St Johns and Clayton Brook Churches

Vicars Letter

The Parish Church of Saint John the Evangelist and Clayton Brook Community Church

Dear Friends,

We live in uncertain times.
The general view, as I write, is that we are moving into a period of economic recession with all that such times bring – higher unemployment, reduced public spending, house repossessions and increased pressure on debt-laden families.

On an even more cheerful note, school governors are being asked to approve a policy for coping with a flu pandemic. Other organisations have already done so. We’re told that it’s not a question of ‘if’ it will occur, but ‘when’.

All of a sudden, the foundations of a world that, just a short time ago, seemed prosperous and secure now appear very shaky indeed, and we’re prompted to re-evaluate our priorities.

What is it that really matters in life? How important are all those material things, many obtained on credit, which we’ve wrapped around ourselves like a protective layer? Suddenly, they are seen for what they are, transitory, and offering no real security at all. Not even a bank account is safe.

Of course our health is important, but that is as fragile as any aspect of life in this world, as the pandemic planning reminds us.

So what is really important? What really matters?

Surely, it is relationships that take first priority, and they shouldn’t depend on health or wealth. They depend only upon our willingness to put others first, and to give them the best of ourselves we can offer - quality time, love and concern, fun and laughter, help and encouragement, shared meals and conversation.

The bottom line, of course, is that even such priorities are subject to the stresses and strains of difficult times, and what we need to do is to put our trust in the only One who never changes. Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and for ever. His love is unfailing, his truth is unchanging, his welcome is unreserved and his joy, when we turn to him, is unbounded.

We can only be secure when we are secure in him. Not even death can sever our relationship with Christ - it simply brings us closer to the one we love, and whose love for us is the mainspring of our lives.

Yes, we may be in for difficult times, but if those times bring us to realise the importance of our relationship with God and with others, they will have served us well.

Your Friend and Vicar, Alan

Noticeboard

Curate

Revd Tom Donaghey

 

Church Wardens

St Johns / Jean Grindrod
Clayton Brook / Diane Jones

 

Verger

St Johns / Don Harris