Dear friends,

As the New Year begins, it is usually a good idea to cast an eye over on the previous twelve months. What were the highlights and the lowlights? What were the occasions when you felt most alive? How did God guide you through the year? 

My days of making New Year’s resolutions have long since passed. Instead, I make an effort to remember the things I should be grateful for. That helps me to begin the new year in a positive frame of mind. They may be the same things as the year before, but that’s OK. The secret to a good life is to give thanks for God’s blessings. 

What I am grateful for usually revolves around Church and family. The Church is the family of the baptized. To live into our baptismal promises means to love one another, as Christ loves us. Churches should be schools of love, where worship and praise of God go hand in hand with care for one another and for those in need. 

On a personal note, I am grateful for the opportunity last year to serve in two churches: Church of the Messiah, Gwynedd and Christ Church Christiana Hundred. I am thankful for the people with whom I have walked on their spiritual journeys. I have prayed and cared for all of them. I thank you for your prayers for me. Without them, we could not do the work God has called us to do.  

Looking back, I remember a special anniversary. It was nine years ago, on December 31, 2015, that I flew to the USA with four things: two suitcases, a fiancé visa, and a one way ticket. The previous four weeks had been an emotional rollercoaster, what with saying goodbye to my friends at Holy Cross Church, Luton, selling my furniture and uprooting to a whole new life. 

Everyone should do at least one crazy thing in their life. Sixteen days after arriving in the USA, I was married. I am married still, and God continues to bless our marriage. If you had told me fifteen years ago what would happen, I wouldn’t have believed you. I have learned to trust God to know where I am going, and to be prepared to be surprised at times. 

Keep the spirit of Christmas alive in your hearts and have a blessed and Happy New Year!

Father David