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WORD FROM THE MINISTER – REV ANDREW PROUT
Dear Friends
As we enter the season of Lent, we reflect upon the theme of ‘Telling our story and finding our voice’. The house groups have already begun a study inspired by the 2012 Oscar winning film ‘The King’s Speech’ written by Hilary Brand. The book challenges us as Christians to find our voice. If you are unable to attend a house group and would like to have a copy of the book please speak to Roy Vivian.
As we think about ‘Telling our story and finding our voice’ the Sunday services in Lent led by myself and our own preachers will focus on the life of Peter, the fisherman who was captivated by Jesus, inspired to follow him, denied him, witnessed his glorious resurrection, and then at Pentecost on the streets of Jerusalem, found his true voice and unashamedly declared the gospel. His story has much to teach us. It is in itself one of success and failure, of elation and sorrow. Before God, and not least in the season of Lent we acknowledge our successes and failures, our strengths and our weaknesses. We confess our sins and examine ourselves. And as we do, we discover that we are met with mercy and grace, and by a God who in Jesus Christ was tested in every way as we are and yet without sin, a God who is able to lead us to the place of healing, peace and reconciliation, a God whose love and power are made perfect even in weakness.
As we reach the end of Lent we enter Holy Week and journey to the cross. There we discover love that can not be contained or measured. We see with Peter not only that we are loved even with all out faults, but that our lives must change for ever. And as we are embraced and held in this love, and transformed by its victory even over death, we can do no other than to find our voice, and to tell both His story and our own knowing that each are precious. This is and was Peter’s story, and thanks be to God, it can become our own too!
It is my hope and prayer through this season of Lent, as we recall the story of Peter that you will find blessing and renewal, and the calling and courage to ‘Tell your story and find your voice’. And so all our stories become folded into the one great story, and all our voices joined in a manner that gives glory to God and makes the world sit up and notice. But that must wait for Pentecost!
Yours in Christ and with every blessing,
Andrew
Rev Andrew Prout.
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