In another life I was a primary school teacher. In those days part of the encouraged curriculum included creative writing.

‘Willie woke and turned over in his bed. School. The room was lighter that usual. The light drew Willie from under his blanket to the window. Pulling back the curtain revealed a world transformed. It had snowed. … … … ‘

So now we stand at the edge of unmarked white field ‘2010’, and as we look out we might ask what sort of adventures life will bring.

World Cup Football in South Africa, the Commonwealth Game will provide moments to celebrate the physical skills of our diverse human family. We might hope that such celebration might also be reflected in our approach to a General Election. Do you remember those lines of people waiting to cast their vote in the elections in South Africa? It may be that as we think about this event, we would do well to remind ourselves that the moment an election is called the people who put up to be elected are seeking first to represent a constituency. So what sort of community do we want our constituency to be?

Across the Birmingham District of the Methodist Church, we have several major and significant establishments relating to the Armed Forces. As we look out at 2010, we can be sure that they will continue to be engaged in Afghanistan and other place of conflict, with all the stress and challenge that result. We continue to look for peace in our world, built on justice and well being for all people.

In the life of the church we continue to seek to be bearers of the Good News of God’s love and grace for all people. I would hope that this would mean we were all seriously engaged in being eco-congregations, who used Fair Trade products whenever possible, while campaigning for Trade Justice in the world. Maybe in 2010, we could all seek to add to our celebrating the footfall of people who use our buildings. Sharing worship where possible, but just enjoying each other in party mode may be a pattern that Jesus would affirm.

Personally, I want to understand more clearly what it means to carry my faith with integrity in our world, day by day. 

We might like to pause and consider the marking of the field 2009. This reflection may help us as we set out.

One day three young ladies in my class told me I had the easy task, I only had to start the story, they had to write it all. So I tried to write the story. How will the chapter that is 2010 look? ‘One day at a time!’ and ‘best of all, God is with us.’

Yours in love,

Bill

A winter view

Epiphany

Regional Chairs Group

The Wave - MRDF Group

Stratford upon Avon Crib Festival - Art work from a local school

Crib with separation wall - Bethleham's present reality