A Look Back at July

 As I sit writing this the sun is streaming through the windows, which seems to have been a theme for July!

Not only has the sun shone brightly, but I also feel in many ways the Son has shone through much that has been happening.

Along with others from the Synod, I was delighted to represent you at the General Assembly at the start of the month. It was a great occasion and wonderful to meet with so many people from across the URC, please look out for a separate report from those who attended. I was delighted to be greeted by the Moderator and welcomed by assembly as your Synod Moderator.As I look back over this last month there has been a lot of travelling and meetings, but an absolute highlight has been getting around and visiting many ministers and steering groups. These pastoral occasions give me so much joy. Sharing in moments with ministers (Stipendiary, Non stipendiary, CRCWs, Elders, Lay Preachers etc etc) has been a pleasure. During the conversations I have been asking about what excites them in ministry and what challenges them. As you can imagine it is a real mix, as I reflect on those questions my excitement comes from visiting people, and seeing how churches despite falling numbers and other challenges continue to share the joy and hope of Jesus Christ. This very message was reflected in the Synod Moderators report to General Assembly, as we challenged the denomination to engage with the question of what 'Hope is...'.

Given all that we see and experience in the world and the church, we can often forget that the purpose of the church is to share the love and hope of Jesus Christ. So, this coming month, I would ask you to look around for signs of hope in Jesus, look in your church, in your neighbourhood and in the world. When you spot them give thanks to God and then share those signs with others. That hope is something that I will ask about when I see you, and something that we can reflect upon together.

 Have a blessed summer,

Rev’d Mike Thomason

Synod Moderator