It’s a funny thing progress. It’s very hard to see any in a day, or even a year, especially in something big, like a life. Or a church. Or a country.
We just visited Rwanda, the tiny developing country in central Africa where Victoria and I met 20 years ago, and the progress has been astonishing.
We often talk about the ‘developing world’ like it’s just the adjective for that type of place, but ‘developing is exactly the right world for Rwanda.
It’s moving on, and in 20 years the progress has been astonishing.
Many places we went were unrecognisable. There were so many obvious tangible differences: more electric lights, more tin rooves on the houses, everyone was wearing shoes, there’s a rigorous and efficient MOT system for cars, there was far broader choice of beers. These aren’t just signs; these are real differences in peoples’ lives. Kids growing up in dry houses with electricity can do homework. People with shoes suffer fewer injuries, they can work and play better and longer. Better cars crash and pollute less.
And who doesn’t want more choice of beers!

I share this for two reasons. Firstly, be encouraged;
Often when we think of the developing world we have images in our minds of dire poverty, of desperation. There’s still poverty there, there are still all sorts of issues, but people’s lives are vastly better in all sorts of measurable ways than I had assumed. To quote Dr King, the moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends towards justice.

Secondly, I am reminded that it’s important to take the long view on progress, and to look at where we’ve come from, not to be discouraged by the day-to-day slog. None of Rwanda’s progress was overnight, it was small, deliberate, and ongoing.

Where do you want to be in 10 years? Start now, make a plan, take small steps, and keep going. It’s amazing what can be achieved over time.

Where do we want to be as a church? Let’s do likewise.

And as well as that, let us pray; guided, inspired, and equipped by God, we will be astonished at where he leads us as we get on with Loving God, Loving Calverley, and Growing Together!

God Bless,
Rob

November Service Times
A couple of seasonal oddities fall this month, so watch out!
We’re back to normal tomorrow morning, with Communion at both our 9:15am and 11am services.

Next week, 13th November is our Remembrance Day service, at 10:30am.

Then we’re usual times of 9:15am and 11am for 20th November, which will be this term’s A.M.A (Ask Me Anything) and we’ll have a christening in the 11am!

Finally this month, for the first Sunday of Advent on 27th November, at 10am we have a joint Service of Confirmation, with Bishop Arun, who is coming to confirm several of our congregation.

Rotas
The Sunday Service rotas for November & December are now available at the back of church.
As always, we would like to thank everyone for all that you give in support of our worship on Sunday’s, it is appreciated.

Go Deeper
Our new 'Go Deeper' notes are a chance to look at issues from that week’s sermon in some more detail, and to help us engage with how our faith and our lives work together. If you would like to receive these weekly notes by email, please click here to sign up.

Clothes Swap – Saturday 12th November, 10am – 1pm
Join us for our first ever clothes swap event! Update your wardrobe, help save clothing from going into landfill, & raise funds for church too!
You will be able to bring 5 items minimum of clothing to swap for something new-to-you - a chance to update your wardrobe in a sustainable and cost-effective way. There's no limit to the number of items you can bring to exchange - so long as they are clean and in excellent condition.
Get the whole family kitted out - men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes all accepted. Don’t want to swap? Feel free to donate!
Entry £3. Drop clothes between 10-11am, and then swapping starts at 11am.
Light refreshments will be available to purchase during the event.

Tombola
Susan & David’s famous tombola will be at the clothes swap event!
Can you help by providing a prize? Please leave in church with Sandra, Susan, or Sally.

Spring Harvest (10th - 14th April 2023)
Do you fancy a break by the seaside next year?
We’re thinking of going to Spring Harvest Skegness as a church group.
There is something for everyone, insightful teaching, passionate worship sessions, and space to relax and recharge. Set against the backdrop of the Butlin's resorts, there's so much to do and enjoy.
Grab a coffee, sip a wine, dip into teaching seminars, take a walk on the beach, and join with thousands of other Christians in worship.
Prices are from £139, and more information can be found online here.
At this stage we would like to know if you're interested in attending, please contact the [email protected] with "Spring Harvest" in the subject.