'For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.' Ecclesiastes 3.1
A number of us, from both churches, marked the outgoing year and welcomed the new with a short service at St Mary's. I gave a short reading on the importance of hope. We spent a little time reflecting on the past year -where we had been, what we had done, what we had learnt. We thought about those things which had challenged and those things that had strengthened our faith. We pondered what we had lost and what we had gained, and if and how we had changed. Then we focused on the year to come, the things we expect, and the unexpected, the things we are looking forward to and the things of which we are afraid. After a time of quiet we each lit a candle which we placed in front of the altar, symbolising a thanksgiving for what has been and a prayer that Gods love may be present in what is yet to come. After wishing each other a happy New Year (to the sound of fireworks) we shared a short time together over refreshments in the church hall.
CANDLES AND ALTAR
SUNSET ON THE LAST DAY OF 2014
A very special and powerful service. Mainly due to hearing the noise of the Hogmanay celebrations outside, and at the same time, in the stillness and the silence of the church, knowing we are part of something much bigger :)
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