Minister's Letter: February and March, 2012

Dear Friends,

During the Christmas break I watched a programme about the Queen’s activities in 2011 and was amazed at all that she managed to fit into one year. As I look back over 2011 in the life of Frodsham Methodist Church I am even more amazed at what we as a church have achieved. It has been a year of activity and change.

As we begin the year 2012 I am mindful of the national and international activities planned to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Britain hosting the Olympic Games. It promises to be a very busy year. Each year the Methodist Conference decides the direction of the Church and votes on its progress and changes. Some folk see these changes as ‘red tape’ but Conference is seeking to make us a church ‘fit for purpose’ as we seek to exercise our ministry in the twenty-first century. At the opening of each Conference we sing a hymn by Charles Wesley the first verse of which reads, ‘And are we yet alive, to see each others face? Glory and praise to Jesus give for His redeeming grace.’ These words give us cause to celebrate for we are indeed alive!

I pray that all we do as a church will give glory and praise to God for we like the Queen have another busy year ahead as we continue to be a church, the body of Christ. We each have the responsibility of nurturing our own relationship with God. We each know how different our lives would be without that relationship which leads to share this ‘Good News’ with those around us in a way appropriate to them.

This ‘sharing’ of faith begins with acceptance and caring which, with God’s grace grows into love. Looking forward to the year ahead for our church makes me feel excited and energised and I thank God that I am able to share part of this year with you.

May God bless you and enable you to share the Good News that His Son is come into the world. Immanuel – God with us.

Yours in Christ,

Pat