Dear friends,

It feels that we live in a time of uncertainty and even fear. Hope is in short supply and people do not know what the future holds. This is particularly seen in the job and finance markets. In January, we ran a series called: 'what we can learn from a downturn'. The lessons still hold true for today and probably tomorrow. Freda spoke about the need to 'embrace reality', and adjust our expectations in alignment with the circumstances, but also with the God who is with us in the storm. In the last few weeks, I have had a number of conversations with folks not part of the church who fear for their pension provision, who wonder where the next days work is going to come from. They feel disillusioned that the financial mistakes of others are going to effect their taxes and wage packets. These are proud, often self employed men who have made their way in the world and 'paid for their own mistakes'. I empathise with them - I know where they are coming from.

So - in this time of uncertainty and searching for hope - where do you look for answers? I was praying one morning and God planted a 'mad idea' in my mind that I shared with some of the wonderful Christ Church folks. I wanted to bring a small reminder to people that at Easter, Jesus paid for our mistakes (our sins). I felt that we should bring a small sign of love and hope to those who commute up to London from Chelsfield station. So on Maundy Thursday morning - at 6.00am in the morning (for a period of 2 hours), we will be wishing the hard-pressed commuters a happy Easter and giving out free hot cross buns. So a team of Christ followers who love God and love people are going to butter 500 hot cross buns and get up at 5.30am to say 'you are not forgotten'. As a church we want to minister to the youngest child, the frailest elderly person and the hardest-pressed commuter. Each one is loved by God and needs His hope. You are too.

2 days later....
Well, I"m off to the cathedral to renew my ordination vows, but I got up early, set my alarm for 5.30am and headed down to Chelsfield station. A fantastic turnout of volunteers from Christ Church. We had Nick (A former Kentish Times Press photographer) to catch some 'moments' as Rochester diocese were interested in the publicity. We had the lovely Ruth, Mandy, Selina and Amy (as well as the lovely Graham, Alan, Mark and Nelson)! Andy and her team of 'preparers' had individually buttered and wrapped each hot cross bun. It was still partially dark when the first commuters started arriving. So many volunteers were there to give out hot cross buns, we had 4 areas of distribution. I spent my time saying "good morning" and "happy Easter" to local commuters. I'm used to getting lots of different reactions to my dog collar (which can serve a useful purpose at times like these), but the responses were warm and positive. People were surprised to be given something for free - no strings attached. People tried to press money in our hands, but we had decided that donations should go a South American Street Children's Charity. It's a Christian one called Toybox. Much to reflect on. It's important to be out in the community, as good as Christ Church can be at welcoming people in. Most of the 500 people we greeted will never have come to Christ Church before (or known where it is.)

Well, it's May now (as you read this) and Easter weekend is a distant memory. But as the body of Christ - the body is called to embody (incarnate) Jesus every day. As we break bread and drink wine, we remember his death and resurrection. As we reach out to the busy, the stressed, the younger, the older, we do so in the name of Jesus - with his love in our hearts: regardless of time or season.

Yours, in his service
Jay Colwill