Dear Friends,
Many thanks for the responses to my question about this weekly mailing. From the responses received there seems to be appreciation for the letter coming out. Hopefully something strikes a chord for many, and the intention has certainly been to connect with people through the turbulent times of the last two years. There were fewer comments made about the service resource sheets, although housebound people do make use of them and appreciate them.
My conclusion is to continue with them, as most are emailed out, we are not using lots of paper. More importantly, it is one way, among the many ways of being in connection with each other. Clearly, there will soon come a time when I will not be here to continue to do this!
Having recently received the keys to our future home, we are beginning to make all sorts of adjustments. After being itinerant and moving round the country for 40 years, it feels like we have the chance to put down more permanent roots, without having to think that we might move on in a few years. That feels different.
Of course Jesus asks his disciples to follow him, and there are many stories of God moving people on to new settings and situations away from familiar places and people. Our own Christian journey may involve moving physically to another place, or culture, or country. Or, it may keep us exactly where we are, in the familiar territory and relationships.
Jesus found it harder to minister in his home town, indeed they wanted to silence him permanently –they didn’t want change! Moving around for me has given a varied perspective and experience, which has been rich and fruitful. Being rooted in a particular place for a long time will involve a different approach to being fruitful; an interesting and exciting opportunity.
Peace Tim