From the Minister

     September2025                                                           

Dear Friends,

“What is this world, if, full of care, we have no time to stand and stare?”

As September begins again it heralds the busyness of a new Connexional year.  Schools begin a new term, clubs and groups return after the summer break and in Methodism we enter into a round of meetings.  Things are busy and there is much to be done, yet it is important to find time to ‘stand and stare’.

It is amazing how many things we see from day to day without really looking.  As I wander around the village, I am amazed by how many things I have not noticed before, even on routes I’ve been walking for several years.  Just this morning I spotted an apple tree tucked into a corner, absolutely bursting with apples.  Normally I would have rushed by, head down, but by looking up I was surprised and delighted by the abundance of fruit.

Not only do we notice more of nature when we take time to pause and enjoy our surroundings, we also find ourselves drawn to people that we may have rushed by without noticing too.  One of the things I love about Luke’s Gospel is the stories that he includes about ‘forgotten’ people – the people in need who have simply become part of the background for others, yet who Jesus notices and blesses.  There are many of these; the man with the withered hand, the woman bent double and the woman with the haemorrhage to name but a few.  Jesus doesn’t just heal them, he gives them his time and his attention, listening to their stories and affirming their faith.

As we take time to stop and stare, I wonder who we might notice?  It might be the woman selling the Big Issue in the town square or the man who always sits alone on the morning bus.  As we notice them, perhaps we might offer a blessing in terms of a word, a smile or a prayer.  Time is precious, let’s treasure it and share it with others as God’s gift.

God bless.

Ruth.