Thought for the Week

WE DIDN’T have enough chairs out. We thought there were plenty as it was New Year’s morning and we didn’t think many folk would come.

Extra chairs were passed over heads by willing hands, as even more people smiled their way into the hall.

People greeted each other with hand shakes and hugs as the Cleit family gathered for worship.

It was different, it was imaginative, it was spirit filled, it was soul warming and God was in the midst.

On the first day of a new year we gathered to be with each other and with God.

On the first day of a new year we came together for various reasons.

Some came to bring their prayers for strength, some to give thanks, some to reflect on the past, some to seek hope in the future. But most of all we came to worship God. And God was in the midst. We were in the hall sitting round tables, as families do.

I thought about this and wondered at how many tables had Jesus been a guest.

How many stories had he told in different ways to tell people of God’s love for them.

So here we were, beginning 2017 gathered as a family round a table as Catriona reminded us of God’s love for each one of us.

We sang about looking forward in faith and, united by a common purpose, I felt more sure about the journey we travel together.

At the close of worship, Catriona invited us to join hands and sing the ancient blessing to each other. Friendship and refreshments followed. And God was in the midst. May the Lord bless you and keep you and give you peace.