant over sin, suffering and death.

Thank God there is variety in the world. Each of God`s creatures is uniquely individual, including you and me. Each snowflake has a different pattern, each animal has its own distinct characteristics and each person has her or his unique personality.

This month we remember literally millions who have died as a result of war. God says – every one of these who fell is a child of mine, everyone I have counted the hairs on their head. So, we remember those who died and give thanks for what they gave to us and the generations which followed them and we rejoice that everyone was and remains forever precious and loved in God’s sight.

Light will always have to fight darkness. Love will always have to fight hate. Truth will always have to fight falsehood. These are the things we proclaim when we, by word and deed, share with others the message that Jesus is Lord.

Dear Friends

Autumn is a time for cooling off after the long hot lazy and hazy days of summer.  It is back to darker nights, green leaves falling, conker fights and lingering mists. For some it`s the dread of going back to school or the thrill of starting college.  For others it is the joy of singing along to the Last Night of the Proms and tapping feet to the return of Strictly Come Dancing.  There are relieved sigh's  of `it`s back to autumn` and for the people called Methodists there is excitement and enthusiasm about the start of another new year in the life of the church.

Dear Friends

Worship is at the heart of the Christian faith. It is the activity in which we focus our response and praise.

Dear Friends

In our recent Church Growth discussions here at Wesley, lively conversations took place at the Annual General Church Meeting on the subject of `welcome`. We were reminded that welcome is one of the signs that a Church is alive. So, where are we now? Where could we go? and what could we do?

Dear Friends

I recently came across this meditation and would like to share it with you.

`Commit your way to the Lord; Trust in him, and he will act` Psalm 37v5

The moment when a butterfly first emerges from its cocoon and flutters its wings is miraculous. Similarly, the first fluttering of faith in God is a wondrous awakening to a positive new way to see life. Through my awakening faith, I feel a deepening trust in God's good will for my life.

Dear Friends

This month Lent begins and we think of Jesus being led into the wilderness. He was tempted there to go away from the work God wanted him to do.  He was tempted by the attraction of power, wealth and popularity. This was the time he spent strengthening himself for his future work: for his preaching, healing, concern for people- work which would lead him to death on the cross. He needed this time to deepen the choices he had already made. He was led into the desert by the Spirit; God wanted him there.  

Dear Friends,

Advent is the season of expectation and preparation for Christmas. We must stand aside from the mad rush of commercialism, and to quietly contemplate the wonder of God`s love in the Christ Child. Have you ever thought about the many strands that go to make up the celebration of Christmas?