As we step into a new year together, I want to offer a warm welcome to everyone. Whether you have been part of our church family for years, or returning after time away, and to those who are just beginning to find their way into the Wesley intergenerational community. Here in Jesus’ love everyone belongs.

The start of a year has a way of stirring questions in us: What am I hoping for? What needs healing? Where might God be leading me, and us as a congregation? I’ve been praying that 2026 will be a year marked not simply by good intentions, but by deepened discipleship: a quiet courage to love well, a steady commitment to prayer, and a continuing generous willingness to serve according to the season of life you find yourself in.

One of the gifts of the Christian life is that we are not asked to “do it all as individuals”, but we are each invited to offer what we have. The Holy Spirit equips the church with many gifts, with the grace to share: encouragement, compassion, wisdom, hospitality, teaching, administration, prayer, generosity, music, practical service, church council leadership, peacemaking, listening, gardening, maintenance, and so much more. 

Some gifts are visible but many are beautifully hidden, expressed in a meal prepared for someone who is unwell, a phone call made, a roster filled, children welcomed, a visitor noticed, a prayer quietly prayed. As this year begins, I invite you to ask: Spirit of God, what have you placed in my hands and who is it for? And if you’re wondering where or how you might serve, please reach out. I would love to talk with you.

This week also invites us to hold together two significant strands in our shared national life: Aboriginal Sunday and the Australia Day weekend. We hold them together with honesty and care, without pretending there is no pain, and without losing hope for the future. As followers of Jesus, we are called to truth-telling, to listening, to humility, and to the work of reconciliation that becomes a way of life.

I pray that our community will grow a culture of respect: in relationships, safe-church practices where children and the vulnerable are safeguarded, where words are kind not cynical or demeaning; where differences are recognised but not divisive, and where justice and compassion is visible. May the Spirit help us become people who listen well, learn well, and walk gently seeking peace from God who gives generously.

My prayer for us is simple: that in this new year, we will be a community shaped by Christ’s love; grounded in worship, open-hearted in welcome, and generous in service. May the Spirit make us brave enough to offer our gifts, and gentle enough to receive the gifts of others.

With every blessing for the year ahead,

Blessings — Rev. Carmel Sheraton