Lower Wyke, Yorkshire - April 2025
Change or no change - that is the question
I have a confession to make. I do not like change. You may or may not feel the same but either way I guess that change brings about a range of strong emotions. It can be frightening. It can be exciting. It can take us right out of our comfort zone.
Over the first weekend in March Lower Wyke celebrated change in many ways. Whilst the Welsh were celebrating St David's Day with leeks and daffodils, we were all welcoming the change in God's creation that the season of Spring brings. The snowdrops have pushed their way up through the hard winter soil. Crocuses carpet many grassy parks and gardens bringing a wonderful splash of colour and daffodils are bursting out in their varying shades of yellow and gold. Spring has sprung.
On Sunday 2nd March our country celebrated National Dance Day and having our own dance expert resident in the village it was an opportunity not to be missed to celebrate with her. Julie Altree runs dance schools in London Monday to Thursday and swaps the hustle and bustle of the capital for the peace and quiet of Lower Wyke at the weekends. She leads our Wake and Stretch group on Friday mornings in the Sunday School. It is an exercise class for the 'young at heart' that attracts on average a dozen willing participants who, not only exercise their bodies but enjoy friendship, fellowship and laughter together.
Medical experts assure us that dance, running, walking, or any form of exercise is good for us and can bring about change in our physical, mental and emotional health. What better place than a church in which to improve our spiritual wellbeing. Julie and some of the Wake and Stretch ladies demonstrated their dance/keep fit routines when they were invited to the Sunday morning service. They were accompanied by Peter Enright on the piano beginning with an upbeat version of The Lord of the Dance.
The Lectionary readings for that day talked of change. We heard that Moses' face changed when he spoke with God on the mountain top and Jesus changed during the Transfiguration event. Again, it was an outward change in his appearance in front of his three disciples: Peter, James and John.
The service ended with Holy Communion: a time when we remember how Jesus changed all our lives by dying on the cross for each one of us.
However hard it may be and however hard to put into practise, is it possible that we should embrace change: change in our services and change in our way that we think of church. Change, not for change's sake, but change for the better - change that encompasses the twenty first century and attracts those searching for a solid foundation for life. Change to what? Change how? I wish I knew the answer, but it is a serious consideration or we may not be happy with the consequences.
Sr Diane Thornton
