Well, who would have thought we would spend nearly half of 2020 in lockdown? Using new terms such as: ‘unprecedented times’, furlough, R rate, COVID – 19 or ‘the new normal’.
Not being able to greet others in our usual way or to hug and embrace our loved ones has been extremely difficult for us all. We have had many updates and changes to life as we knew it, guidelines to follow and new ways of venturing out to places we once frequented.
Yet there has been the glimmer of hope as the restrictions have eased and we can once again meet up with people, albeit not in the same way as we are used to. For now though I’m sure there are those who are taking full advantage of getting away from the four walls that have surrounded them for so long.
As I looked back at last year’s newsletter, you were all preparing for our arrival. I can’t quite believe where this year has gone! It has been a mix of emotions and certainly not a year I’d like to repeat as we go through this pandemic. I guess no minister would expect to be leading a church from their home or be unable to visit people. However, we have hope that this will one day come to pass and I’m extremely grateful to have a great team on board who have often stepped out of their comfort zones to tackle some challenging situations during this pandemic. I’m also grateful for the support and prayers from many people within the fellowship of SBC and beyond.
As we wait to see what the future holds I’m reminded of the promise of God through Isaiah where in chapter 43:18-19 God says “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland”.
This passage refers to a people who are once again oppressed and call out to God who hears them. The past miracles are nothing compared to what God would do for his people in the future. So I wonder, as we wait to fully resume life in whatever shape that takes, what is God going to show us? Where is He leading us and how will he work through us as He blesses his people? Let us continue to seek God through Jesus together as we share the good news and bring His light and hope into those who may only see darkness and hopelessness.
I pray that you all find rest and peace in these difficult and stressful times. Stay safe and take great care of yourselves and each other.
Grace and Peace
 | David Skeet is our church team leader. Taken from the latest edition of our bi-monthly church newsletter. |