Family
As the latest phase in the lifting of restrictions has gone ahead this week, albeit with a note of caution attached, I have been reminded once again of how much I value family, whether that’s my own personal family or my church family. The physical separation from each other has been one of the most challenging aspects of the last 15 months, and it has been great to be able to welcome people into our homes again in the last few days.
On Sunday, I enjoyed being with the King’s family at an in-person service again. Being able to share communion and participate in corporate worship, even if we are not permitted to sing just yet, was powerful – many thanks to the band, who led so well and to Andrew, who brought an outstanding message. It is encouraging to see that more and more people are coming along each week, and I hope you will feel able to make the journey back soon, if you have not already done so.
Then on Friday, Deb and I will be travelling to Bedford to visit our parents for the first time since August last year. We are very much looking forward to seeing them again after so many months apart, and to spending the evening with my brother Martin and his wife Dawn, who we also haven’t seen since last summer.
From Bedford we travel to Milton Keynes, where I will be delivering a day’s training to a group of leaders from Catalyst, who are part of the Newfrontiers family of churches. This will be the first time I have done any face-to-face teaching since March last year! I'm looking forward to being able to interact with a group of leaders without having to worry about whether I’ve left the mute button on or the wi-fi’s about to disappear.
So this is a week for seeing family again – my King’s family, my biological family, and my wider Newfrontiers family. I am grateful to God for them all.
