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Christ and certainly not your place and language of birth. Let me hear no more of this ungodly tribalism you foolish Rhiwbina-ites, Whitchurch-ites and Birchgrove-ites!

... You live in the ‘Bible belt’ of North Cardiff. I give thanks to God for your faith. But I fear some for some of you Christianity has become too comfortable. You receive many blessings at the Lord’s hands by virtue of where you live. ... What Gospel have you received if you think following Christ is about being affirmed in your comfort zone? … We are called to serve. We are continually being drawn into the mystery of God’s love. Out of love we seek to open our whole being and personality to the life-giving abundance of the Holy Spirit. If you resist being nudged out of your comfort zone you are no friend of Christ! Christianity is not a spiritual rubber-stamp upon your established way of life. It is a clarion call to repent and believe: this means transformation. Think on these things if the love of Christ dwells within you.”

Heaven’s Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth
“It’s time again for another birth,”
Said the angels to the Lord above:
This special child will need much love.
Her progress may be very slow;
Accomplishments she may not show
And she’ll require extra care
From the folks she meets down there.
She may not run, or laugh, or play:
Her thoughts may seem quite far away:
In many ways she won’t adapt
And she’ll be known as handicapped.
So let’s be careful where she’s sent:
We want her life to be content.
Please, Lord, find the person who
Will do this special job for You:
they may not realise straight away
The learning role they’re asked to play,
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love;
And soon they’ll know the privilege given.
Their precious child so meek and mild
Is Heaven’s very special child.

- From Don and Marilyn Thomas

This little prayer seems very apt as Bethany’s year of celebration draws to a close and as a church family, we contemplate the future and our role in it:

God of our past, keep alive the history we cherish;

God of our present, give us courage and wisdom for each day;

God of our future, lead us into new truth, new service.