This week I failed. I failed as a bunny-owner and was late feeding. I failed as a dutiful daughter and forgot an anniversary card. I failed as a friend and was irritable. I failed as a minister and got things wrong. And even this message was late!

I am sure you can identify, for we all make mistakes in lots of ways, and come before God to say sorry - again. That is when we are faced with the grace of God. And the wonderful thing about the grace of God is that we don't have to earn it. We don't have to be perfect to be accepted by God, just have a heart to follow Him, for He knows and loves us as we are. When we come to Him with all our failings He picks us up, dusts us down and sets us on our way again.

This month we begin a new church year as Methodists. Thank you for your graciousness to me over the last 5 years as your minister. This time reminds us that we follow a God who forgives us and gives us a new start. As a church we have lots of things to look forward to. May it be for us all a time of new beginnings as we continue our journey together.