As I finish my work off for the day I am aware that it is also the close of 2010. Many exciting things have happened throughout this year; new friends made, acquaintances re-made, memories of friends who have passed away, the awakening of God-given potential within many of us. Borders Mission Circuit has brought some very interesting difficulties and headaches; it has brought teething issues we hadn`t anticipated and a smoothness in those areas we had expected to be difficult. BMC has offered our Christian journey something new and exciting. To those who I have inadvertently offended in any way this year I offer my apologies and ask forgiveness: I cannot always get it right but I do try ! To those who say that they don`t feel a part of the new circuit then I reply “get involved” as there are still jobs and tasks to be carried out and there are yet many fellowship events to be planned. To those who say “its too big” then I simply point to much larger circuits within Methodism and I remind us all of those within our circuit who are delighted at opportunities it brings. 2010 has brought much change within our Christian journeys, but through it all Christ has remained our centre and always will; He is the purpose for our existence and His mission is why we have come together as one. I see no other purpose for the Borders Mission Circuit other than “TO KNOW CHRIST AND TO MAKE CHRIST KNOWN”. We were led in this charge at our launch service in September by Rev Loraine our District Chair and she powerfully challenged us all to fulfill that mission statement.
To those who say “but what about our Church ?” I will always ask “is your Church really involved in Christs mission and if it is then `hallelujah`” When I first came into Ministry I felt a very strong calling that God was equipping me for evangelism and mission. Nothing over the years has happened to diminish that, and as you know more recently I have become very passionate about the developments we call Fresh Expressions of worship and Fresh expressions of Church. I hope and pray that as we enter 2011 we can all let the fire of the Holy Spirit burn within us and fan the flames of mission in our hearts, our lives, our Churches, our villages and our towns, so that we may all in our lives, words and actions share the message of Christ crucified and Christ risen from the dead.
In just over three hours time it will be 2011……. may we know the love, joy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ as we move forward together into that new year.
So to all who have persevered with this blog throughout 2010 I wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR