Christian Comment with Rev. Aaron Mirkin

New beginnings with old friends

AT 73 Cainscross Road in Stroud one can see construction work beginning for our new church.

It is a major project and has been many years in the making.

Completion is planned for July 2019 and it is with deep gratitude that we can embark on this development, thanks to the untiring efforts of so very many members and friends of our Christian Community nationwide.

The years have moved on and many of those who have played key roles earlier on in this project are sadly no longer with us.

They dedicated years of their life to the community and now reside on the other side of the threshold between life and death, and yet we are convinced they remain very much with us in spirit.

In fact this is a very important part of our community’s inner life, that we cultivate an active relationship with our friends and loved ones who have died.

It is our conviction that they are not as far away as we might imagine and that we can continue cultivating a relationship with our loved ones long after they leave their earthly bodies behind.

Indeed there is always sorrow, but so too are there joyful stories of people sensing, feeling and even hearing the presence of their dear departed friends at certain precious moments in life; most often just before falling asleep at night and just after waking in the morning.

Could it be that what refreshes us most through sleep is our commune with those who have died?

Can it be that from their ‘angel’s perspective’ they long to accompany us with just the right inspirations and added strength for our work here on Earth – and often do?

Can it be that they too, in turn, long for our loving prayers and thoughts that can serve as light and warmth for their further journey through spirit realms in the world after death?

It is with such thoughts that we gather every month in our congregation to remember those who have died, and send them our love and gratitude.

For sure they are accompanying our new building too.