June 2024 Letter from our Minister, the Reverend Mark Robinson

Dear Friends,

Doesn’t it feel like time is moving faster these days? Here we are, already in the season of Pentecost, a time that marks a significant moment in the life of the Church—the arrival of the Holy Spirit. This is a very special and important time, when God’s Spirit equips the apostles with the boldness and wisdom necessary to spread God’s love far and wide. This event at Pentecost is not just a historical moment but a vivid reminder of the Holy Spirit’s continual presence in our lives, empowering us to live out the mission entrusted to us by God.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we see ordinary individuals transformed by their encounters with Christ and the Holy Spirit. They dedicated their lives to living and sharing the story of Jesus, making His message and mission their own. This is what being the Church is all about: a community that embodies the love, grace, and truth of Jesus, meeting to worship, learn, serve, and support one another beyond the confines of a building or a Sunday service.

In our daily lives, we often come across moments where the love of God can be profoundly manifested through our actions. Imagine this: you’re at a café, and you notice someone sitting alone, staring out the window, their meal untouched. Or consider a moment on a busy street when someone brushes past you, tears streaming down their face. Think of a child wandering down the street, seemingly lost, or a couple sharing a laugh at the bus stop. Each of these individuals is experiencing a moment—whether of pain, loss, or joy—and each presents us with an opportunity, within the boundaries of safeguarding, respect, and care, to respond with the compassion and empathy that Jesus showed.

When Jesus saw the crowds, He was moved with compassion because they were like sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36). He saw beyond the surface and responded to their deepest needs. We are called to do the same. It’s not just about feeling sorry for someone; it’s about taking action. Maybe it means offering a warm meal, a comforting word to the one in tears, or a moment to guide the lost child.

In Galatians 6:2, Paul urges us to “carry each other’s burdens,” reminding us that in doing so, we fulfill the law of Christ—the law of love. Each act of kindness, each moment of connection, is a reflection of Jesus’ love through us.

As we continue through this season of Pentecost, let’s embrace the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. Let’s be attentive and responsive to those around us, bringing light into their moments of concern and joining in their moments of joy. The challenges and the stretches we face only enhance our ability to demonstrate God’s strength and compassion through our lives.

I pray that this season renews our spirit and commitment to live out our faith actively, loving as Christ loved and serving as He served. Remember, we are never alone in this journey. As Jesus promised, “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

Blessings,
Mark