Themes of forgiveness, cleansing, renewal, refreshment and growth are things to consider as we travel through Lent.

Nothing so marks the passing of time as does the passing of the seasons…..

This is a story about a little girl, who, whilst her parents were not looking, stole a poppy from a Remembrance Memorial. She and her sister climbed the Memorial steps and noticed a wreath, faded but still garlanded with poppies, before her elder sister could stop her, the little girl had reached out a hand and taken a flower

I have been challenged by reading the parables of the lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son. The stories are in Luke’s Gospel Ch15 v1-32. The parables teach us something of how God feels about us with all our imperfections and follies.

Dear Friends,

I was told recently by someone that `the Methodist Church is dying and on its last legs’. That statement did make me think particularly about our worshipping numbers on a Sunday morning. Yes, numbers have decreased at Wesley and indeed in all our churches in this Circuit. But, of course, the strength of the Church is not only measured in numbers, but by a deeper level of commitment, in terms of joyful enthusiasm for the gospel of Christ and a recognition of the constant privilege of knowing we are all unique and loved by God.

A church which is fully committed to worship will be united in their love of God and a desire to work for God and His people in the community. So, as we get together for all the opportunities to worship at Wesley, not just on Sunday but during the week, may we be fully aware of God`s presence in our lives and united in our common purpose to love and serve the Lord.

This month we celebrate the feast of Pentecost as we celebrate the coming
of the Holy Spirit…….

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.