In a regular column, Churches Together in Medway chairman Pastor Stephen Bello looks back over the past year and to a brighter future.

What a year 2020 was! I am so glad that the door is finally closing on the experiences of the last few months of the Covid-19 pandemic. We would all be forgiven if we called it an ‘annus horribilis’.

Welcome 2021 – a year we hope will wipe away the pains, the losses, the economic, emotional turmoil of the last torrid months of 2020. We have great expectation of a return to normality with the roll out of the various Covid-19 vaccines across the region and nation.

There are challenges ahead of us especially as we all begin to pick up the pieces in all areas of our lives, but there is a new optimism.

With the announced deal at the conclusion of the period of transition, the United Kingdom will begin to live as an independent nation outside of the European Union. We pray for our success and prosperity as a nation.

We cannot abandon the key messages of "Face, hands and making space" to keep ourselves and those around us safe as we continue the process of recovery. This is the practical way of showing love to our neighbours.

In addition to this, the newfound community spirit which has seen a rise in the show of love, care and concern for those around us must continue.

In the Bible, Jesus taught as recorded in the gospel of Luke Chapter 10 from verses 25-37 about the good Samaritan. For too long in our nation, we seemed to have been looking on by while those around us suffer. Not anymore.

Keep an eye out for the vulnerable members of our communities especially in the winter season. In your own way make a positive impact on the lives of those around you. This is what Jesus would want you to do.

At the start of a new year, we find ourselves again in another lockdown situation. Once again, our unsung heroes - the frontline staff in various fields - are rising to the task of keeping us safe, providing

care for our children’s educational needs, keeping the economy and facilities working whilst ensuring the vulnerable and sick are cared for.

Let us stop to reflect on their sacrifices and ensure we do not allow these to be done in vain by making the right choices exercising our freedoms. Paul admonished in 1st Corinthians 6 verse 12 that while all things are our rights, not everything is expedient to do at this time.

This next year will involve a lot of sacrifices we would be called upon again to make for the good of others. While this pandemic situation lasts, spare a thought for all the businesses in our local area and do all we can to help them to keep their businesses afloat and to support jobs, chose to shop local to encourage the local economy as best you can.

Let us keep our leaders at all levels of government and authority in our prayerful thoughts as they do the very task of leading in uncharted waters. May the good Lord grant them wisdom.

Finally, on behalf of the Churches across Medway and I am sure the various faith groups, I want to

wish you an incredibly happy and prosperous New Year 2021. May you have God’s favour and blessings in all your ways. Amen.

If you would like to find out more about Churches Together In Medway or what it means to become a Christian, please contact the chairman, Pastor Stephen Bello on 01634 920491 or email rccgvictoriousfamily@hotmail.com

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