Network News Update

Oli Writes

I hope you have enjoyed some of the new freedoms this week - I certainly have! It is a very exciting time as we carefully move out of lockdown and into a new normal, in our Network and society in general.

So much has happened since March 2020. We have had to deal with big changes, and have had to live with continuous change and uncertainty. There has been grief, loss and anxiety. But we have also learned a lot of new things, and have adapted and responded really well - finding new ways to worship and live as disciples of Jesus. And now things are changing again…

The book of Acts is the story of the church emerging - from the confusion and thrill of the resurrection of Jesus, still carrying some grief and uncertainty, but captured by hope and filled with the new life of the Holy Spirit. There was no blueprint, much was worked out on the way, and we can see many examples of how the growing community of disciples were discerning God’s will and way together. The plural of disciple is church, and we hear God most clearly when we listen together. If you have not yet completed the ‘Reimagine’ questions that have been sent out then please do make some time for this - we would love to hear from as many people as possible.

When Peter spoke to the crowds at Pentecost he quoted the prophet Joel, saying:

“In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days” (Acts 2)

May you be filled again with the Holy Spirit as we celebrate Pentecost together this weekend. And as we are filled, let’s listen together for the voice of the Spirit, and dare to dream dreams of what God will do in our time to Rebuild, Restore and Renew: our lives, our network, our town.