Lode Baptist Chapel
2008 - A Year of Hope?
AT THE START OF A NEW YEAR many of us become a bit more optimistic - a bit more
hopeful about what life is going to be like for us, and for the world around
us. So, before the positive outlook wears off, I wonder what your hopes are for
the year ahead? Perhaps they're grand hopes, like wanting wars to cease and
injustice to end; or perhaps they're much closer to home, hopes for change
in yourself, or in your family.
You know, in such a cynical world, someone who has real hope stands out like a beacon amidst the darkness of despair. So, are you one of those people? Do you want to be...? I mean, what's the alternative... Do people gain some sort of perverse satisfaction in being one of the doomsayers, or are they perhaps comforted by putting their head in the sand and pretending things aren't really happening?
The Bible describes this pessimistic perspective on life when it quotes those who say: "Let us eat and drink... for tomorrow we die!". These words, uttered hundreds of years ago, seem somehow familiar in a nation plagued by obesity and bingedrinking. Perhaps we're suffering from a collective lack of hope...
Across the UK churches are getting together in an initiative called 'Hope08' to tackle this very problem (for more details visit www.hopeinfo.co.uk). One of the ways they will be doing this is by seeking to make positive impact in their communities - this is a key part of our vision at Lode Chapel, and we seek to make a difference throughout the year. We are, however, particularly setting aside one day (a bank holiday Monday in May) to serve the local villages in one or more community projects.
But that's where we need your help... are you aware of a need that we could meet?
- A community building that needs a touch of paint?
- The garden of an elderly neighbour that could benefit from a bit of work?
We look forward to hearing from individuals (and the parish councils) with any ideas, my contact details are below. We are also keen to hear from people who may want to work alongside us in such a project.
As Christians we believe in the "God of hope"and we are called to share that hope with others - not just by communicating the reason for our eternal hope, but by being a bringer of practical hope to the world and to those around us. Perhaps 2008 will be a year of hope for you too?