Associate Minister Rev Christina Westwell

Dear Friends

Over the past month we have seen some of the Covid restrictions being relaxed. We have been able to sit outside hospitality venues and now we can move inside, which bearing in mind the recent weather has been a blessing. We are now looking forward on the Government Road Map to a slow lifting of restrictions.

I don`t know how you feel about this? Looking back and reflecting on this time last year, I feel more positive. The vaccine programme appears to be working and there is a feeling of hope and expectation. People have had such different experiences over the last 15 months. Some have enjoyed the slower pace of life, the taking up of new hobbies, books being read, zoom being mastered whereas for others it has been a nightmare and each of us will need to reflect on how this has affected us. Maybe, we can reflect as a church to see how we have changed as a community.

May has been a busy month in church. Thank you to all who supported Christian Aid Week. The “just giving” page is still available for donations. On 9th May it was Rogation Sunday and it was lovely to be able to welcome, the not quite so new Bishop of Chester, Bishop Mark. The weather held out so that it was possible to pray from different areas surrounding the church and we had amazing contributions from the younger members of our congregation. Bishop Mark also contributed to our online service.

Rogation is a time when we ask God`s blessing on crops, farming and our communities. It is a time when we seek God`s blessing but also reminds each one of us to bless others.

We also took part in “Thy Kingdom Come” which is a global prayer movement lasting from Ascension to Pentecost. Prayer packs were sent out and collected which included a journal written by the new Archbishop of York – copies are available still at the back of church if you missed out or we can send you a copy. It has reflections and prayers and is relevant at any time of year.

In June the G7 world leaders are meeting in Cornwall. The decisions they make will affect the poorest communities. We are asked to join in a “Wave of Hope” where we put hand-prints in our windows <span style="font-size: 1rem;">The Wave of Hope symbolises our connection to each other and hopefully as we all speak up and take action for a better future, the wave will build together with our hope.</span>

70 organisations have come together to form the coalition “ Crack the Crises” and are calling world leaders to ;-

Crack the Covid crises by sharing vaccine doses and funding healthcare heroes across the world,

Crack the injustice crisis by creating good, green jobs and helping those who are affected by violence, famine, and prejudice.

Crack the Nature crisis by protecting the land and seas

Crack the Climate Crisis and to take steps towards climate justice.

Go on the Crack the Crises website for ideas.

We have celebrated Pentecost and the early Christians, filled with the Holy Spirit” turned the world upside down. We can still do that now. There are so many ways that we can make a difference in the world, acting in the best interests of people and the planet. We are asked to reboot the world for a greener and fairer future. How can we do this as individuals and as a church? How can we make a difference together?

It would be great if we, as a church community, could explore this. .

Praying that you will be blessed this month and that you will be a blessing to others

Love Christina