Richard's Reflections (September 2025)

You don’t need me to tell you that we live in a world full of technology. We have Televisions, mobile phones, computers or other appliances, many of which we rely on. And let’s not forget that AI is everywhere.

Are you are familiar with the quote, from Anne Lamott?

“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.”

All technology has one important function that we can forget. The Reset Button! It can bring the device back to what’s called ‘“factory settings.” Sometimes that is necessary.

And we human beings are not so different. I have enjoyed the change of pace during the summer, lots of celebrations, and as I write am looking forward to a few days away.

But I’m also excited about a new term and I look forward to preaching on these words from the Apostle Paul, on the last Sunday of August.

What we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4 v 5-6 NIV)

That priority of preaching Christ and letting HIS light shine in our lives is close to my heart and I believe will determine where we go in the days to come. We have put a number of suggestions from our Vision Day in place. And there are lots of great events already planned for this term.

Let’s keep praying and shining the light of Jesus to everyone we come in contact with.

I’ll leave you with some lovely words from an anonymous writer about putting Jesus first. I think they speak for themselves:

Show me Thy face! – one transient gleam of loveliness divine,

and I shall never think or dream of other love save Thine;

all lesser light will darken quite, all lower glories wane;

the beautiful of earth will scarce seem beautiful again.

Love in Jesus,

Richard