For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
As I write this in mid-January, we find ourselves in a season of waiting. Winter still holds its grip on the world outside, but the promise of spring is just on the horizon. The days are slowly getting longer, and the earth, though still dormant, is preparing for the burst of new life that will soon arrive. This season of transition reminds us that growth often requires patience, but with it comes new possibilities.
Much like the changing seasons, God’s church in Swallownest is also in a time of waiting and preparation. As we eagerly anticipate the arrival of our new minister, Jo Regan, we find ourselves reflecting on the hope and potential that come with change. Just as nature needs time to bloom, we are laying the groundwork for new beginnings, trusting that God is at work behind the scenes, shaping the future of our congregation. The promise of a new season in the life of the church is a time for us to come together in faith, unity, and anticipation.
Though the waiting can sometimes feel long, there is beauty in this moment. It is a time for reflection, for nurturing the relationships and ministries that are already flourishing within our church family. It’s also an opportunity to prayerfully prepare our hearts for the new chapters ahead, knowing that just as the spring brings fresh growth, so too will the church experience a season of renewal. Together, we will step into this new season, confident that God’s plan for us is unfolding in His perfect timing.
As we wait, let us reflect on the ways we can prepare our hearts, our lives, and our community for what is ahead. Just as a gardener tends to the soil before planting, we too can cultivate an atmosphere of unity, prayer, and anticipation. The seeds of faith we plant today will blossom into something beautiful in the season to come.
God bless,
Rob Joyce (on behalf of the leadership team)