Julie's Jottings for April 

We are coming into a season where we look not just at the resurrection of Jesus, but our own rising up to meet life and the challenges of our future, starting here and now.  The story of the resurrection of Jesus confronts the cruelty, brutality, injustice and violence which Jesus experienced on the cross, and many people still know.  His resurrection invites us to look away from self-interest, to the power of a love that does not die, but keeps on growing and is passed from one to another.  In the Church this makes us want to express our faith both in worship, and in building community.  We know that there are people in the village who may not come to church, but who share this belief in wanting to serve the common good, and love our neighbour.
The focus of our services this month is on building and developing community. We are looking at our own attitudes and choices to find ways that our actions and life might become the seeds of our highest hope for the whole community and not just ourselves. This month we appraise the life of the church as we look back to the past year, and forward to what is coming next.  We welcome views from the community.  Is there something that you would like to see happening at St Mary’s, or which you want us to do together? You would be welcome at out Annual Meeting on 14 April, or you can email me with ideas (revjulienorris@gmail.com).
Wishing you a peaceful Eastertide.                                                         Rev Julie Norris