Brothers and Sisters,
Greetings in the name of Jesus our Lord and Saviour.
As I write this message for March and April, we are reminded of how fragile life can be. There has been a rise in the number of deaths during the winter months of January and February. Most members have heard of at least two deaths during those months.
With sadness we advise of the death of Sr Irene Scotland, who has been a member of our congregation for many, many years. We send condolences to her family. Please see the verse from I Thessalonians chapter 4 (below). Hospitals across the country have experienced near capacity or no available bed allocation, as the effects of flu and Norovirus, along with other factors, have hospitalised a number of patients.
We are about to move into the Church season of Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday (5th March). A time for prayer, reflection and repentance as we prepare for Easter. Consider what you can do during this period of Lent. As we move through Lent, we invite you to be part of our ‘Passion tide’ services and our ‘Easter’, celebrations.
We continue to focus on our National Church Development action plan. The plan was updated before Christmas and can be accessed through our Champion Sr Heather Anderson or the Elders.
The plan is also displayed at the front of the Church. Let us continue to improve our relationship and trust in each other. At times we meet in small groups, to focus on a project or activity to build the Church.
When this happens pray and ask yourself how we can bring glory to God, as we work with one another. Ask God to guide you. Every member has a part to play in adding to the plan and assisting with the completion of the actions.
Let me leave you with the statement of faith from 1 Thessalonians chapter 4 vv 13 -15.
13 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.
14 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.
15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.
Every blessing,
Revd. Edwin.
This letter is from our Focus No 355 church magazine.