2022… It's been an 'interesting' year, to say the least. Just as we thought things might be taking a turn for the better, and we might be able to rebuild something a bit more like we remember life used to be way back before COVID arrived, things have taken a new twist. Instead we've had to face the outbreak of war in Ukraine, political turmoil, the death of our Queen, and now the cost of living crisis stretching our resources to their limits. Life always seems to be full of challenge and change. It can be hard to find a way forward. Could 2023 really be any different?
As Christians, we believe it can be, because we believe Jesus can bring change to any situation. And yes, we know that can sound like a ridiculous fairy-tale we should have given up believing long ago. So why do we keep on believing, even with all the challenges we've already mentioned (and more)? Because we have met Jesus, and he's changed us. Jesus hasn't made us perfect (yet) - we're still human, we still make our share of mistakes. What He has done is brought us His love, peace and joy into the middle of all our challenges. He's offered us a fresh start for each new day, in the middle of our mess.
Whether your 2022 was amazing, or the most challenging year for you yet, may we encourage you to consider what place Jesus, and His church, might have for you in 2023? That same love, peace and joy, and that fresh start for every day (and for the new year), are gifts God would love to give you too. They're not just for Christmas, and they don't have to be packed away with the tinsel and fairy lights. They can be yours to enjoy every day of the year, if you'll open your heart to accept God's most precious gift to you.
Why not join us this new year, and find out more? Details of our upcoming services can be found on our events page. If you're not quite brave enough to step through the doors just yet, keep an eye on our Facebook page for snippets of what we're discovering week by week, and a chance to investigate from a safer distance. Whatever your 2023 holds, if you live in Park Barn, we're praying for you!
May God bless you in 2023.