So begins a New Year.

I'm taking the plunge for a year to create a blog, never having done it before. I'm not sure what it will turn into, but look forward with some trepidation to interacting with a different aspect of the world - not to mention learning new stuff about cyberspace and the mechanics of its manipulation.
For many years I've been reading blogs, and occasionally joining a few conversations. I think that's somewhat frowned upon...but now, for a while at least, I'll join in. One of the reasons for starting was not being able to face writing a Christmas Newsletter, and I thought that it might be better to keep some form of constant communication throughout the year. But one of the reasons for not having started earlier is the whole thing of making a rod for my back that will become too burdensome.
Ah well, today as a New Day has begun with a gathering of Holy Communion at my home church of St. Mary's Walthamstow, London, along with about 160 others. It's the only gathering we'll have today, and feels somewhat quiet in comparison to the Advent and Christmas period. But we came home to a message from one of our daughter's (Bree) friends mum in the USA, to say that Bree's friend, Lisa, has suffered another stroke and is laid up in hospital. Lisa'a only a young woman of about 22, and has been struggling with her health for around 2 years now. Its always difficult to accept young people struck down at the beginning of their lives. A new year of struggle for her and her family. Please keep her in your prayers.
So today, Zoe and I are reading, writing, and watching movies and telly. We wish you a Happy New Year, one in which God keeps you alive in faith despite the ambiguities of a complex and complicated life in the urban western world. Please journey with me this year of 2006.