The voice of the Methodist Church in South Derbyshire
Mission Statement: Our purpose is to proclaim Christ being God's people in a world in need of love, peace and hope.
Minister’s Letter
As I write this letter I am aware that this copy of New Horizons covers Advent, Christmas and Lent.
The first and last are very much about journeying; about setting special time aside to reflect on the Biblical narratives and find God in our everyday.
The carol ‘O little town of Bethlehem’ includes the words ‘be born in us today’. What does it mean to have God born in us? The Kingdom made a present reality within?
It is something about saying ‘yes’ to God as Mary did at her conception and Jesus did in the garden of Gethsemane. It’s something about allowing the Holy Spirit to infill us and work through us.
Modern life tends to be over stimulated with many options and incredibly full. We manage and organize our life and the temptation is to do the same with God.
Mary and Jesus embody for us how to receive from God as they both let go, empty themselves and receive God freely ‘let it be to me according to your word’ and ‘let your will not mine be done’ are words that challenge us during these seasons.
There will be opportunities for us as a Circuit to set time aside and journey during these Holy seasons of the Christian calendar; opportunities to make space for God to be born in us afresh and to be encouraged to encounter and recognise God in our midst.
As we begin the new church year I pray that 2012 may be for us all a time that is joyful, fruitful and full of the surprise of God.
Love Andrea.
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