Rev'd Mark Carey writes....

I found myself in a crowd today for the first time in over a year. It felt strange and made me feel slightly insecure. I was surprised by my reaction – but maybe I shouldn’t be. Our gradual emergence from a pandemic will not straightforward and we will feel a mixture of feelings and responses. Maybe this is why I’ve been constantly reminded of the Stephen Covey quote “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing”. Amongst all the distractions, preoccupying thoughts, fears and emotional responses the first disciples found themselves reoriented to the main thing by the resurrected Jesus. For followers of Jesus the main thing is always Jesus - keeping focussed on him is vital at this time.

I’m encouraging leaders and team members across the network to register for and participate in the morning I am hosting with Andy Hall and Rob Parker on Saturday 24th April. Called Emergence: what is God saying? It is an opportunity to have a reflective process as we seek to emerge with fresh vision and eyes fixed on Jesus. To book your place email office@ccbn.org.uk and nearer the time you will receive the zoom link.

We are very sad to hear of the death of Lesley Gaines. Lesley brought her warm and caring personality to bear in lots of our lives and will be greatly missed by her family, church family and friends. More news to follow of the date and time of the funeral service.

We welcome a new church warden, Penny Clarke, for Christ Church to serve alongside Keith Gibbons. I’m pleased that Chaz Walker and Emma Miles are serving for a further year as Wardens of Bessingby.

Thank you to all who are serving in official and unofficial ways across the Network.