Dear Friends,
‘…I want (us) to know Christ, & the power of His resurrection…’
Once again, greetings to you all from the Manse. I hope that everyone of us is managing to cope as best we can with what is happening. Already there is talk of ‘relaxing’ lockdown restrictions and while this might seem to be good news, we need to realise that we still have to be vigilant. The next couple of weeks will tell us an awful lot about what we can expect to happen but for now we just have to be patient. Just because living where we do has shielded us to a degree from the worst effects of the virus, we must be mindful of those for whom it continues to be a very real threat to their health and their livelihood. So please, continue to maintain the discipline that has kept us safe thus far…
…There is a verse in the Old Testament that says, ‘Where there is no vision the people cast off restraint’ – in other words, unless we stay focussed, there is the very real risk that we undo all the good work that is being done by so many on our behalf…
…Today (Wednesday) at 1pm, I will be conducting the funeral of Donal Broomhall. Many of you will have known Donal – only son of the late Mary & Trevor, who lived in Denman Drive. Donal died peacefully at home; still a young man but someone for whom life was never easy. Circumstances dictate that only very few of us can attend the funeral, but if you remember please spare a thought and say a prayer for Donal, that now at least he is ‘resting in peace’.
…During Lent we were following our weekly prayer guide. Now that Lent is passed, and Easter has come and gone, there is still need to pray, and so for this week can I ask you to pray specifically for those within the church family who are or who have relatives working ‘on the front line’ as it were. I am aware of at least half a dozen families within the church who are affected in this way. Please pray for those who are actually working on the wards of our hospitals and also for their own families who are anxious for them…
…I continue to be mightily impressed by the ways in which you are all supporting each other, practically and prayerfully. Even though we are not able to meet together as a congregation, I have that feeling of a deeper sense of togetherness emerging amongst us. Thank you for that. Keep it up. Keep e/mailing, keep telephoning, keep looking out for one another. We are most definitely stronger together…
…And I am also aware that many you are actively engaged in the wider community helping and supporting neighbours and others according to their needs. Thank you.
Ian Tutton