Suddenly we appear to be well into 2018 with the month of January already almost gone. Like so many of you, I have spent a not inconsiderable time looking back at 2017, as always with a whole mixture of feelings and emotions. Whether on a personal, family, church, even national and world level, it has, yet again, brought its joys and it sadnesses to us all.
In church, we have experienced the excitement of new birth and the sorrow of the loss of loved ones. Throughout we have sensed God’s hand upon us. He is Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end.
A particular highlight, for me, in 2017 was the Alpha Course which we were able to host in the autumn months. All involved have been so positive in their responses. It has been so good to get to know a group of new, and some not so new, people and develop a sense of belonging, which we trust will develop in the weeks ahead. Already we are considering when we may run another course and would love to hear from any who would like to be involved in one capacity or another. It really does offer opportunities for so many to serve. Listen out for further news and speak to those who were involved in 2017 to find out more.
As we look both back to what has passed and forward to what is to come, I am reminded of the words penned by the hymn writer, Timothy Dudley-Smith:
Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided:
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.
As we thank God for all he has done, we trust him for all that lies ahead.
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