Pastoral letter

To the Heath and Havering Group of Churches,

As our magazines go to press, some of our members are confined to their homes,
our children too, are no longer attending their schools and universities….and perhaps most significantly the doors of our churches are closed!

Nevertheless, we will have found time to celebrate ‘Mothering Sunday’; time to stress the importance of the Church and the role of mothers in our lives. Time to show how much their love means to us, and has meant to us, and to recognise the love they show speaks to us of God’s love for all.

Moving on, we will soon be making our way through Holy Week to the Glories of Easter. Whatever problems or troubles may weigh us down, Jesus, through His death on the cross, is able to carry those burdens and so set us free to live life to the full!

In the words of the prophet Isaiah, ‘Surely He has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; yet we accounted Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the punishment that made us whole, and by His bruises we are healed.’ (Isaiah 53:4&5)

There are many astonishing comebacks in our world, but none is anywhere near so amazing or half as wonderful as the resurrection of Christ which we celebrate on Easter Day. Our Bible tells us that Jesus had come back, just as he promised he would! He is alive! Victorious over death and evil,returning to give new life to His followers! Hallelujah, Thanks be to God for the gift of His Son!

This letter would not be complete without saying thank you to all who have shown such wonderful love and concern for their fellow members, friends and neighbours during this unsettling time.Truly demonstrating what the Queen said in her letter to the nation, ‘...Concentrating our efforts on a common goal’.

And Jesus said, ‘Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.’ (Matthew 5:16)

May God bless you and keep you safe.
​
Wishing you every blessing,
Ann