Dear friends,

The last time that I shared thoughts with you, it was the run up to Christmas and as I write this article we are already into the New Year.

The media has looked back over the last year and has also taken a peek into the future. It may not be the best of pictures but nonetheless we have to go forward.

As individuals we may also look backwards and forwards at this time of the year… we look at what we want to change for the better, for ourselves and those around us. We realize the world around us is constantly changing; a world which is uncertain of the future; a world which has evolved so quickly, inventions beyond our belief… never mind our wireless technology… we live in a world where Televisions and mobile phones can be operated by our voice… what next we ask?

As we look forward into the future, dare we reach for our Bibles and reflect on new beginnings?  In the book of Genesis you may read of the creation stories and wonder at its relevance in this modern world. What were the writers saying to us? It talks about our responsibility in the world, it talks about our daily work and it talks about a time for rest, and that rest is a holy gift, to be used to make us a complete person with a well balanced approach to life, both spiritually as well as materially… In a fast modern world we must still make time for God.  God’s world is good and as his people we must strive towards that goal.

The prophet Isaiah in chapter 65 and reading from verse 17 reveals that God’s plan for the future is still about a good world. In the words of a song it may be seen as ‘an impossible dream’ but Jesus accepted it and changed the world for ever.  What then can we take into the future… what plans and changes have we already made? And more importantly are we sticking to them, or have our dreams of change had a few snags along the way.

Last night, as I sat there with Vonnie watching television , no we were not talking to the TV and having a conversation with it, but an advert came on which was Tesco providing the service of internet shopping… ‘order all the items from your computer and the food is then delivered to your doorstep’… I happened to say to Vonnie, “That’s not a bad idea, at least you can stick to your shopping list and not be tempted by anything as you walk around the store”… I mean, how often have you got to the checkout and the lady or gentleman says “That will be £56.22, please”… and you reply to the checkout assistant, “I only popped in for a loaf of bread and a pint of milk”   Vonnie then replied, “I like to be able to walk around the store and look at what I’m buying, I like to get the best produce that’s on offer, the best sell by dates… and I like to be able to get ideas for new recipes.”

New recipes! Would we all like new recipes for the coming year… something to spice our life up, to provide a balanced diet, but still giving us all the variety of life we need. Well if your answer to that question is “yes” I have a new recipe for you all to try.

A Recipe For A Happy New Year

Take twelve whole months. Clean them thoroughly of all bitterness, hate and jealousy. Make them just as fresh and clean as possible.

Now cut each month into twenty-eight, thirty or thirty-one different parts, but don’t make the whole batch at once.  Prepare it one day at a time out of these ingredients… Mix well into each day one part of faith, one part of patience, one part of courage and one part of work.  Add to each day one part of hope, faithfulness, generosity and mediation, and one good deed. Season the whole with a dash of good spirits, a sprinkle of fun, a pinch of play, and a cupful of good humour.

Pour all of this into a vessel of love. Cook thoroughly over radiant joy, garnish with a smile, and serve with quietness, unselfishness and cheerfulness.

You’re bound to have a Good and Happy New Year.

Your minister and friend

John