Dear Friends, 

It is hard to believe that is now a full year since that very first lockdown.  Who would have thought that we are still living with restrictions in our daily lives but we pray that the vaccination roll out will soon enable us to return to some sort of normality.  It was interesting to hear what people are really looking forward to post pandemic:  their replies ranged from travel, shopping, eating out, attending live events to of course being with loved ones – families and friends.

I can remember reading a survey conducted several years ago about happiness.  The survey attempted to understand what aspects of  life improve our general happiness and as one would expect access to money featured highly in this. It was found though that when one had the money to furnish the basics in life i.e. putting a house over one’s head, enough money for food and clothes and some left over for treats and holidays etc; even if a person had a lot more money it did not mean they were far happier in themselves.  No, what came out was when the basics in our lives were catered for, it was relationships with others i.e. friendships that really improved our happiness. It was having others to share our lives and feel wanted and loved.

As we approach another Easter, one could argue relationships are at the very core of the Easter message.  Jesus goes to the cross on our behalf to offer us a way back to a restored relationship with God the Father. We see on the cross God’s amazing love in action and forgiveness for each one of us if we believe and trust in Jesus. Sam Wells writes: “One could say ‘Jesus hangs on the cross’, to show us the love that hangs on and that if we hang onto that love, it will never let us go”.

It is often said that there are some things in life that money cannot buy and that of course is love – sacrificial and unbounded – God’s love that embraces us in the life and death of Jesus. It is a love that will never let us go and we see it reflected in the love we share  between family and friends. It is going to wonderful to spend time again with our loved ones in the weeks ahead and here at St Peter’s Church.  You are most welcome to join us at our services or social events as together we experience the love of God in our midst.  

God bless this Easter and take care and stay safe

Glenn

Rev Glenn Coggins, Vicar of  the United Benefice of Stanley, Outwood and Wrenthorpe and Alverthorpe.