Dear Church family,

What does the future hold?

We all have that uncomfortable sense of not really knowing what’s ahead, don’t we?

We’re at a critical stage of the battle. The lockdown is gradually being lifted. But will it cause another spike? We remain alert, respecting each other’s different views, decisions and circumstances. 

One thing seems clear – social distancing is with us for some time, and that means ongoing changes to education, transport, work, health care and aviation.

Schools have to rethink the way children come and go and learn; new timetables; new exams; more risk assessments; extra communications with staff, students and parents, and more cleaning.

In the workplace, 54% are working from home. Others are travelling into work, or shielding at home.

The transport system is operating at one fifth capacity; so, ‘rush hours’ are out; flexible traveling and working hours are in.

More health care happens online and over the phone.

The changes are bewildering and we wonder what will the future be like? The answer is we don’t know. But we do know who holds the future: God.

And He is the God who said to His people, who’d recently been exiled to an unknown, foreign land:

 “I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Your brother in Christ,

Ian