Church Newsletter Spring 2010

February 16th 2010, is Shrove Tuesday, a day when traditionally we eat pancakes before Ash Wednesday february 17th 2010 this year marks the beginning of Lent, which once were forty days of fasting and abstinance in preparation for the celebration of Easter.

Last night I was reading John Ortberg's book 'The Life you've always wanted' Chapter 4 - The Practise of Celebration. There, he speaks of Joy as being God's basic character. How good we are at being miserable! So much so that some people even manage to give the impression that they enjoy being so. They think that Church, especially, is about doom and gloom. It is not something to be enjoyed but rather endured for our own good! How differently God sees things. though. For, he wants us to know his joy. Joy indeed is at the heart of his plan for human beings. did you know that!

Jesus told his disciples ,concerning his teaching, 'I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.'
C.S.Lewis said 'Joy is the serious business of heaven.'
Paul tells us, 'Rejoice, in the Lord always and again I say rejoice!'
The letter of Hebrews speaking of Christ's passion says Hebrews 12:2
"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.'

In this world we may experience sorrow and suffering, but the joy of the Lord is our strength.For, we know that nothing can separate us for the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. We know that with God we are on the victory side. We know, that what he has accomplished for us through Jesus' death upon the Cross means that life takes on a new outlook and we have become new people. Easter is all about the joy of a new beginning, the dawn of a new age, resurrection from death and ascension to heaven. The life of God in the heart of man. The laughter of God in the heart of man. The love of God in the heart of man.

"This joyful Eastertide, away with sin and sorrow. My love the crucified, has sprung to life this morrow..."

Let's make Easter then truly the joyous celebration that it should be!

Your minister,
Reg.