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“ By the end of the month, there was a return to more ‘normal’ temperatures and even snow, but it was a small sign of what may lie ahead.

FEBRUARY always brings a sense of change to our world.

Whilst the church season is not changing this month, the days are getting a little longer and lighter.

Some green shoots may be appearing across the UK as the earth prepares itself for the hope of Easter and spring sunshine.

I am writing in anticipation of the subtle changes which pave the way for seasonal change.

But will we see them this year?

In the first half of November, Scotland found itself engulfed in unseasonably warm weather. Usually in this month, frosty mornings and evenings (peppered with a little ice) are normal. Many plants go to sleep, waiting for warmer times to blossom and bloom. Yet in the early days of this traditional wintry month, temperatures were well into double figures (between 12C and 15C). Sunflowers which I never expected to bloom because of slow growth over a very wet summer, were to be found blooming in our garden (albeit not of the height of years gone by). As autumn leaves swirled, my husband mowed the lawn for the final time in November as, thanks to warmer temperatures, the grass was still growing. Roses were also still blooming in the garden, untouched by winter frosts.

By the end of the month, there was a return to more ‘normal’ temperatures and even snow, but it was a small sign of what may lie ahead.

In future February may no longer herald the end of the ‘bleak midwinter’, but who knows?

The patterns of yesterday may no longer be the patterns of tomorrow as the world changes.

There is a parallel with the life of the Church of Scotland – the patterns of belonging and worship and participation in church life today are markedly different to those of even ten or 20 years ago.

Yet the church seasons remain constant. February is often the season of ‘Ordinary Time’ – marking the time between Epiphany and Lent. This year is no different, with Easter falling in late April, meaning the season of Lent falls in March. Yet there is hope to be found in February ahead of Lent and the preparations for resurrection message of Easter.

As the world around us changes and evolves (along with church life), grappling with the challenges of change along the way, so the seasons of the church year provide the constancy and anchor that is the love of God.

For the change of church season and its timeless messages offer a sense of calming presence, despite the changes all around – whether that is in church life or in the weather patterns of our world. ¤

Lynne McNeil Editor