2010 Letter No 03

Each month Bill writes a pastor's letter for our monthly church magazine called 'The Messenger'. Here is the letter for March 2010:

Last month I felt so proud to be member of this church. At George’s funeral a great many members of the fellowship came together to welcome visitors and to prepare and serve refreshments. I want to say a big “Thank you” and “Well done” to you all. You were generous and warm-hearted. The food was plentiful, such that people piled their plates high and there was still much left over. There was a real sense that George’s life and memory were being honoured among us, and in this you were also acting in a way that was honouring to God.

Sharing food together has long been something that our church does well, and it has the fragrance of Jesus about it. Now, of course, we are not perfect. Far from it! We are aware of many of our shortcomings. But let us also remember and celebrate those things that we do well, rather than merely focussing on those aspects of our life together where we are painfully aware of our need to improve. There is time enough for those things, and they are talked about among us, but when we do well, let us rejoice.

This is not a cause for self-satisfaction, but rather a cause for thanksgiving. Thank God that he is at work among us, producing beauty out of our weakness and frailty. Psalm 133 tells us that it is good and pleasant when God’s people are united, and it gives off a wonderful aroma – like the smell of the perfumed oil used in anointing the priests of old – and that it is a sign of God’s blessing, which brings life and refreshment in places which would otherwise be parched and dry.

This is gospel stuff – good news being embodied in our little corner of West Bromwich. And I truly believe that it has brought a smile to the face of God!

Thank you!