Advent Letter from the Synod Moderator 2020
2020 has been
a difficult year even though it started on a positive note. The Synod leaders
met in February to think about ‘Re-visioning the Synod phase 2’. Then the Covid-19 pandemic was declared across
the world, something our generation has never before seen.
Nothing has remained
the same. Lockdowns, Covid-19 related illnesses and deaths, pressure on the National
Health Service and public funds, economic downturn including severe effects on the
aviation, holiday and hospitality industries, rising domestic abuse and mental
stress are only a few things in a long list. The commercial letting of church
buildings has been heavily reduced. Consequently, many churches suffered loss
of income and for some it became a matter of survival.
The
challenges also led to heroism and a resolve to combat and survive. The bravery
of NHS staff and other key workers will never be forgotten. Benevolence and
neighbourliness in communities, support for those on low income, the work of
charities, a low carbon footprint, health awareness, connecting with nature and
spirituality are a few positive aspects to cite among many. Churches learnt to
use a virtual platform for worship and meetings. Local pastoral care increased.
Thanks to the efforts of medical research vaccines have been produced.
The year 2020
forced us to closely experience uncertainty in life. Our confidence and pride in
having control over our lives and the world was swept away. We have been left
with few options but to ‘trust God’ who controls us and our universe. For so
long these words were empty theological and liturgical jargon. It is said that
we reap what we sow, and we now face the consequences of having abused our planet
and being greedy in the use of science and technology to gain more power and
wealth.
Those who were
brought up in the developing world are aware of the conditions of daily-wage
earners, those living their whole lives on the footpath, prostitutes who are
ill and unable to do business and hospitals without medicines. I have witnessed
such true stories on the streets of Kolkata.
I would not wish such a life on anyone; these people taught me a lesson.
Despite little certainty about their next meal, they were gifted with the will to
survive and an amazing trust in God’s providence.
We shall soon
celebrate the birth of a child, a vulnerable and dependent baby, who brings
salvation to humanity. The birth of a child is a gift from God. But we must
care for and nurture the gift in order to receive God’s blessings. According to
Luke, the shepherds were astonished when they heard the message and they rushed
to see the child. They rejoiced and praised God after they had left the manger scene.
They symbolise innocent trust in God. We need to return to that simplicity of
life and faith in our over-developed world and re-discover the notion of
humanity.
The good news
is that Rev George Watt has been nominated as Thames North Synod’s new
Moderator, to start his role from 1 June 2021. I felt a true sense of relief
when the nomination was announced. George comes with many gifts, much
experience and strong leadership qualities. Please welcome him. I have been
blessed with tremendous support, trust and goodwill from pastorates, leaders,
ministers and colleagues in Thames North Synod and I appeal to you to extend
the same to George.
I feel a
sense of fulfilment as I reach the end of my formal ministry; the informal will
of course continue. I have enjoyed serving the URC Thames North Synod and I
shall keep the precious memories of our shared joy, pain and laugher close to
my heart.
I wish you a
merry Christmas and a happy New Year
Andrew Prasad
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