The UK has reached the sad milestone of 100,000 Covid related deaths, and we remember that behind that statistic are precious lives, and family and friends who are bereaved. We also are reminded, as we work through the first chapters of Genesis, that each person's value isn't measured by their wealth or status, but in the fact that they are made in the image of God; known and loved by Him.

We are also starting to see the disease affecting more of our church family. Even in the last week, I've heard of several more people who have tested positive. Praise God, people in the main seem to have experienced mild symptoms, but both the loss of loved ones in the last year and a continuing high infection rate are a sobering reminder of the impact of this pandemic.

It is also worth noting the roll-out of vaccines and we are hoping that this will mean a gradual opening up of society in general and more of our church activities in the coming year. It's been amazing to see, despite the limitations of the last year, that we've had several new people join the church; we've run Alpha each term and seen people become Christians each time; Streetlife has continued to serve the most vulnerable during the vast majority of the last year; and we continue to stay well connected as a church through the wide variety of Connect Groups and our online services and prayer meetings.

Jesus said: I will build my church. And He is indeed building His church. I'm so grateful that He is sovereignly ruling and reigning over all things, but also deeply concerned for the needs of every single person. Let's continue to love and support those who are mourning or struggling in this season, and pray for better days to come: protection for the church and people across Bristol, for vaccine rollout and for God to keep us united and moving forward together.

'The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.' (Numbers 6:24-26)

Grace and peace,

Ben