A New Year's Day Prayer

Dear Lord, So far this year I have done well. I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper, I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or overindulgent. I'm very thankful for that; but in a few minutes, Lord, I'm going to get out of bed and from then, I'm guessing I'm going to need a lot more help. Amen.

There is no doubt that if we believe the news and economic forecasts that the year AD(In the year of Our Lord)2009 is not going to go down in history books as one of the most joyous years in world history. Certainly in this country along with many countries in the world it looks as if the outlook is bleak for all considering employment, house prices and standards of living.

But whatever way you look at it Christianity is a faith of hope and it is as much about the here and now as the hereafter. The birth of Christ which we celebrate in the church up until the last day of Christmas-February 2^nd-The Feast of Candlemas; gives us the means to look forward with hope and with joy whatever has happened before in our lives.

If we are to put our faith in material things then how can we expect the joy of having them to last but if our faith is in Jesus Christ, our faith is in heavenly things which last for eternity; then our hope and ultimately our joy will know no bounds.

If the things of this world are getting you down then I know a man who can help you in seeing what really matters in your life and though every morning I say the above prayer he has never let me down yet. Why not come and meet him; you know he died to meet you!

May I wish you and yours a healthy and peaceful New Year in the Year of Our Lord 2009.

Your Servant in Christ

Rob Mellowship

From the Registers:

Funerals:

15.12.08          Clifford Sayer               Roydon