The United Reformed Church Chesham

Dear Friends

I hope you will all be finding time during August and September to have a break from routine to either go away or do something different. It is good to take time out to relax, reflect and to look at the wider picture, so that our own lives come into clearer perspective. Jesus we know took time away from the crowds and his busy ministry and he took the disciples with him to rest. We have had a busy year with moves and building work in the church. There are still things waiting to be done, but these can gently be achieved. It is a time to step back before activities begin again in September.

The power of the sea is quite amazing. Every day the water moves with the tides – beaches are swept clean, sandcastles are flattened and seaweed and shells are left for the next day’s beachcombers. The beach and the rocks are made ready for the activities of the new day. Do we allow ourselves time to be washed over by the tide of the Holy Spirit? Time for the hills and dips in our lives to be gently smoothed and new possibilities put in place. In a few days I hope to be wandering along cliff paths and sands and wondering at the amazing works of nature. In my reflecting I shall be thinking what plans has God for us now. What sandcastles are waiting for us each to build?

The human mind may devise many plans, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established. (Proverbs 19:21)

Those of you who were involved in the Backpackers Childrens Holiday Club in Chesham this year will have heard the message given to the children that Jesus is our ‘Real Treasure’. On the last day we looked at the words of Jesus from Matthew’s Gospel:

‘Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Good teaching for us all to reflect on.

A summer prayer: Holy Spirit wash over me as the waves over the beach. Jesus may I know you walking with me and see your footprints in the sand. Father God help me to still my own thought and to hear you talking to me. Refresh me and show me the path you have planned for me. Amen