This month’s letter comes from Matt, who has been on placement with us this academic year:
As we gather in the pages of our parish magazine, I am reminded of the power of community and the strength we draw from one another. Over the past year I have been with you, I have seen the churches and the world face unprecedented challenges that have tested our resilience and shaken our sense of normalcy. But through it all, we have persevered, leaning on our faith and the support of our community.
In times of uncertainty and darkness, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. As a community and including the interregnum, I have seen a lot happen this last year that has been difficult, including many people losing dear friends. We may question where to find solace and how to navigate the problematic paths before us. During these moments, we must remember our faith’s timeless message of hope.
Hope is not merely wishful thinking or unquestioning optimism. It is an anchor that keeps us steady, a beacon that guides us through the storm. It is the assurance that God’s light will shine through and illuminate our path even in our darkest moments.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus reminds us, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). As a parish community, we can embody this light as a source of hope for one another and our wider community.
We find this light when we come together in worship, prayer, and fellowship. We find it in our community groups, messy church, and coffee time. Our church family provides a safe space to share our joys and sorrows and find comfort and support in times of need. Through our presence and acts of kindness, we become vessels of hope, reflecting God’s love and compassion for those around us.
We also find this light when we reach out to hurting or marginalised people. Our faith calls us to stand alongside the vulnerable, to advocate for justice and equality, and to extend a helping hand to those in need. Doing so brings hope to others and deepens our connection to the divine.
Even in the face of challenges, we can find hope in the stories of our parish community. We saw this recently with Lady Wilton Hall’s electrical problems being fixed. We see it in the hope of technology and an ever-growing choir. We see it in witnessing the resilience of individuals who have overcome adversity, the compassion of those who have selflessly served others, and the faith that has sustained us through generations. These stories remind us that, no matter how dark the present moment may seem, the light of hope has always prevailed.
As we move forward, let us hold onto this message of hope. Let us remember that we are not alone in our struggles and that we can overcome the obstacles before us together. Let us draw strength from our faith, community, and the unwavering promise of God’s presence.
May this season be a time of renewal and rekindling of hope within our hearts. Let us carry this light into our daily lives, spreading hope and love to all we encounter. And may our parish community continue to be a beacon of hope, illuminating the path for others and shining the light of God’s love into our world.
In faith and hope,
Matthew Dunne
St Margaret's Church Prestwich 