Dear Friends,

As a new year dawns, it seems as if there are lots of challenges to face. We think of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the huge implications of that in terms of loss of life in both Ukraine and Russia. We think of the trauma experienced as people see homes and businesses flattened and the documented impact of this conflict all over the globe in terms of rising energy and food prices.

The news coverage of the conflict has often overshadowed other global challenges, like climate change and its impact around the world. We don’t hear as much about humanitarian disaster around other parts of the world, such as the famine affecting the Horn of Africa at the present time. Many millions are facing starvation because of drought and the rising food costs at the markets, which no one is able to afford after the catastrophic impact of Covid-19.

As we emerge from the worst excesses of the pandemic, we are mindful of the impact it has had upon our mental health. People are understandably cautious about coming out to large gatherings and many have withdrawn.

This means many groups and activities have seen their attendances suffer as people are fearful for their health, or maybe they are shielding a loved one who is vulnerable. Those who have re-emerged into circulation find that many things have changed and now seem unfamiliar.

Many people find change difficult to cope with and, with so much change in so many different parts of our lives, it can seem a bit overwhelming at times. People long for stability and familiar rhythms to help them feel grounded again. Perhaps this is particularly so in the church, seen by many as a place of sanctuary from the storms and changes that tend to sweep into our lives without warning. The reality for the church, as with any organisation, is that it, too, needs to change or it will find it hard to survive.

The message of Salvation remains the same. It is found in Jesus Christ and in His redeeming love. It’s a hope that was made possible by his sacrificial death on the Cross at Calvary and His rising from the dead. Let’s make no mistake about it – people still need to find peace with God and will find meaning and purpose through a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.

We may have to communicate that in new ways. We may have to explore new possibilities of reaching out and connecting with this generation.

Many people, for all sorts of reasons, have got disconnected and disengaged from the life of the church. We are delighted that our Connect service hopes to begin in the church hall once a month from February onwards. This offers an opportunity to worship in a more informal way. To reacquaint us with many of the worship songs and introduce us to new ones, the worship group is hoping to host a concert on Friday, 20th January at 7.30pm in the church hall. It’s hoped that the event will also act as a fundraiser for Fields of Life and the St. Finnian’s Uganda project. There will be an opportunity to make donations on the night and a cup of tea will be served at the interval.
We hope that many will come and offer their praise to God and give thanks for His faithfulness and for seeing us through to this point of the pandemic.

In all of the uncertainties going forward, we thank God for his steadfast love and faithfulness and we seek to make Him known to the world around us as a new year dawns.

We will be recommencing our prayers over Zoom on Thursday nights from Thursday 5th January. Anyone wishing to receive an invitation and take part please email the Rector at zoomtostfinnian@btconnect.com

With very best wishes.

Yours sincerely,

Jonathan Pierce (Rector)

Telephone 02890 793822