Northfield Methodist Church

Dear Friends

The Induction Service was an absolute blessing. Thank you to those who shared it with me. I am also aware of all those who attend the other services and so were not able to be part of that moment, thank you for your prayers. Thank you also to those who organised the Tea and eats - for your gift of love and sacrifice of time, thank you.

Last week we spoke about "Making a Godly choice around our priorities." At the end of the day, our activities, obligations and responsibilities that take most of our time, need to be kept in constant perspective as we strive to make the Godly priority of growing our relationships with God and with one another our first priority in our daily living.

This week we are suggesting, quite strongly, that a further choice needs to be the "Choice to make a difference". Quite simply, the world ought to be a better place because you are in it. We can make a difference in any number of ways, from merely deciding to be a nicer person today to reaching out to benefit another human being in a tangible way. Intentionally reaching out across the barriers that divide us - gender, wealth, poverty, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, culture. The list feels endless, maybe even overwhelming because there is so much that divides and hurts as we explore ways to facilitate healing and transformation.

We have an incredible role model in the life of Christ. Jesus clearly did not hesitate to cross a line to make a difference. One only has to think of the healing of the servant of a Roman Centurion (Mt 8:5), the Faith of the Canaanite Woman (Mt 15:22), A Man with Leprosy (Mk 2:40) and Jesus talking to the Samaritan Woman (Jn 4:1). Here we see Jesus stepping beyond the barrier of social norms and Jewish law. We see Jesus making a life changing difference. Jesus always made sure that he did what he had to do and in so doing, stayed utterly faithful to his ultimate calling (LK 4:18)

Today we are privileged to hear the story of Trevor and Chrissy Davies at our 08:00, 10:00 and 18:30 services. Trevor and Chrissy have chosen to minister in the area of "Diversity" as one way in which to make a significant difference and they are going to share their story. It is easy to feel negative and critical in light of the many challenges that face us as South Africans. However the opposite is equally true. Because of the many challenges that face us it is easy to make a difference.

Allan Knott-Craig, MD of iBurst, in his year end summary states the following: "The time of opportunity is upon us, now it's up to us to seize the day. I've said it before, I'll say it again: Life is not about waiting for storms to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain."

As always, blessings and peace

Brian