Many people find this time of year difficult. Winter is still in full force; Christmas is a distant memory and so too are some of those well-meant New Year’s resolutions. Some can become despondent that our hopes for the year have already fallen short and the signs of Spring and new beginnings are still far off.

However, all is not lost, God does not stop in this time of hibernation. We too are looking for signs of God’s love breaking into our community, having started two new services at St Nicholas; St Nicks @9 and a relaxed service, both on the third Sunday of the month. They herald new opportunities for imagining church in a different way, one that we might feel more comfortable bringing our friends and neighbours along to. Messy Church is growing from strength to strength, but we recognise these are only the first fruits in what will be benefice wide efforts at joining with God as He grows his Kingdom.

It fits in well with our vision for L.I.F.E across the minster.

L – Loving God,

I – Investing in our Christian journey,

F – Flourishing in our community,

E- Everyone is welcome.

Our desire is that everyone enjoys life in all its fullness, just as God intended. So, we are looking at new and old ways of expressing our love for God, building us up to grow deeper in our faith and being present in our town and villages to reach out to those who want to know more. It is a journey we are on together and everyone is invited to participate. There is something for each of us to do, such as helping with services, visiting in the community, praying for our neighbourhoods and offering our talents inside and outside the church.

So take heart, it may only be the start of the year, but I believe we are determined to explore all that God has in store for us and to grow as life bringers for each other.