July 2020

sometimes. In the same way that it is sometimes much harder to be a
guest than a host.
In the current Covid 19 crisis - and it IS current no matter what the
crowds on Bournemouth beach imagine - there have been many
examples of good and bad coming in the form of good and bad
behaviour. Vast numbers of people have served their fellow citizens in
professional roles or in volunteer positions. And done so
uncomplainingly and bravely sometimes. While on Bournemouth beach
……..
But speaking to people around the congregation and elsewhere it is
obvious that there are huge numbers of quiet acts of care and love that
far outweigh the selfish ones.
So the gift that keeps on giving, what of that? In the turmoil of these
times we could think of several words on which to alight. So I offer you
this thought. In every act of picking up the phone, extending an offer
to bring shopping, or go to the chemist. In every time spent listening to
someone struggling with the loneliness which has often been the
companion of lockdown. In these things there is love - the gift that
keeps on giving. And the First Letter of John reveals to us the Christian
response to Covid19, and the myriad woes of this world.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever
loves has
been born of God and knows God.”
Every good wish and blessing
John R Smith