Dear ,
Right now we are living in one of the most challenging times any of us have known, and to begin 2021 with this uncertainty is not easy for any of us. I suspect nobody had a ‘normal’ Christmas, but I do hope that all of you were able to get a chance to rest, to disconnect from as much of the digital world as possible, and to see Christ in Christmas. There was much in 2020 which we missed and grieved, yet one of the encouraging things has been the ways we as a community have continued to see the joy and hope of the Gospel at work in our lives and that of those around us. My prayer for us all is that we continue to look forward with anticipation and expectation for those glimpses of the Spirit at work, of a God not frustrated by circumstance but who remains faithful always.
The new restrictions announced last week will be impacting us all, staff and students alike, in different ways. No-one is immune to the restrictions imposed, be it through the challenge of home-schooling or the inability to gather with friends. Life is different now. We are all well-versed in studying and working from home and socialising in the virtual space, but it still very much takes its toll. Whatever your individual circumstances, our desire is to see you flourishing and we will do all that we can to help you manage well in this season. Please make sure you are communicating with your formation group tutor about how you are doing, and particularly if you are struggling in any way. Please do also be gracious and gentle, as I know you will be, with the staff team who are facing similar pressures and working hard to support you. Our pastoral team is also available so please do reach out to our chaplains if you would value the space to speak and pray with someone.
These words from Psalm 100 are a helpful reminder that God is faithful in all things and worthy of our praise:
O be joyful in the Lord, all the earth; serve the Lord with gladness and come before his presence with a song. Know that the Lord is God; it is he that has made us and we are his; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and bless his name. For the Lord is gracious; his steadfast love is everlasting, and his faithfulness endures from generation to generation.
Please see below notices from the college, including our new Moodle Forums.
God Bless, Russell
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