Nearly midway through May, we seem to have some belated ‘April showers’. After some dry weeks, gardens will welcome some rain – relief after the pressures from dryness.

We have now had a gap without a Rector, an inter-regnum, for about 22 months. Perhaps it doesn’t feel as long as that?

We are really grateful to everyone who continues to keep us ‘in business’ – in particular our churchwardens, Naomi in Ightham and Trish in Wrotham and our lovely administrator, Jane.

How do we keep going? Through hope and working together. Isaiah in our Old Testament has some valuable insights and the following seems particularly poignant:
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

There is a spectrum of belief in God in our world and our society and it is right that everyone can form their own view. However, it is noticeable that hope in God tends to bring a positive difference in behaviour in our world – changing perspectives from ‘me’ to ‘you’, from self-interest to service.

Looking around at our wonderful world, so lovingly shared by David Attenborough, also encourages us to feel grateful for the beauty of our natural world. A world which our Father God has given us. Let’s play our part in protecting it wherever we can.
We are looking forward to when we can welcome Stewart to our benefice.

With every blessing.

John