Sept: Thoughts from Huw

Dear Friends,
Hope you have all had a good Summer.

Luke Ch15 v11-32
The month of September heralds the start of the Methodist new year when we resume our normal services and activities after the summer break. 
For some, September is the time to start doing something new and different. It might be starting a new school, job or taking up a new hobby. Whatever new things we decide to do or new experiences we have in own personal lives, family, work or church life - we can be assured that wherever or whatever we are doing, God is with us.
In the story which Jesus tells of the Prodigal Son, we hear of someone squandering their wealth, indulging in reckless living, making a mess of life, but coming to their senses and returning to the family and facing the music. Surely there must be a severe reprimand and the full force of wrath and anger from the worried family. But there is no such thing which makes the reaction of the father towards the son even more surprising. The story tells us something profound about the love and grace of God. A father waiting for a wayward son, looking out to the horizon, arms open wide, full of compassion and love. The father welcomes him home and the feasting begins.
When we stray off the straight and narrow, as we all do at times, God waits for our return too and treats us as if we have never been away. God offers us a new beginning and a fresh start. This says so much about the grace and love that can only come from God.
So, let us thank God, for all the richness of His loving forgiveness and mercy, trying to stay close to Him as we journey with and for some of us back to God at the start of the new Methodist year.

With good wishes and prayers
Huw.