A message from Rita Goddard, Lay Minister

Posted by Admin on 18 October 2009, 12:00 am

As I sit writing this letter in the middle of October, it is a glorious day. The temperature is almost as good as the summer and in addition the trees are displaying their wonderful autumn colours. There is, too, an autumn mist hovering over the Solent. All in all, a day which fills me with awe and wonder at the beauty of creation. Not everyone, I realize, is like me. I suppose I’m a bit of an ‘outdoor girl’ which is possibly why I notice the ever-changing scenes of nature, which awaken my spirit to the beauty of this land on which we live. It is, possibly, why I agree with our Island motto – ‘All this beauty is of God’! Whatever effect global warming is having upon our planet, thankfully there is still much in nature which is beautiful to behold. For me there is still very much which speaks to me of my Creator God. There is such diversity in the world around us and we have been given the task of caring for our world. Having recently celebrated Harvest Festival in our churches and some of our schools, we have considered the many good things we have been given to enjoy. Conversely we have also considered the many places in our world where there is so much hunger and hardship. I wonder what might awaken the spirit of some of those people who are suffering difficult circumstances in their lives. Here too, in this country, on this Island, in this village I recognise that there are those living in difficult circumstances. They can hardly lift their heads to enable them to look at the things around them. One of my favourite psalms in the bible starts with these words (in a modern version) “I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven and earth and mountains.” I can go into ecstasy about the created world around me and gain a certain amount of strength from such inspiration. However, I readily acknowledge that there is an even greater strength in looking to God the Creator rather than just looking to what he has created.

I wonder, have you ever stopped to think what it is that awakens your spirit? Maybe it’s the sound of children enjoying themselves doing the things children do. Maybe it’s the smell of your favourite meal cooking. Maybe it’s being inspired by a piece of music written by your favourite composer. The actor David Suchet readily admits that hearing Mozart’s clarinet concerto played on the radio was a stepping stone on his own journey of faith. Whatever inspires and, therefore, strengthens us, let us also remember that we may gain internal strength from looking to God our Maker and our Redeemer. May he richly bless you as you continue to take delight in all that inspires you.

Rita

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Do you know of someone who would appreciate a visit by the church? Or would you, yourself, like to meet and talk with someone from the church? Please let Lyn know or contact one of the Churchwardens whose details are given in Northwood News and in the Parish Church Officers section of this website. We’re happy to meet with you, to bring communion to you if you cannot come to church – or to explore with you if you just want to know more about the Christian faith. We are always here for you – because that’s what we’re about!

Lyn McRostie

Rector of Northwood.