In my mind we move from the remembering month into Advent.

On Bonfire Night I went to visit four of our Action for Children projects in Solihull.  The Centres were each taking part in a fun competition to make a display celebrating the story and activities of Bonfire Night. A great deal of work, creativity and fun had clearly been had in each centre. As I made these visits I was so proud to be associated with the work of Action for Children. One mum actually declared to me, ‘This centre has made all the difference to my life.’ I am sure that many of us as we move through Advent will give some thought to the children in our lives, and it provides a good excuse to visit the Bear Factory and the Children’s corner of the bookshop.

On Remembrance Sunday I had the privilege of leading worship at Shirley in the morning before moving out to the Welsh Borders/Herefordshire for Lower Maescoed and Madley. In each place we remembered those who had given their lives in conflicts since 1914. For many not just the looking back, facing our history so as to travel well into our future, but living with the present reality of war in our world. No easy place to be. So during Advent we turn our minds in hope to peace in our world and maybe ask what contribution we can make. 

On the Sunday after Remembrance Sunday I had been invited to preach at Hereford Cathedral for the RoadPeace Service. RoadPeace is an organisation that seeks to give support to families who have lost someone in a road traffic accident. My wife died in an road accident in the Summer of 2001. On the Saturday morning before that Sunday four young people were killed in their car at the bottom of my road, and Jackie Boyce reminded me that Herefordshire remains one of the most dangerous counties in Britain with respect to roads. In the service we remembered those people who give their lives to working to bring emergency aid to such situations. Next weekend in a number of locations people will gather to make a Wave before our political leaders meet in Copenhagen to make new resolves about global warming and climate change. I want to suggest that those of us who drive can make our own resolve by driving our cars more slowly and more carefully. This will have the double effect of saving lives both in the short and the long term, an action of hope.

Last Saturday I met with two people Sophie and Johnny from ‘Citizens for Sanctuary’. They are campaigning in advance of the General Election to persuade prospective MPs to sign up for the Sanctuary Pledge. For me a value statement that I want to encourage, not only in our parliamentarians, but in our communities. What other values will we carry into the New Year in consequence of our understanding of being God’s people?

I trust you will walk through Advent with hope, that Christmas will bring gifts of Peace and Joy and Love to you and yours and the world.

Yours in love,

Bill

Willersley Methodist Church

Pupets from Broadway at 'Here and There' Circuit Celbration at Evesham

Christmas light over Birmingham

Bonfire of Hands Action for Children Lyndon

Mums and babies Action for Children Lyndon

Celebrity Guys Action for Children Smiths Wood

RoadPeace Plaque at National Memorial Arboritum Alrewas