Pastoral letter
Dear Friends,
The end of a journey is often the beginning; perhaps starting a holiday or moving to a new home.
Holy Week and Easter will end our journey through Lent, and I hope you have enjoyed the views along the way and that you have found time to pick something up to carry with you in your spiritual life. As we come to the events of Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter Day once more there can be a sense of déjà vu, but I hope they come to you afresh so that you can once more find comfort and joy in their celebration. As you arrive at your destination this Easter I hope that it is also a new beginning for you; a renewed understanding of Jesus and all he has done for you; a new determination to serve as his disciple.
Journeys often involve detours and perhaps don't go as smoothly as we would wish. These excursions can sometimes turn out to be even more important than the road we expected to take, as you see something new and unexpected. I remember travelling to the family in Dover for a holiday and trying to find somewhere for a quick picnic just off the motorway. We followed National Trust signs and came upon Audley End, a magnificent stately home we didn't know was even there. Jesus can come to us equally unexpectedly, if we just follow the signs and keep our hearts and minds open to unanticipated possibilities. Easter will soon be followed by Pentecost, when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit; we must always be receptive to God coming into our lives in a different way.
Wherever this year's Lenten journey has taken you I hope and pray it will have been a good experience and you enjoy arriving at your destination. Remember we are on a lifelong journey of faith that will take us to heaven, and even that we not be the end but a new beginning. Don't get lost along the way, but do enjoy the sights and sounds as you travel along.
Thine be the glory, risen conquering Son,
Bring us safe through Jordan to thy home above.
God Bless you this Easter,
