WELCOME TO LINACRE MISSION

In the New Testament, in many of Paul’s letters he talks about this need for determination in terms of faith- to set aside anything which hinders us from our goal and to focus and dedicate ourselves in terms of growing closer and deeper in our relationship with Jesus Christ. In the race of life, we all need to pull together as a team and support and encourage each other in our journey of faith. The verse above gives a wonderful image. It reminds us that not only are we supported by the people around us on earth, but that our efforts are being supported and encouraged by all those who have gone before us - the saints in heaven who are cheering us on. I had this amazing picture in my mind a few Sundays ago at the end of an evening service, that Linacre Mission was filled in the Spirit with all the folk who had worshipped here over this last century, all lost in wonder, love and praise, really close to Jesus, and

joining in our worship and cheering us on! It was an incredible experience, which I know I have shared with some of you already. What was very confirming and affirming was to visit Gwen Drake a few days later, when she shared with me that she had felt unwell the previous day and yet in prayer she had found great strength as she had a wonderful sense of being prayed for and upheld in the power of God’s Spirit by some of the wonderful men and women of God who have been an encouragement to her in faith whilst she has been here at Linacre- people like George Will’s, Linda’s father, and Gwen’s husband Bill. I then told Gwen about what I had experienced and we were able to encourage each other - just as it says in the verse above: “so that you will not grow weary or lose heart”.

Life is difficult, and at times we all grow weary and lose heart, we need to build each other up in faith and be a fellowship which brings joy and healing and hope in times of illness, sadness and despair. These wonderful saints have passed the baton on to us - we are the team who are currently running the race of life - its not what happened in the past or what will happen in the future which should preoccupy us - but indeed what is happening now - the choices we make about how we live and spend our time, talents and money- those daily life decisions are what count . This is how the Kingdom of God will grow in us and our church, how the name of Jesus will be lifted high and glorified. So- what about you? What are your goals for life? What do you hope will be happening for you in 2012? What choices are you making now which will affect that? Will you stay the course and finish well???

Why not join a prayer group or Bible Study? Why not renew the habit of spending time each time getting fit for the King of Kings? Sign up to do an Alpha Course? The race of life is one in which we can all be winners- one in which whatever our level of personal competence, we can find power and strength and courage from The One who has won the victory of life for us- so let us fix our eyes upon Jesus! Let us run with perseverance the race set before us and support and encourage one another to be the best that we can be for God.

With love and prayers,
Ann