Dear Friends,

A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!

If you are looking for inspiration from these words, think again. I haven’t a clue what to write about this month. Nothing has really come into my mind that stands out and that I feel needs to be relayed to you via the magazine. But I guess as / continue to type something will glide my fingers over the keyboard and help fill the page. Later in the magazine you’ll be able to read about the review of Christmas and what a good time we had. I am grateful to all who played a part in helping out and leaving us with such good memories. Thank you very much.

Now when I was in the supermarket a couple of days ago lsaw Easter eggs on display. As for the card shops, well every type of Valentine card you can imagine (be quick girls, don’t dilly daily and be disappointed they’ve sold out before you’ve managed to get me one!)

What all this says to me is how time flies. No sooner one celebration behind us and we are looking toward the next. Yes, to look forward even though I accept for many of our number that is a daunting prospect. Some folk sometimes ask me to explain why they should look forward and what’s the point of it? This is usually said when advancing years and infirmity are taking a hold. There are times when looking back to what has been is a comfort and perhaps a silent wish that those times may return. We know that’s not going to happen and therefore we have to try and make the most of what we have today.
That’s where the church comes in and that is you and me together as friends. The church is not just a building. When its Working well it’s a place of meeting, of sharing, of befriending, of supporting, of listening, of crying, of laughing, with one another in the times we spend together. It may be in worship or socialising, in a private conversation or a minibus trip.

Even though I have to admit there are times when i enjoy the solace of my home after a busy day, there are also occasions when it’s too quiet and I feel so alone. For me that is short lived because the duties and responsibilities of my work don’t allow those thoughts to linger. But I can thus understand that for those of you without many obligations and commitments your days must allow thoughts to wander.
That’s why we need to do stuff together and continue as long as we can with our programme which perhaps in some small way eases the pain of loneliness and allows us to still have a hope for what lies beyond tomorrow.

For me and praise Godfor many others, Jesus is our unseen friend and comforter. Oh well, there you have it. Another letter done, a page filled. Please take it in the spirit it is written and let us continue to be open to leading of His Holy Spirit as we do our bit for the Kingdom from our base here at Kingsway.

Every Blessing,
Alan