From the Interim Moderator
This morning I watched a parade by a squadron of the RAF Regiment through the streets of Bury St Edmunds. The parade marked the return of the men and women from a six month tour of duty in Afghanistan. Crowds turned out to greet them both on the streets and on Angel Hill where the salute was taken. Prior to the parade, flags were given out by the Air Training Corps so that people could wave and cheer in gratitude and thankfulness for a safe return to base as the forces marched past.
These men and women had gone away facing an unknown future; a period away from their families and friends; prepared, if necessary, to give their lives so that others and their livelihoods might be preserved. Perhaps not too many of us have had to face such a difficult period in our lives but if we had to, we would hope that throughout it all we would have the support of our bosses, our government, and all the people back home; people in whom we could place our trust. It was good to see that the crowds had obvious support and admiration for their bravery and that they were happy to show it.
By the time you read this, we will be in the period of Lent. This is when we recall the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness, stepping out into the unknown, testing himself. As he moved into his time of isolation, his faith was firmly fixed in God, his Father, to keep him safe and free from temptation and worry.
Lent is intended to be a time of reflection and preparation for Easter. It would do us good to spend some time in thought during which we might review the path of our own lives. Are there errors we have made that are still recoverable by a simple apology for what we have said or done? Have we got the courage to face up to the difficult situations we encounter in our daily lives or do we try to hive them off to someone else? Have we got the support that we need?
Some people like to make a token change in their lives during Lent; things like giving up their favourite food to remind themselves that they too are going through a difficult period of reviewing their lives and discerning what their faith has meant to them. Such a self-assessment can be revealing but if we are determined to make the necessary changes, it is also rewarding and an invigorating challenge to look forward to the future with confidence.
Steve Campbell
Interim Moderator
Tel: 01284 787664
March 2010
- Previous Interim Moderator's letters:
- February 2010
- December 2009 / January 2010
- November 2009
- October 2009
- August 2009
- June 2009
- April 2009
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