Page 12 - Moravian Messenger March 2019

From the Sanctuary
My most favourite plants in the garden are snowdrops. I have spent years stocking the garden with them when I can find them. They are particularly difficult to buy. No one seems to stock them; but over the years, I have found them here and there to buy - not to dig up from the verges (although I have been tempted)! Sometimes, students and friends have given me some. I have also found a garden centre nearby that occasionally stocks them, but they soon sell-out and are popular with others too. So, it is a matter of keeping looking, and of being there when they have them. A place I love to visit at this time of year is Rode Hall, on the Staffordshire/Cheshire border, which has snowdrop walks through masses and masses of snowdrops which are growing wild. This year, my snowdrops have looked especially magnificent in the garden, so much so that I haven't needed my Rode Hall fix. They have spread and filled the garden in the way that I had hoped they eventually would do. My anticipation and vision have been fulfilled, and I can now really enjoy them and feel a deep gratitude for them and be in among them.
We are now into Lent. Like Advent (which doesn't seem that long ago), Lent is supposed to be a time in the Christian calendar which is characterised as a period of spiritual anticipation, discernment and preparation. In a way, it is a time of
metaphorically
planting spiritual
snowdrops in readiness for
the growth and spiritual fruition of
what we plant. Lent is a time of reflection
- a time of prayer and study, and of asking what God is wanting of us. How can I bring my life more in touch with the aliveness of God's Holy Spirit, and grow in such a way to reflect more of the Glory and Grace of God? How can I adjust my life so that I can sit more with the love and blessing of God's comforting presence? It is difficult to achieve with a working life and a hectic family life - but stopping for a while to just be among the snowdrops, with a spirit of gratitude and sense of blessedness, is one way of being more with God. May you find your snowdrop moments throughout Lent.
Br Peter Gubi,
Dukinfield
SUMMER CAMP 2019
W hen: 3-10th August 2019 Where: Dovedale House, Ilam
For: Young people aged 10-17 with links to the Moravian Church
Cost: £340
More information and booking forms can be obtained from your minister or Joy Raynor at: youth@moravian.org
Information about the venue can be found at www.dovedalehouse.org
Booking before 31st May is recommended as we need to have a minimum number for camp to happen.
The Moravian Messenger
Official Journal of the Moravian Church in the British Province. Published monthly by the authority of the Provincial Synod.
Advertisements and all communications concerning distribution
and supply should be sent to the Editorial Team.
Editorial Team, Church House, 5 Muswell Hill, London N10 3TJ
editorialteam@moravian.org.uk
Contributions for the Messenger should reach the editorial team by the 7th day of the preceding month.
Design & Artwork David Bull dave@redragdesign.co.uk
Printed & Distribution G. R. Walkden
Tel 01253 681338