Welcome to Summer 2025 though some are wondering if we have already had it!  What an amazing few weeks it has been already. And by the time you read this we are passed the halfway mark in the year and the nights are ‘fair drawing in’.  

The author of Ecclesiastes speaks of there being a time for everything and everything in its time. As we look at the world I wonder if you see a time of chaos, a time of concern or a time of rest and relaxation. For sure, there is much to pray over and about, particularly for peace and the end of war especially as more and more countries are preparing  for or engaging in conflict. As the Government debate the welfare state, cuts and needs, we question them about the increase in poverty and the use of foodbanks. We can make predictions about how the second half of 2025 will go based on realism, idealism, optimism or pessimism. To be fair, nobody knows but we trust God with our time, our seasons and our future. Again, to quote our Philosopher – ‘there is nothing new under the sun.’ Some of you probably feel you have been here before…

It can be easy to get swept up in the anxiety of the times.  Yet Jesus tells us not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough troubles of its own.  My Gran used to say that tomorrow never comes.  In the summer weeks we often take time to rest and relax, to enjoy evenings in the garden or head off for new horizons.  This is important for us as human beings.  We are designed to work and rest.  God actively encourages, even instructs us to rest.  Jesus took time away from the crowds and his disciples to rest.  

In the month of July, we are actively encouraging our people to rest, to pray, to read and to ruminate, listening for God’s word for us as individuals and as a church.  We intend to be very busy from August to December but we want to start from a place of rest and restoration.  Remember how during the pandemic when we were ‘forced’ to slow down and we said we liked doing less. If we are not rushing about, then we can focus on the people near to us, the world around us and find space to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us.  We have the capacity to pray over the people, places and issues that are ongoing. And in the process, remember that we are loved and valued.  Give yourself permission to stop, to rest, to pray, to say no or yes…because God has already given you that permission!  Isn’t that amazing news?  There is a time to rest and a time to work. Both are important.

Jesus said: ‘Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest.’
He lets me rest in green pastures.
    He leads me to calm water.
He gives me new strength.
He leads me on paths that are right
    for the good of his name.

Psalm 23:2-4