Greetings …
What a difference just one week can make. We are now passed ‘business as usual’ and seem to be moving into a phase of ‘reimagining’ as we think on how we can continue to be as active as possible amongst a time of increasing restrictions. Many of us, including me, have never lived through a time when public events have been cancelled, when we have had to limit our supermarket purchases and when travel has been restricted. At the moment things are changing daily, and it can be hard to keep us, but as people of faith we can be secure in the knowledge that the love of God for each one of us doesn’t change. As Hebrews 13:8 reminds us “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The One who loved us so much that he lay down his life continues to love us in the same way, today and forever.
At a time when we are being cautioned to keep physical distance from one another, may be still keep in touch, connecting via phone, email or letter. In this way we can continue to support and encourage one other. When we think of others we can move from being so focused on our own situation and that five-minute phone call can have benefits for you, as well as the person you call.

5th Wednesday of Lent – 25 March – Psalm 51:15
“My mouth will declare your praise”
This verse is confronting when we think of the situation that the world is in today. We are all personally affected, and in the midst of our confusion it can be difficult to find space for praise. Questions might run along the lines of “what do I have to praise God for?”
Something that I find helpful is remembering that praise is not only an activity of delight but also an acknowledgement of value. It isn’t just about how I feel now, but a necessary response when we understand who God is. Even we when don’t feel joyful in the moment, when we praise the One who is the source of all joy we are often met by an inner peace.

5th Sunday of Lent – 29 March – Psalm 8:1
“How majestic is your name in all the earth”
Majestic isn’t a quality that is spoken much of today. It contains images of strength, greatness, grandeur and power. This verse invites us to consider all the created order and see that within everything it is God who is majestic. While we are so good at seeing what divides us, it is God who embodies wholeness and constancy, order and fullness. It is through God that we receive our wholeness.
Psalm 8 encourages us to look beyond ourselves, to look around at everything spectacular
and amazing in the world and recognise that God is so much more than any of this, or the
sum of it. For while the whole earth is filled with God’s glory the world is still not able to contain the totality of God. Surely our God is worthy of praise.
Blessings – Rev Heather.