Over 20 years ago I was at an ecumenical
youth conference at Bristol. On the Sunday
afternoon there was a service at Bristol
Cathedral. The place was full of young people
of all denominations praising God. I had a
vision what the Church could be like if
only.....
It is now my privilege as Chairman of the
Newark Christian Council to bring you
greetings from the churches on this joyful
occasion. The delight you must have had to
see all your dreams, your planning, your
saving and your prayers being fulfilled in
bricks and mortar. The frustration you must
have felt when everything came to a full stop.
Then delay on delay but your troubles have
brought you closer with other Christians in
Newark in their concern and prayers for you.
Perhaps there is a message here for us all.
Through our difficulties comes new life. Can
we dream again together in hope. Union of
like and like is conformity, not strength but
weakness; union of diversity is the only real
unity and source of strength. This day we
share in your joy; may your new Church bring
you great pleasure and blessing in fellowship
one with another. Over the last few months
you have understood: "There is nothing I
cannot master with the help of the One who
gives me strength."
Phillipians 4 v. 13.
