Message

The monthly message from one of the clergy that is published in Outlook

Dear Friends,

The Christmas season is upon us again. In the midst of it all, I hope you find the time and space to reflect with gratitude on your life, and the lives of those who share it with you. I am so very aware that this is a particularly dark time for many people who will feel the ache of absent loved ones, and many who are estranged from loved ones, for whatever reason.

The phrase “austerity measures” has been in the news on a daily basis. Perhaps your personal aspirations for Christmas are affected by your own necessary austerity measures. Austerity for some seems to mean little more than not having what they want when they want it. For others it involves real sacrifices in the face of very changed financial circumstances. Either way, a simpler Christmas is never a bad thing. The central message of Christmas is a profound but simple truth. Relationships and not possessions lie at the centre of all things.

Beyond retirement and walking for nearly 5 months, Nancy and John Eckersley raised over £65,000 in total towards a water sanitation project in Africa through Christian Aid.

I look forward to the arrival of a new vicar. An appointment has been made, and all involved are excited by the person who will be joining us here. By the time you read this we may be giving names and details, but for now that's all that can be said. Again, a person brings possibilities that a lump of money, however large, never could.

With every good wish for your Christmas season.

Regards

Rory