This month I am reflecting on the book of John that we have been studying during the Bible month.  I am also reflecting on my recent holiday when we sometimes encounter unexpected moments.

During Bible month, David F Ford set out some initial questions to help us consider our faith. The first question is do we want to shape our lives around desiring what Jesus desires? And am I open to receiving more of the superabundance that Jesus offers me? The group used post it notes to write down their own desires and the hope to deepen their understanding of this Gospel, during the month of June with the view of revisiting these questions at the end of the month.

As we looked at the prologue for ourselves, we came up with some names of Jesus. As you can imagine the list was quite diverse gathering everyone’s thoughts together. The group came up with several names for Jesus including, source of life, the one fulfilment, the image of God, faithful, enabler, generous blessings, rejected, Jesus Christ only Son, messenger, truth and the word.

More recently when we were on holiday, we came across some lovely gardens called Parcevall Hall Gardens where unexpectedly, I came across a Poustina, a small hut used for retreats. On entering the small hut tucked away in the gardens I read the explanation written on a small wooden table. The word Poustina means ‘desert’ and is used in the Russian Orthodox church to refer to a small dwelling in a forest place. A place for monks or nuns to retreat and be alone with God, engaged in silent prayer and contemplation. It is recommended you take nothing in with you as you will find seven things in the Poustina and welcome to spend the time you need.

The main prayer traditionally used in a Poustina is the Jesus prayer, sometimes referred to as the prayer of the heart or the prayer of the name. The prayer consists of just twelve words in its longest form and often shortened still further. It’s a prayer therefore that you cannot easily forget, and you may always carry in your heart. ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.’

Sometimes we slow down when we go on holiday and we find time to just be in a place and take the time to do the simple things, skimming stones in a Scottish loch, visiting some inspiring gardens and taking in the beauty of God’s creations. Recently on holiday we found a Japanese Zen Garden that gave the visitors time to look at the beauty and enjoy the peace and tranquillity.  When admiring the garden there was an unexpected shout, and on turning around I saw a parent trying to stop a child throwing stones around in part the garden that was out of bounds, the child was disturbing the patterns that had been developed to promote calmness. Sometimes in our lives things come to us that disturb our wellbeing or distract our focus, but even in these times, God is always with us.

In closing the July ministers’ letter for July 2025. I hope your holidays this year will be a restful and you come back with some happy memories. There is the closing prayer for us to recite in the coming month, ‘Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.’

Finally, we pray for rest and renewal. In our busy lives, help us to find moments of peace and relaxation. May we find rest for our bodies, minds, and spirits. Help us to disconnect from the stresses and demands of daily life, finding solace and restoration in your presence. May we encourage others to take the time they need for rest and self-care, promoting a culture of well-being and balance. Amen

Yours in Christ from Rev Ian J Forsyth