Message from the Superintendent Minister
Rev Tony Malcolm
Light at the end of a tunnel
and light of the world
It’s fair to say that the past year has been a
challenge for everyone. Some have coped better than others. Some have had more
support and human contact than others. But all have struggled with different
aspects of the pandemic and its impact on our daily lives. So, it’s not
surprising that the language being used by many at this time is about light and
hope (for the UK at least – sadly, it will take longer for many other countries
to catch up, and our hope and light is very much dependent on our prediction of
the behaviour of a virus we are still struggling to understand).
Light and hope – as the hours of daylight increase, so
does our hope of a relatively normal summer. But let us remember that darkness is
not all bad – it actually helps us appreciate the light (however small). In
fact, it is often the darkness that gives context to the light.
So, as we move out of lockdown – to our corporate new
Easter season, there will be mixed emotions – darkness and light – sadness and
joy. As a world, we have been and are sharing a common experience. We know that
until all have been protected no one will be really safe. In the same way as we
know that, until all have heard the gospel and been given the opportunity to
respond, we cannot rest.
Our Circuit has some major decisions to consider over
the coming months. In the same way as we have had to review worship over the
past year, so we will need to review what it is to be church, and a church at
worship. At the heart of these decisions is the question, ‘How serious are we
about sharing the good news we have heard and said yes to?’
Having acknowledged (for some only mentally) that the
world, and church, will not be the same again after this year – we need to
engage with the implications of this reality. We – with our Lord – are light
for the world. With the responsibility of being light comes the privilege of
being and bringing hope.
Tony
Forest Circuit Mission statement:
The London Forest Methodist Circuit is committed to
furthering God’s kingdom by enabling and supporting local churches in the
growth of their discipleship and mission; resourcing local churches under
the power of the Holy Spirit to function as effective centres for worship,
witness, and community wellbeing.
