They say time passes more quickly as you get older, but at this rate I shall be getting my bus pass before next Christmas. Here we are on the eve of another new year, and it only seems like yesterday that we were standing out in the street and watching those amazing firework displays that celebrated the beginning of a new millennium.

And, as always, this is a time for taking stock, and a time for looking forward.

I think all of us who were involved with the celebrations in Church would agree that we have had our best Christmas for many a year. It was wonderful to see the Church bursting at the seams for the Christingle Service, and how beautiful it looked with all the candles alight and this year's special decorations presented by the Sunday School. But every service had its own magic, and played its part in helping our community celebrate God's gift to us in Jesus.

Christmas is a special time, but it is a good barometer of the general health of a Church because it involves so many people giving their time and their talents to make it happen, and giving them joyfully and with a sense of gratitude for all that God has done for them. And however much effort Church people put in, Christmas more than any time in the Church's year, needs the goodwill of the local community if it is to take life and become a real Festival. So we can take comfort and reassurance from a "good" Christmas as we begin to make our plans for the coming year.

One thing we can be sure about next year is that it will bring with it changes - every year does these days - but we shall have no need to fear them so long as we hold on to the fundamentals of our faith; love of God and love of our neighbour. We mustn't let the love that has supported us and gladdened our hearts this Christmas go out with the wrapping paper. And we must continue to look for new ways to serve our community.

Some of these will just pop up as they always do; a baby to be baptised, a wedding to be celebrated, a funeral to be arranged; but the Church Council spent a lot of time last year in looking at other times when we could open our doors and invite the neighbours in.

This February we are going to mark St Valentine's Day with a special celebration of marriage, and we shall be inviting all those couples we have married in recent years to come and share it with us.
But why let the youngsters have all the fun?

If you would like to come and renew your marriage vows then come along - the service will be at 3pm on Saturday Feb. 15th, and pass the word on to your friends and neighbours too. We would love to see you all.

And there are plans for a Pet Service later in the year. Keep an eye on the magazine and the usual notice boards and shop windows for more details.

There isn't a Church in the land that wouldn't like to see more children at its services. and there are plans in hand to see if we can build on our relationships with our schools and with the groups that use the Church Hall. I shall be meeting someone in the next week or two to see if they can help us.

So, lots to be thankful for and lots to look forward to, and that's exactly as it should be as the New Year looms.

With every blessing, for you and all whom you love,

Alan
1st January 2003