September 2012

Behold I make all things new. — Revelations 21:5

September is the start of our Methodist new year.  We begin it reflecting on the year gone by and looking with excitement to the future. Across many churches there are new ministers - presbyters and deacons starting and we are no different.

That sounds a bit philosophical. Like the Dali Lama who ordered a £2.50 Pizza and when it came he paid with a £5.00 note.

“Thanks,” said the delivery boy.

“Hey, where’s my change?” said the Dali Lama.

“Change comes from within,” replied the delivery boy!

September is a month of changes. We Methodist call it the start of our new year, because it is, in many ways. New appointments are taken up by Ministers and a new round of decision making and meetings for the governance of our Church begins.

We are not excempt from that change her in the Sankey Valley Circuit - we welcome Lucille Rogers our new Superintendent, Stephen Froggatt (Probationer at Lymm), Jennifer Macgregor (Presbyter) and Angela Shereni (Deacon) how exciting for us all. In addition to this I take on pastoral oversight of Rixton Methodist Church - many changes for us all.

But then there are changes everywhere. For example, our whole education system also joins with us in a new year and change. The nights begin to draw in and the weather begins to change.

What changes will you experience this September, or share in with others? In the life of our church what difference will this September, this new year make to you?

All change has to be in a way conceived logically and tangibly then almost emotionally accepted and acted upon. We are good at saying, “We don’t like change.” So along with our pizza delivery boy, we know change does have to come from within us. This is the heart of the Christian message. We are called to change and be like Christ.

That’s not putting on some outward garb that we think Christ might have worn, but adopting the Spirit within that we believe Christ would have us to aspire to. The Christian life along with all of life is one of progression and change. Very little stands still.

Enough of this deep thought. How many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb? You need to ask first, “Does the light bulb want to change?”

I hope you will use this new Methodist year, along with whatever other changes you experience to seek, to make some change within, to reflect and appreciate the unchanging love of God in your life.

Every blessing

Jackie