Dear Friends,

How many of you watched the opening of the Olympic Games? The theme of journeying was very present with the movement around the main sights of Paris, and it encapsulated the arts and culture through the ages effectively and provocatively, and at times was almost hypnotic in its deliberately measured pace. (I realise that other opinions are available.) It is also fascinating that there is no permanent stadium structure, I assume the idea being, that it will leave no mark other than the memories.

Like it or loathe it, there is no doubt that the opening of the 2024 Olympics has sparked lots of discussion and comments as it broke away from the expected form of an opening ceremony.

Jesus' ministry caused a similar stir at times. The miles that he and his followers must have covered during his active ministry. The pace was necessarily slower, engaging with different people and situations as they travelled through the towns, villages and countryside. Sometimes the crowds would become overwhelming, forcing Jesus to be creative in how he interacted with them (climbing in a boat, or from the top of a mountain/hill) and yet he would willingly spend the time healing and speaking to them, showing compassion.

And there were many who just didn't get it, whilst Jesus taught with authority and, as much as we can understand, was an observant Jew – he also modelled a new and different path, not separate to, but rooted in all that had gone before. Jesus stirred up all sorts of discussions and comments, from all sorts of people, and is still doing so today.

Let's take this time to reflect on what we are drawn to and resonate with and that which causes us discomfort or to be unsettled; both reactions are valid and can help us to grow in our own self-awareness and how we relate to God.

And let's enjoy these games, applauding the skill and the determination that have got people there, and all those who have supported them on their journey.

" ...but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us then who are mature be of the same mind; and if you think differently about anything, this too God will reveal to you. "Philippians 3:13b-15.

Every blessing
Rev Karen.