Dear Friends, A few weeks ago, our Chairman, Rev. Wes. Blakey was speaking on ‘Thought for the Day’ on Radio Derby. He told how some years ago the young boy who lived next to them, and who often played in their garden at football, with Wes and his son John, always called Wes. ‘John’s daddy’. Despite being told that his name was ‘Wes’ he persisted with ‘John’s daddy’. It was evident in the boy’s mind that he had a special relationship with ‘John’s daddy’. It led me to think about our relationships. When our son Stephen was very young, he played with ‘my little boy’. Can my little boy come to tea he used to ask? My little boy was in fact a figure of his imagination. Eleanor, our youngest grandchild brought one of her dolls with her last time she came to stay with us. It so happened that it just had to be the doll’s birthday during the visit and Marianne was asked to make her a cake and they had to go shopping to buy a present. Both examples of very strong relationships even if of fantasy. Our relationships however are very real. Our family relationships are very precious to us and give us times of great joy. However there are occasions when perhaps we don’t see eye- to- eye or some member is going through a tough time. Then we have to dig in deep and show our love and support for them. Our relationships with members of our Church family also need to be well nurtured. Romans 12 v 15 tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. Our eyes and ears, our hands and feet should always be ready to demonstrate our pastoral care for one another. May I digress slightly here, and mention that by the time of the next Circuit newsletter Chris our new Minister will be here .He will have to build up new relationships and we too, will be getting to know him. Chris will no doubt come with new ideas, different methods, perhaps a new style of preaching, but with the same message, God’s love and salvation for all. Our prayers must be for him as he commences his ministry here and as together we develop a new relationship. To return to our theme, we also have to be aware of our relationships with our ‘neighbours’, those next door and those who we meet in the 'street'. There are those who are lonely, those without friends, those who need a listening ear, if given the opportunity. Again in Romans 12 we read ‘Share with God’s people who are in need. Practise hospitality’. Finally, but foremost, our relationship with our Father God. It is so important to frequently share in our acts of corporate worship, in order to learn more of Him; to support other Church and Circuit activities and so enrich our fellowship together and to make time to talk and listen to Him, through our prayers. May I suggest that if our relationship with God is right then all the others will follow? You will no doubt have noticed that I have made two references to Romans 12. I commend the passage to you. I regard it as part of life’s highway code. May God bless us all as we seek to do His will, Eric Matthews. |