A Word from the Manse

I would like to start by thanking everyone involved in our Christmas services this year. All those who offered their time and gifts to help us deliver the extra services are greatly appreciated. We particularly owe a debt of  gratitude to Zara Stubbs and the young people at the Nativity. Our musicians Brigitte, Ciara and Terrence were wonderful, and those who decorated MUC internally and externally did a splendid job. 
I recognise that balancing the very real need to spend time with family, alongside the wish to contribute towards the activities of our MUC community, is difficult and tiring in COVID times, yet nevertheless  sincere thanks to all who supported the church over the holidays. ​

The challenges of 2021 are now behind us, and hopefully the COVID restrictions that placed such burdens on our ability to spend time with  those we love are easing. If anything, the pandemic has taught us that the people we love and care for must be our priority because the networks of  relationships that govern our lives, either at home or work, or in our  community, have to be cherished if we are to be resilient and find meaning  in life. The truth is that our community relies on so many people  throughout the year. People who give their time and energy without pay, or who go far beyond what could reasonably be expected of them  (including unseen and unsung). With this in mind, I turn to wishing you all a  very happy New Year. While the last two years have brought many  challenges, I believe there are many reasons to be optimistic about the year  ahead. This optimism is not based on vaccines or new antiviral drugs and  therapies, though I do believe that these are good things that will help. My optimism is based on our communities continued ability to work together,  to help and support each other. 
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As a Christian I see this as more than simply “a nice idea”, I see this as being  at the core of how God called us to be. For Christians this is what it means  to live out the commandment to “love your neighbour”. Over the last two years our community, Christian or otherwise, has shown an ability to help and support each other in challenging times. I hope that this year will soon  prove to be A Happy New Year which will give us many more opportunities  to celebrate together as well.

God bless,
Rev Steven