Dear Friends

Jesus was born into a troubled, fractured, politically and ethnically divided world. We recognise from his life that he was the fulfilment of ancient prophecy that foretold the coming of the Prince of Peace. Throughout that life he taught about peace and lived a peaceful life whilst remaining aware and alert to those people and forces that sowed division, hatred and injustice. He said, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers’ and ‘if someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.’ Whilst being put to death as an innocent man he prayed forgiveness for his executioners.

Dear Friends

There is no more evocative time of year than Christmas. All our senses are stimulated, creating impressions that remain with us and are awakened from dormancy each succeeding Christmas time. My favourite, best present ever was the Meccano set No 6 that I got when I was 9. I can still vividly remember the thrill of opening it and starting to play with it. From another stage in my life I have strong memories of carol singing around Teesdale villages on cold, wet December evenings, feeling so alive and enjoying the company of my fellow carollers as we sang Sweet Chiming Christmas Bells for the umpteenth time!