We are here to help people love and worship God. We aim to be, and encourage others to become, committed and active disciples of Jesus,
who love God and worship him, who know the power of the Holy Spirit and who show God’s love in every part of their lives.
‘This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged.
For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”’ Joshua 1:9 (NLT)
While Rev’d Tim is enjoying his study leave, I am being gifted with an opportunity to experience new challenges and levels of responsibility. I am so very grateful for everyone’s kindness and support during this time – thank you, all. Whenever we stand on the threshold of a new chapter in life – whatever that may be – many of us will be concerned with the pace and duration of the journey; the destination; and what we will do when we arrive…
Not long ago, I was sagely reminded that we cannot know or control the future; we can only choose how we will prepare ourselves at the outset of the journey – we can set off well – and beyond that, we can trust that God is with us and ahead of us. In the bible, wherever Jesus ventures onto a boat, the destination is rarely as important as the transformative experience of the journey itself.
Sam Ellmore, ‘The Journey’ (acrylic and charcoal on canvas, 2024)
Last month, I was inspired to express this idea in a painting (above): it is a deliberately impressionistic and unfinished painting of a small boat – polished, packed, and ready for a new journey – waiting on the edge of a body of water, which is partially illuminated by a sunrise, trying to break through a mist, which is obscuring any detail from the horizon. The image contains both ‘hope’ and ‘distress’.
I keep this painting in my study as reminder that each time I step into the boat, I do so not knowing if I will end up where I expect to – but I set off with purpose and hope, knowing that God is with me, and ahead of me, on the journey; knowing that I will need to be ready to respond to changes that occur along the way; and knowing that I will undoubtedly be changed by the experience.
I pray that God will give you strength and courage for the weeks ahead.
Peace and blessings.
Rev’d Sam Ellmore, curate
St Mary's Church, Priory Road, Ecclesfield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S35 9XZ, United Kingdom
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