In Matthew’s Gospel 10:26-33 when Jesus sent the apostles out to proclaim his teaching openly and to witness to him before the world, he knew they were fearful. And had good reason to be fearful, knowing that they would have to face hardship and persecution. So, not once but three times he said to them, ‘Do not be afraid’.

My first words to you all must be ‘a Happy New Year’ as a new Methodist year begins. This lovely and unique greeting in the life of Methodism is sadly dying away like many other things in our tradition that we love and cherish.

In this double edition of Wesley News covering the months of July and August we look forward to summer sunshine and going away for day trips and holidays. Thanks to Bill Coates for producing this monthly magazine . Hopefully for us all this is a time of year to relax and refresh our bodies, minds and souls.