The fact that I have been reminded that this message is due means that we are almost at the end of January 2026 and yet it doesn’t seem like 5 minutes since I was writing the December message.  Where does the time go?  At least the mornings are starting to get lighter earlier (I don’t need the light on in the kitchen to prepare the breakfast) and the afternoons are gradually getting longer so the light doesn’t have to go on as early and we can leave shutting the curtains a little bit later each day. Of course, we had the snow and ice a few weeks ago and as I prepare this, the forecast says there may be some more snow later in the month so perhaps you haven’t ventured far in recent weeks.

 

Not being able to get out and about as much as we may wish and the shorter days may be only two reasons why this is a difficult month. January is a time when we have traditionally made new year’s resolutions (and often broken them before the month is out) but it can also be a difficult month after the frenzy of December when we may have socialised too much and/or spent too much and so at the start of January we try to get back in control of our life and our spending.

 

Today I have been to the Ravensworth Arms in Lamesley for a Ministers wellbeing day.  I don’t know whether it was specifically decided to hold it in January or whether it was a free day that key people were available as the date was set prior to the District Directory being published. We were reminded that we need to look after our own mental health and well-being and also to check in on each other. We spent some time in discussion groups and also some time in playing some ‘games’ that encourage people to talk before sharing a meal together. There was a lot of laughter so hopefully those who organised it think that it helped those who attended.

 

In the early days of Methodism, groups of people were formed into classes so that they could watch over one another with love. Whilst that might primarily be the role of a pastoral visitor today, as Methodists we are all called to worship, learning and caring (which includes supporting others in their discipleship), service and evangelism (sharing God’s love with others in our daily lives). 

 

The dark days of winter can affect our mental health and well-being without the additional anxiety of events around the world adding to it. As we begin a new calendar year, may our resolution be not to just look after our own well-being but also to ensure that the things we say and do contribute to help the well-being of others by being kind and offering the hope that Jesus brought into the world when he was born and which he showed through his death and resurrection. When we share God’s light and hope in the world we not only fulfil our calling but we also receive a benefit from that light and hope. May we all watch over the world, its people and ourselves with love not just throughout 2026 but for eternity.

 

God bless

Lynda