Christian Unity and Covenant

A New Year is upon us – and may I wish you all a peaceful and fulfilling 2009. None of us knows what it will bring, though we will no doubt have hopes, and maybe fears. But as it begins, let’s invite God to walk through it with us, perhaps consciously thanking him each day for our blessings and seeking his help and guidance for those things that trouble us. As the Christmas message has reminded us, he is ‘God with us’. Let’s trust him for that promise.

I want this month to hand over the rest of the ‘vicar’s letter slot’ to David Mullins, the Methodist Minister here in Braughing. As always, the Church marks the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in from 18th-25th January. We know the Church is torn apart by its different traditions and doctrines, despite much that the different denominations and ‘wings’ of the Church hold in common. This special week encourages us to thank God for what we share and to pray for wisdom and insight as we seek to overcome obstacles to unity. Churches throughout the country will be joining together that week to show their desire for unity. In Braughing, we will be sharing at the Methodist chapel in their Covenant service. We look forward to it and David now explains below what that is all about.

Jeanette Gosney (Team Vicar)