Message from the Pastoral Care and Eldership Team (PaCET) for Sunday Meeting 22nd January 2023

Dear Friends,

I have always loved the day some people call ‘ Christmas Day’ and have always thought of it as a celebration of Jesus Christ’s Birthday, whether it is historically correct or not. I accept that it is over commercialised and may have lost much of its spiritual meaning, but I still feel that it brings families and friends together and that kindness, love and friendship is spread and shared.
 
However; I have never really felt the same way about New Year’s Eve. Yes; I have been to some nice parties over the years, but I have always felt that there is an underlying feeling of forced bonhomie, over indulging in alcohol, strangers kissing other people whether they welcome it or not and the sense that we must be having a great time as it’s….. New Year’s Eve!
 
Whereas I tend to feel more reflective and rather sad if truth be told. I found the following prayer/hymn seemed to sum up much of what I have thought at this time of year, all be it that the language is rather antiquated much of it still resonates with me.
 
The year is gone, beyond recall,
With all its hopes and fears,
With all its bright and gladdening smiles,
With all its mourners’ tears;
 
Thy thankful people praise Thee Lord,
For countless gifts received;
And pray for the light to keep the Faith
Which Saints of old believed’
 
To Thee we come, Oh gracious Lord,
The new-born year to bless;
Defend our land from pestilence;
Give peace and plenteousness;
 
Forgive this nation’s many sins;
The growth of vice restrain;
And help us all with sin to strive,
And crowns of life to gain.
 
From evil deeds that stain the past
We now desire to flee;
And pray that future years may all
Be spent, good Lord, for Thee.
 
0h Father, let Thy watchful Eye
Still look on us in love,
That we may praise Thee, year by year
With Angel-hosts above.
 
 
Wishing all Friends peace, love, health and fellowship both now and throughout the year.
 
Geoff Halsey

On behalf of the Pastoral Care and Eldership Team (David Hitchin, Chris Lawson, Tim Pitt-Payne, Theresa Samms, Nancy Wall)