Roses are red, Violets are blue, Sugar is sweet…
February is traditionally known as the month of Love.  The 14th February is the Feast of St. Valentine, when traditionally couples exchange gifts that are symbols of the love they have for each other.  However, have you ever wondered who Valentine was, and why this practice started?
    Saint Valentine was a Bishop of the early Christian Church in Italy.  During the reign of Claudius II as Roman Emperor (268-270 AD), Christians where under sever persecution and a law was in place preventing anyone from helping the growing Christian Community.  Valentine was arrested, imprisoned and eventually martyred for not only being a Christian, but also for helping other Christians by conducting Marriage Ceremonies.  In the 4th Century Valentine was declared a saint and in the 1830’s the Roman Catholic Church dedicated St. Valentine, in recognition of how he helped the early Christian community as the patron saint of young people and all those in love.  Thus starting the tradition of expressing our feelings for our loved one’s on St. Valentine’s Day.
    With it being a leap year this month is extra special bringing ‘Ladies Choice’.  Every four years, on the 29th February, ladies can break with tradition and are permitted to ask the Man who they love to marry them.  I am sure you like me know ladies who have ‘popped the question’ without it being 29th February. 
    The romance of the tradition of 14th February and 29th February still circulate amongst us.  This year we want to celebrate that love and romance, which is shared between a husband and wife, in the Wedding Dress Festival (details on the front page).  Not only will there be over 30 Wedding Dresses on display for people to file past and admire, there will also be the opportunity to worship and give thanks to God – the creator of love.  On the Sunday evening Bishop Ken and his wife Mary will be with us and will share a little of their story.  Afterwards everyone will be invited to enjoy tea/coffee, wedding cake etc in the Parish Hall.  If any couples would like a special prayer of blessing and/or to renew their wedding vows, then an opportunity will be available to do so as Bishop Ken and myself will remain in the Church after the service.
    For me, February is an important month, it helps me focus on what love is.  Not only do we have St. Valentine’s Day, but we also have Ash Wednesday which marks the start of Lent.  Lent is a season designed to make us think about how God loves us.  In 1st John 4:19 we read “We love, because he first loved us”.  For me, the events in this month will continually remind me of how God loves me.  He loves me and you so much that He was willing to allow his Son to die in our place.  “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8.  What he asks in return for this is for us to choose to Love Him.  Will you do, make the choice to love the Lord Jesus?

As you may be aware, Bishop Ken has dedicated 2016 as a year of Opportunity.  During this year every parish is encouraged to embark upon new phases of ministry in three different areas.  These are Mission, Generosity and Children.  Over the past number of months, a team appointed by the parish, have been praying and planning for this year.  A list of the events was included in the November 2015 edition of this magazine.  You might be asking yourself – ‘Why is all this necessary?’  Well let’s take a brief look at each area and try to find an answer.
          Mission – In Mark 16:15 Jesus gives what has become known as the ‘Great Commission’.  In this He encourages the disciples to spread the Good News concerning Salvation.  As long as there are people who don’t yet know Jesus as their personal Saviour the Church has an obligation and responsibility to share the Gospel message.  
          Generosity – When you hear the word generosity you might be thinking – ‘here we go, the church wanting more money!’  One thing that I am extremely grateful for is the generosity of the people of this parish.  This area of ministry is not about you being asked for more money.  It is about the Church blessing others in as many ways as possible.  For example, the Carol Singers giving gifts at Christmas to the housebound parishioners.  At Easter we plan to have a lunch meal in the Parish Hall for those who find it difficult to come to Church.  The Select Vestry is part funding the new youth initiative.  Generosity is about the Church using its resources and time to help others and show the love of Christ in our lives.
          Children – It is often said that the Children are the future of the Church.  I must admit that I disagree with this statement.  The Children are here now and are part of today’s church.  If we don’t look after them and help them grow in their faith, there won’t be a future for the Church.  It is important that our Children and Youth are encouraged to play a full active role within the life of the Church and that we continually provide opportunities for them to do so.  
          Our church motto is ‘Preaching the word… being shaped by the Word’.  What this basically means is that as the Word of God is taught in Church, Bible Studies, Courses etc. we will be changed by the Word (i.e. Jesus) and live our lives the way He wants us to.  But for this to happen we need to be open enough to allow Jesus to change us.  This only happens through prayer, then prayer and finally more prayer.  We, the members of the Church, must know Jesus in a real and personal way before we can begin to share Him with others.
          Please pray for this year of Opportunity and for all the activities and adventures the church takes during it.