Within this next week we will mark the beginning of a New Methodist Year. The date when ministers who have moved start new ministries, the date when we ourselves will mark changes within our circuit staff and churches. So a happy New Year.

These last few months I have been involved in conversations with a number of churches about the future. To close, to join with others and forming a new church, to start a new project. I recognise how difficult it has been for many faithful people, and we do indeed give thanks for the work that has been done in the past, the present and into the future.

This week, we held a messy church session at Kibblesworth. This session was based on the story of the lost sheep. Lots of sheep themed crafts and we even had a sheep trail around the village. Families were encouraged to collect a sheet and then go and find the several hidden sheep which had been ‘lost’ around the village. Many of the local businesses had found one, some of the church members who lived in the village had managed to find a sheep and then display them in their window for the families to find.

Every few months I meet with a Spiritual Accompanist whose role is to help me to reflect upon my own spiritual journey. Three weeks ago, I was reflecting with her on Mark 6:31,

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He (Jesus) said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”