As I write most of us are in the throes of celebratory Christmas meals with family and friends, works parties and the like. There’s that huge weight of expectation as we move towards the big day. We have probably already consumed way too many mince pies! Our church Christmas celebrations have all gone really well putting the story of Jesus’ birth front and centre amidst all the feasting and joyful merriment.

Since this Pastor’s pen is for January, here we are now looking into 2026. We are wondering what sort of year it may be – what blessings and what challenges may face us personally and in church. You’ll probably have made a few resolutions along the way. What we do know is that God’s goodness and mercy will follow us, chase us down no matter what our circumstances. So, we will look forward to this new season and embrace all its possibilities for growing the influence of the Kingdom of God across these great towns of Yate and Chipping Sodbury. Perhaps that needs to be our topmost New Year’s Resolution.

As I look at the diary for 2026, I’m excited to be welcoming a variety of great guest speakers, some you’ll know and some who’ll be fresh voices. It’ll be fantastic to hear what God has to say through them. During January we will be welcoming Geoff Feasey, and a team from CfAN (Christ for All Nations). May you be inspired and enriched by these ministries.

Just to let you all know that the office will be shut from 22nd Dec through to the 5th of Jan. If you have a genuine pastoral emergency over that time, please call Pastor Dave on 07889 406977. We will run our service as usual on Dec 28th when we will welcome Marty back with us to preach. And we will gather as a family to have a bit of a party, to celebrate, to worship and see in the new year together on the 31st. I’ll be bringing a key word for you all that night, so I hope you are planning to join us for our New Year’s Eve celebration.

Finally, may God bless you as you walk forward into 2026. Be bold, be courageous and do all that God has placed within your hands.

Much love

Pastor Dave & Liz