Minister’s message: And winter comes …

Another summer over, writes Rev James Gatherer, although it has been far from glorious – ask the vegetable growers – another autumn is upon us, with its beautiful hues and low shady evenings.

And winter comes—a blessing for those of us able to enjoy it.

And then there are other winters– the grinding war in the Ukraine; the destruction and violence in the Middle East; the bite of loss when it suddenly descends upon us.

How we long for the warmth of summer, the peace we all hope for, the touch of one we love and have loved through many winters.

I have no easy comforting words for those who are journeying through their own winter but the Lord Jesus of Nazareth did and as long as there are some who meet together in his name and remember his words they will bring comfort.

On the last Sunday of each month at 6.30pm in the church hall next to the bowling green some of us meet in the name of the Lord Jesus and sing songs of hope and comfort. Beautiful worship songs are healing and comforting.

It is a short time – about 30 minutes – and during it we remember Jesus’ promises and those who are walking on a dark path this autumn

• Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash