Upton-by-Chester United Reformed Church

God's Love is for all. Our mission is to show it, share it, live it.

Ministers Murmurings

2008 has already begun in earnest, and this month sees the start of the 40 Days of Community, based on the book “Better Together” by Rick Warren, a name familiar to those who have already experienced the 40 Days of Purpose. It is a commitment that we as a Church resolved to undertake at our November meeting and it begins on the 3 February.  From that Sunday until Palm Sunday and every day in between we are asked to commit to the process, daily Bible readings, Bible Study, group work, all based around the question “What on earth are we here for?”

 

This will be something new during Lent, a time when, traditionally, we give up something, not take up something new.  It will be to anyone who has not experienced the Purpose Driven Church’s way to thinking and teaching, it will also be a chance to come together, maybe with people we see usually only on Sundays; maybe it will offer something new and inspiring, hopefully it will start a process of discussion and debate. 

 

There has been much talk in the media that for many reasons 2008 is going to be a hard year, a difficult year and that impacts on all aspects of society.  Whilst we as individuals may be prepared for difficulties and have the means to combat them, for many in our community the prophesised difficulties will come true and with harsh results.  Being attuned to the needs of others, even though we may not share their actual problems is essential to build up a community and realising life at times can seem almost impossible for some creates an empathy that goes beyond words.

 

If you are still considering 40 Days of Community, I urge you to give it a try, in the hope you will benefit from its teaching and in turn benefit others; each of us can do small things with great love, together we can do great things with great love.

 

I am your friend and Minister

 

Sarah