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Dear Friends,

Life is beginning to change. Many of us have had our vaccination; schools and colleges have returned to their buildings; more people have been un-furloughed; some have returned to the workplace; groups have restarted; shops have reopened; some of us have had visitors to our garden; some of us have been out for a coffee or a meal sat outside in some of this lovely weather. All of us are doing this at our own pace. However you are doing that – it is ok. For some things I am ready but for others I am not. I have been out for a good catch up with a friend over a meal, but only after a walk together so that we could both build our confidence. I have seen a few people face to face which was a delight, but equally exhausting as we adjust to social interaction outside of our computer screens. I am going slowly and thankful that the statistics are reducing of those testing positive from Covid19. Whilst I am thankfully for that in our own country, I pray for those countries who are not in that same position. Those countries where they are seeing high death rates and high positive rates, a position we remember experiencing ourselves.

Thank you to all those of you who have shared your story, your testimony, your moments with God. This brings encouragement to the reader and the listener. I haven’t chosen a theme this month for many reasons. If you would like to share on our zoom  services for 2-3 minutes then please get in touch as we share Good News with each other.

This month we continue in the presence of the risen Christ of Easter till the day of Ascension on the 13th May. The Ascension has been described as many things, but it is the time when our Lord has finished all that He had to needed to do himself on Earth and could return to his Father in the knowledge that He could rely on his disciples to spread his message. Christ also knew that they would build his church (in the sense of a Christian community rather than as buildings that we tend to think) to proclaim the gospel to all nations and not just his Jewish followers.

The Ascension of Christ is not about the end of our time with Christ for ever but about how Christ himself was liberated from all restrictions of time and space. It does not represent his removal from the earth, but his constant presence everywhere on earth. During his earthly ministry, Christ could only be in one place at a time. But now He is united with God, he is present whenever God is present and that is everywhere. It is because He is ascended, he is here right now with us at this very moment in the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and souls. Since the Ascension the whole church has been longing and waiting for his return. Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, right before your Ascension into heaven you told your apostles to be
His witnesses to the ends of the earth upon receiving the Holy Spirit. May I be similarly
inspired to spread your Gospel message in word and deed, according to your will for me.
And may I do so prudently and joyfully, with your help, your guidance, and your grace! And
remembering this glorious event, help me to seek what is above, Heaven, where you are
seated at the right hand of God the Father. Amen

On Saturday 22nd May, the holiday Club team invite you to join us at 10am for Pentecost celebrations. There will be more information on the website and social media of items you will need to bring with you. This will be joining on my zoom code. Pentecost celebrations will be Sunday 23rd May. During school holidays, the Holiday Club team take a break BUT THERE WILL BE 3 DAYS WORTH OF MATERIAL for you to use with the children in your lives. Introductions from the team, videos for stories and crafts and instructions. Keep an eye on the website for further information.

Love and prayers, Sharon