Ministers Letter March 2026

Rev. Ian Forsyth

Recently I have been a little more reflective as I have come across documents that I no longer use, and have been shredding some old letters, diaries and documents that are obsolete.  Sometimes it is healthy to dispose of things that we longer need or want. This year, at SNPC in our Lent talks we have been considering four areas, Peace in our World, Peace in our community, Peace in our Church and finally Peace in us. This Minister’s letter is going to look at the theme of Peace, we often pray for Peace for the world as we see images of destruction all around us.

Peace in our world -We live in an increasing polarised world, where we see destruction and death across our world. We the Church can demonstrate the love of God as we pray the Lord’s Prayer, a topic which I have been sharing with children in school assemblies. John 14 v 27 in the Bible states, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid”. In this verse, Jesus offers his disciples a lasting inner peace, distinct from temporary worldly calm, to comfort them before his departure and impending crucifixion, assuring them they can overcome fear and turmoil with God’s help.

Peace in our community -Proverbs 19 v 17 says, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done”, meaning that acts of generosity to those in need are seen as lending to God, who promises to repay the giver, not necessarily with material wealth, but with spiritual blessings, and an enriched soul. This verse encourages active compassion and highlights that caring for the vulnerable reflects God’s own heart. I recently heard of a worshipping community collecting fifteen bags of left over Christmas food from the community to give to the Food bank. This is the Church in action, caring for others, ensuring that others are being looked after.

Peace in our Church -Ephesians 4:4 is a key scripture emphasising Christian unity, stating, “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call.” This verse serves as a declaration for the call to unity within the church. the spiritual reality shared by believers, which leads into verses 4-6 which list “one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” and “one God and Father of all.” The oneness in Christ should unite all Christians, despite their differences.

During the week of prayer for Christian unity the theme from the World Council of Churches was’ Light from light for light’.

Peace in Us -A prayer for peace based around Philippians 4 v 6, that advises against anxiety, encouraging believers to replace worry with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving, in their requests to God; in return, God promises that His peace, which surpasses human understanding, will guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, offering protection from distress. It’s a passage for finding peace through faith, contrasting anxious thoughts with God’s supernatural calm.

Here is a photograph I took over thirty years ago using an old SLR camera I no longer have. I took a multiple exposure picture creating a photograph of light. You can use a visual for reflection.

Blessings from Rev. Ian Forsyth