APRIL 2016

As I write this, we are coming to the end of Lent, a time when Christians reflect on the significance of the events of Good Friday and Easter. When Jesus was on the road to Jerusalem, He knew what He was going to happen to Him. He faced many moments when He had to make a choice – to go on, knowing the consequences, or to bottle it.

 He went on. We can read about His determination to be faithful to His ministry in Luke’s Gospel, when he is the Garden of Gethsemane after the Last Supper: "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

 Through His dying and rising again, Jesus conquered death itself and from that moment salvation came to a desperate world. Ironically, through a terrible act of injustice, the world was changed for ever and for the better.

 Someone once said the only thing that stays the same in life is the regularity with which things change. At this time, things are changing for Ratby and Groby Churches. Rev. Peter has left, and eventually, a new man or woman will take his place. Things will be different.

 We could see this as a problem – and it’s true, change can be challenging. How we see this challenge will determine what we do about it. Peter and Sue’s stay with us was a regrettably short one, before they moved on to a new challenge and new opportunities for them. It   provides us, also, with new challenges and new opportunities.

 The Churches have entered a time of reflection, a time of thinking and praying about the development of a renewed vision, and a time to think and pray through the coming recruitment and selection process of a new incumbent, who will also be making a new beginning, bringing new gifts and a new vision.

 Whatever happens in the coming months and years, it will be different.

 I think the challenge of that is quite exciting!

Keith Wignall

Reader