From The Editor

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THE first signs of spring will be perhaps more keenly sought than ever before in 2021.

Longer days, a little more light and sunshine and the sprouting of new life across our lands are among the signs of the changing season from the darkness of winter; and will perhaps be observed more widely than for many years in the search of the promise of hope.

Hope is perhaps the watchword of 2021.

Hope that our lives can be transformed by vaccination and that church lives can be renewed together at some point in the not too distant future – albeit on a dramatically changed landscape. For Christians next month the season of Easter is perhaps the greatest celebration of hope, transformation and new life.

In this season of Lent, there is a time of preparation either through the traditional practice of denial or of taking up new practices or habits.

Denial of food and a marked change in diet for Lent is always good for the waistline but in this tech-savvy age, denial is now sometimes practised by holidays from electronic devices or social media, giving space, opportunity and time for the rediscovery of older hobbies, habits and spirituality.

With our lives and movement still likely to be restricted in some way, Lent perhaps offers the opportunity to rediscover talents or practices forgotten or set aside.

Taking a walk in the spring air, looking for wildlife, or rediscovering hobbies of yesteryear – painting, pottery, papercraft or other artistic abilities – or learning new skills (woodwork, car maintenance, or a new language) may be just a few of the activities renewed and enjoyed (but there are many more). Books can still foster hobbies and interests but online channels such as YouTube can offer a multitude of support and encouragement for any new activities or enthusiasms.

“I am confident the Church will re-emerge with renewed vigour and purpose.

But whatever lessons the Covid-19 pandemic (and periods of isolation) has brought, as we move through Lent towards the renewed hope of Easter, the gifts of this time – whether good or bad – should not be forgotten. Like all churches, the Church of Scotland faces a hugely challenging year as it seeks to move forward from the earthquake effected by a pandemic which has challenged every organisation across the globe.

I am confident the Church will re-emerge with renewed vigour and purpose, strengthened rather than broken by the strangest of times – but it will be a different, slimmed down, hugely purposeful Church, driven to make a difference in the lives of our communities, always remembering ‘God is with us’.

This article appears in the March 2021 Issue of Life and Work

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