There are all sorts of reasons to hold a party; the birth of a child, baptism, birthday, engagement, marriage, wedding anniversary, house warming, going-away and so on. Each of these brings, in its wake, a change. That change might be quite dramatic or it might be no more than the fact that we are just a little older (and wiser?). A friend of mine phoned her niece on the day she became thirteen to wish her a happy birthday. The response she got was a joyful exclamation, "I'm a terrible teen, now." My friend laughed and asked, "Does your Mum know that?" and quick as a flash came the response, "No, but she soon will." Obviously a change was to take place for more than one person.
In our local URC churches, we have just held a Thanksgiving Service and a fine party to mark the retirement of Peter Peirce and have had the opportunity to wish Peter and his wife, Pat, every happiness and good health in the coming years in their new home. Almost at the same time, Marc Kenton left us in response to a call to continue his Ministry in a church in Scotland and our thoughts and prayers go with him.
Whatever the event that we celebrate, life will continue beyond that point, changed to some degree undoubtedly and perhaps causing us to re-assess our own contribution to the life of those around us.
I am reminded of the wedding at Cana; not a huge event but one held in the home of the newly married couple. Jesus was there, meeting people in their own surroundings, ensuring there was wine for his fellow guests, healing those who came to him and afterwards taking himself off to a quiet place to speak with His Father, to gain further strength and guidance for the tasks that still lay before him.
After our celebrations, we too need to have time to reflect on where God is leading us. May his blessing be with us all as we do so.
Steve Campbell
Interim Moderator
Tel: 01284 787664
April 2009