A very Happy New Year to you.
As we step into January, we do so with gratitude for all that God has carried us through, and with trust for all that lies ahead.
The New Year always brings a mix of emotions. Some of us begin it full of energy and anticipation; others arrive feeling tired, uncertain, or carrying unresolved burdens from the previous year. The good news is that God meets us exactly where we are—not where we think we should be.
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22–23
This verse reminds us that the deepest gift of the New Year is not a blank diary or better habits, but renewed mercy. God does not ask us to reinvent ourselves before coming to him. Instead, each morning begins with grace already waiting for us.
As a church, we begin this year not by striving harder, but by walking more closely with Jesus—listening to his voice, learning his ways, and trusting that he goes before us. Whether this year feels full of promise or full of questions, God’s faithfulness is steady, and his compassion is new today.
In 2026, we’re going to be journeying through the Gospel of Mark with the occasional break for Easter and the Summer. We’re going to dig deeper into Mark’s Gospel and I hope and pray we will grow in our affection to Jesus and commitment to His Kingdom cause. We’ll be starting Mark from 11 January. As part of the series we will also include a 30 day bible reading plan from YouVersion Bible app. Watch this space, more to come.
So let’s take this month one step at a time. Let’s pray honestly, love generously, and remain open to what God wants to do in us and through us in the year ahead.
I look forward to worshipping with you, praying together, and growing together as the body of Christ here at St Luke’s.
With God’s love and blessing for the year ahead,
Gareth
