Insight

The picture above was taken at a recent visit to the new butterfly house at Chester Zoo. Butterflies are symbols of dramatic and beautiful change. Change, sometimes spectacular, sometimes gradual, sometimes for the worse, is an everyday part of life which cannot be avoided. As I write this we are preparing to celebrate my daughters 18 birthday, marking the change to adulthood. I am reminded that so much about being a parent is all about preparing children for adulthood, which involves a letting go, in the knowledge and hope that a different type of relationship emerges. 

Whilst change is a necessary part of life our ability to adapt to it is not just dependent on age, but personality and outlook. The follower of Jesus is always being urged to accept the need for change as we seek to become more Christ like, but this is something that can only be achieved if we are serious about wanting God to work in our lives individually and in community.

Lent helps prepare us for the dramatic changes that occurred at the end of Jesus public ministry, it leads us towards the reality of Christ death and his resurrection, enabling us to see death not as an end but as a new beginning. Often it seems like the church keeps this reality and all its implications to itself, and for those who attend its services during this period. In Ellesmere Port this year the churches together are making efforts to use this period to share God’s love and the hope we have in Jesus with the wider community. There are a number of things happening some of which I have listed below. Together we hope they will bear witness to God’s love and demonstrate the churches desire to be at the centre of HOPEFUL L change.

Trevor

Saturday 21^st March        12.30pm-4.00pm              Free car wash provided by Cheshire West Street Pastors- Car Park, Trinity Methodist Church

Saturday 4^th April              10am-12noon                    Coffee morning, Links Healthy Living Centre

Sunday 5^th April- Friday 10^th April                               24/5 prayer event, Salvation Army

Monday 6^th-Wednesday 10^th April                            Children’s Holiday club, Whitby Methodist Church. Contact children’s and family worker at Whitby Methodist Church for details

Saturday 11^th April           11.am                                    Easter celebration event, Port Arcades