Just a cog in the wheel,
or a vital piece of the jigsaw?

The joy of Christmas shines out of these youngsters' faces as they hold their Christingles. The candle flames symbolise the light of the Christchild. The oranges held carefully in their hands signify the world into which he was born. But what does 2009 hold for that world and its children?

For those of us who are older, it may be tempting to hark back to the 'good old days' of discipline and respect for authority, of bank managers on every High Street and a Vicar in every parish. But those days have gone and in their place is a world of wireless connection and global network which leaves us asking: how does my parish, my congregation, my faith, fit in to this new world? Am I just an insignificant cog in a huge and anonymous wheel?

Candlemas is the time when we turn from the joyful wonder of Christmas to face the inevitability of the cross and the great promise of Easter. When Mary and Joseph bring the infant Jesus to the Temple 'to present him to the Lord', aged Simeon praises God then tells Mary: “a sword shall pierce your own soul also.”

Mary might have refused God’s call, assuming herself to be of no consequence. Joseph could have nursed his pride and rejected her as a wife. Instead, both chose to say 'Yes' to the unexpected—and unconventional—thing God asked of them, accepting the pain as well as the privilege. Their 'yes' was a vital part of God's plan for the world.

As we face the challenges of our time, can we say any less?

In this newsletter you will read of opportunities to deepen your spiritual life, to learn more about the Christian faith, to engage with the world, and to realise that we are all part of the worldwide community of those who love Christ.

God asks us to keep the flame of his love burning as we work out our faith in the ‘changes and chances’ of life today.

Will you say 'Yes' to God this year?

Janet Bone