Friends
Thank you to all of you who have sent congratulations to the family on the birth of Rupert Mark. What a lovely thing it is to have a baby in the house again! But what a world he has been born into. Concerns about the budget, increasingly difficult news from the Middle East, and the 2nd reading of the Assisted Dying bill, started in the House of Lords, are all matters for concern. For us, as Christians they are particularly so because of our long-held belief, passed down to us by Christ, of the desire of God that humanity should have “life in all its fullness.” Poverty and want, war and assisted suicide all challenge that belief in different ways.
What then, are we doing about it here in the Thames Valley? Well we continue to support our local foodbanks and other charitable activities, and across the Circuit we are running warm spaces, exploring partnerships with the local social services and schools and seeking to become ever more eco-friendly and more inclusive in our working and our welcoming.
It's harder to know what to do with the situation in the Middle East. But as I responded to an old friend’s invitation to her Adult Bat Mitzvah (think Adult Baptism) I realised that part of what we can do is to continue to build and strengthen those bonds with people whose heritage lies in that part of the world, Jewish or Palestinian.
The assisted dying bill is something that all Christians should be aware of, and lobby our MPs on. Whichever side of the argument you come down on, and there are strong cases to be made for either, I wonder if now is the time for it? It seems to me that the conversation should happen in an environment in which health and social care is working effectively and well, and this is not currently the case. However, the Circuit Staff are thinking about the possibility of a zoom discussion on this topic, and we would like to know if that might be of interest.
I wonder what world Rupert’s grandchildren will be born into? After all, poverty, war and ethical concerns are not new. I suppose that all any of us can do is try to live well in the time given to us, seeking first the Kingdom of God, and trusting him for the rest.
God bless, Vicci