January reflection

Dear Friends

When you read this, we’ll probably be celebrating Christmas. Indeed, I hope we are celebrating Christmas whenever we get around to reading the January magazine, because Christmas means God is with us. So, we ought to have a Christmas party every day, all year round, but probably not with mince pies and Christmas pudding; they really are a midwinter treat aren’t they?  

So I hope that you are enjoying Christmas, God with us, whatever is happening. Thank you for all the good greetings which made their way to our house throughout December. Thank you too to everyone who gave their time, energy and talents so generously to make Christmas in Bilborough and Strelley so good and so varied. It was a December which I’ll remember for a long time, with the story of Jesus’ birth read, acted out and sung about in all sorts of places. I’m so glad for Christmas Services, teas, fairs and a festival, for good food and good company, for beautifully decorated Churches and for hundreds of Christingles: thank you to everyone who made it all possible.

We now have to think about what we’re going to do in January, when we might have a bit more time. How about reading a good book? I’d like to recommend one which I read in two sittings back in November.

It’s not a long book, but it’s fast moving and action packed. It takes the reader through a full range of experiences and emotions, the best and the worst of human life is there. It’s a story of intrigue, rivalry, danger, corruption and betrayal. It’s a story of loyalty, friendship, sacrifice and changed lives. It is a love story of the highest order.

This book is written by a man called Mark, it’s called the gospel of Mark and you’ll find it in the Bible. Throughout this year, we’ll be reading it in very short sections on Sundays in church. But, it really makes a difference if you can listen to it or read it as you would any other book or story.

here will be copies of this book available in our three churches throughout January, for you to take home and read. You can also download this book or listen to it on CD. It comes highly recommended, it’s part of the world’s number one best seller.

I’ll love to hear how you get on.

In the meantime, have a very happy New Year.

God bless you all

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Visitors

The Church will be open to visitors most Friday mornings from about 9.45 am to 11.30 am.

We are doing this because we have received many requests and are anxious to meet people’s needs. It will give you an opportunity to have a time of peace and reflection or to talk to someone about the Church and its Services are just about your own needs.

We look forward to meeting you.