A message from Bishop Steven now we are at Alert Level 2.

“When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.

Then our mouth was filled with laughter,

and our tongue with shouts of joy;

then it was said among the nations,

‘The Lord has done great things for them.’

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we rejoiced.” (Psalm 126. 1-3)

It might be a bit too soon to adopt the entire sentiment of these verses from the Psalms (unless perhaps you have managed to get a haircut or are a hairdresser), but a feeling of excitement is certainly widespread. And laughter, as Sarah in the Bible shows us, can be an accompaniment to God doing an entirely surprising and new thing. With many today I believe God has started to do a new thing in the church, and I am looking forward to being part of that change.

The easing of restrictions is gradually allowing us to meet together – in new ways and styles – and for many of us this will be a cause for laughter and joy.

As we start to get back to familiar buildings and patterns let’s remember to give thanks to God for all that we have enjoyed and learnt from the past, and all that we have to look forward to in the future. Keeping very much in mind and practice the compassion and selflessness that characterised Jesus, and so to keep on protecting those who need it the most.

Please do look at the Action Plans that your church or ministry unit has had approved, and decide how you might flourish under them. Things are not going to be the same as they were in the past, and we all will have been changed by our recent experiences. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever – and the presence of his Spirit, evident over all time, is the comfort, challenge and joy we need to be the people of God in the Diocese. People who are prepared to pray, read the Bible and live out risen life of Jesus Christ.

May God bless you.

+Steven

See the latest Policy and Guidance on reopening at Alert Level 2