January - February 2026 Minister's Letter

Brothers and Sisters,

Happy New Year greetings are sent to you, in the Name of our Lord Jesus. Those who are near and those who are far off. What are your hopes for 2026? At the beginning of a New Year, it is natural to reflect on the year that has passed and evaluate how to move through the year before us.

How was last year, 2025 for you? Many of you know of someone who died throughout the past year. In some cases, it has been close friends and family, who have now left a void in your life. You may still be learning how to process the loss, and therefore seeking to move on. Remember God is still with you, put your trust in Him.

Paul tells the early Christians in Thessalonica: "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him." (1 Thessalonians Ch 4 vv 13-14)

God will give you the comfort and strength that is so much needed to help you in this earthly life. As the hymn writer say, When your load gets heavy, and your load gets hard, Keep on praying, and put your trust in the Lord. He's waiting just to bless you; With His outstretched hands. Tell Him your sorrows, oh, yes. He will understand.

As many think about New Year resolutions for 2026, remember that we are still in this world, so we have to live a life pleasing to God. Ask yourself, ‘How can I walk closer to God today and throughout the New Year’.

Ask yourself, ‘How can I be a blessing to other in all that I do’. Now is a good time to focus and commit to discipleship and evangelism. Now is a good time to commit to join the Bible study group, Prayer group, Women’s Fellowship or Men’s Fellowship if you are not already a member.

In the year 2026 we need to be more intentional with building faith with the children and young people known to us. Grandparents as well as parents can be a catalyse for sharing faith with our young ones. We could ask ourselves what more can I do. I believe that each of us can do something. We can still all pray, pray and pray.

I also remind you of the Natural Church Development survey and our action plan. Let us be a power house for the Holy Spirit.

As a congregation, we send greetings to the other Churches that we are linked with. During this month we remember our Brothers and Sisters at Amersham Free Church.

Rev Edwin.

This letter is from our Focus No 360 church magazine.