Christ Church Moreton Hall

On Sunday 2nd March we opened our doors once again to welcome everybody to celebrate Mothering Sunday. This was a glorious occasion when we celebrated family life and all the joys that children and the care of children can bring to our lives.

Ever since we began our All Age Act of Worship the church has been full to bursting on the first Sunday of the month. It is wonderful to be surrounded by not just dozens of children and infants but also people of all ages who come to enjoy the exciting and refreshing experience of worshipping together.

Also at this time it is good to remember those who would like to have children but cannot. We think also of all those undergoing IVF and also all the dilemmas faced by society as we consider the laws on abortion and experimentation with embryos. These are complex times and at the present no-one is absolutely sure where all this is taking us. It is also a time of great pain, to observe the agony of those who would like to have children but for various reasons cannot is a moving experience.

At a time when we are celebrating children and mothers and families we should have room in our hearts to remember those who would like to be part of that institution but for various reasons cannot. It is the task of the church and all communities to ensure everyone is welcome to the family no matter what their past or their limitations or their unfulfilled desires.

We also remember all those who have lost children either during birth or shortly after, and those who have seen their children killed either on the roads or in service to their country.

It is good to remember that Jesus had a special place in his heart for the childless and those who mourn. He expressed the fact that no matter what the hurt they would always be comforted by Him.

We are of course not that far from Easter when we will enjoy the wonderful message that Jesus Christ not only died but rose again. That means that death is not the end and something wonderful is to be experienced after we have died. Another part of the Easter message is of course that God sent Christ into the world to reconcile men and women and children back to God the Father. He is the Father of us all and we are all part of His wonderful human family no matter what country we come from, what colour our skin, or even what beliefs we have been brought up with.

If Mothering Sunday is a celebration of family life, then perhaps this year we should concentrate more of our attention on making the family, no matter how extended, large or small it might be, a real priority. We should also make great efforts to welcome everybody whether they have a family or not into our family of friendship where they can have a place not only to receive love but make an important contribution of their own.