I am writing this on the coldest day of the year so far: the temperature hasn’t risen above freezing and we saw the sun for the briefest of times.

2021 is almost here and, boy, do we need a New Year. The whole world needs a reboot, a fresh start, new ways of living that bears everyone in mind.

For some, next year is going to be tougher because of job losses, recession, Brexit and so much more.

So where do we gain our hope from this New Year?

I have great optimism because I saw something awesome in 2020 – the care and attention and kindness that flowed out from most people. (I also saw some people who tried to get as much for themselves from the system, which wasn’t so good and kind.)

We celebrated the small things more; we noticed the great beauty in our nature and world.

Kindness and good come from the source of whom we have been created by, to be people who look out for each other and care.

Jesus said “Do to others as you would have them do to you” or as some people say “Do as you would be done by”. Many people live this way.

Most people say “I am not religious” and yet live great lives of kindness. It’s in our DNA. We are doing it because we are a community.

There is an opportunity to reflect and debate more of the sayings of Jesus through the Alpha Course starting on Wednesday 13 January on zoom, registration via email to Annie Dack.

I would like to think that following Jesus is more about being kind and good: how we behave in the world, how we care for the world and how we show appreciation to each other, rather than knowing stuff and not acting on it.

It is far more about our spirit and living with a sense of real compassion.

Please let us know if 2021 is a real struggle. We have access to community funds that may go a little way to helping.

Revd Helen Rengert, Team Vicar
Reepham & Wensum Valley Team Churches
The Bircham Centre, Market Place, Reepham NR10 4JJ
Tel: 01603 871263. Email