A Message from the Minister continued.. Remaining steady in faith Here is a lament written by the Rev’d Geoffrey Clarke during a workshop Zoomed for synod ministers, during October: God, beyond, above, unreachable, untouchable, unfathomable, yet seen, among us, and known, in Jesus ... how could you watch and not stop this evil pandemic? Why would you not end it in moments rather than watching it unfold with its hurt and harm, bringing its ambush of death, fear and loss? And for that death, fear and loss to dip, with the possibility of picking up normality, to break out again with potential for more and worse than before! Yet in the midst of this - even this - you are there ... Grant peace, calm and comfort ... give us patience and stamina ... hasten the day when Covid is conquered and loss is lessened. Make us grateful for what and whom we can reach and touch and do. Keep safe those who have little to nothing and prompt those who can do something for and with them. For even in the midst of this we will dare to carry on trusting and praising. (Geoffrey Clarke, October 2020) We continue to hold our friends and neighbours in prayer and wish everyone a Blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with unexpected Joy. Keep safe, Shalom