My dear Friends.

Over the past 26 years in this area I have enjoyed looking at the River Thames in all its variable weather conditions, in its different moods and with a whole range of craft going about business or leisure activities. Previous to my living in Benfleet, Shoebury, Chelmsford and Fulham, I worked on the Isle of Dogs and saw that part of the River Thames as I went to work each day. So perspective number one is seeing the River Thames from the land.

In the year 2000 I boarded the pleasure ship Waverley at the end of Southend Pier. We cruised up the River past Canvey Island, Tilbury, the Queen Elizabeth II road bridge, through the Thames Barrier to the Millennium Dome for our second stop. Then it was on past the magnificent Greenwich waterfront, the Cutty Sark and the twin Domes marking each end of the Greenwich foot tunnel, a journey under the Thames I made five days a week for a number of years, then past the waterfront of the Isle of Dogs and the section where I was a research chemist (the factory now replaced by luxury flats), and finally we went under Tower Bridge and stopped at the Tower Hill Millennium Pier.

It was a most enjoyable trip on a beautiful day in September and it enabled me to see things from the boat which I had previously only seen (or not seen!) from the land. So that is perspective number two.

Earlier in that same year of 2000 when we returned from Australia and as the plane turned to make its descent to Heathrow, I was treated (briefly!) to a third perspective of the River Thames. Now all three views or perspectives are valid and important, yet each one is different and adds something to the total picture.

As a scientist I was encouraged to look at something from as many perspectives as possible and over the years as a minister of the gospel, that training has helped shape my attitude to people and projects. I like to see the big picture. To hear what lots of different people have to say on something. So it is important (in my view) to listen to those who have been around a long time in the life of a given church, who have a wealth of experience from which to draw upon. It is also important to listen to the new person who has only recently joined or become a Christian. Then there are those who like the traditional way of doing things as well as those who long for change. There are those who always have an opinion and many others who feel what they have to offer probably would not be of any value. Each person - each perspective can add something to the total picture and can be important in coming to a decision.

So we need to listen and take on board what others are saying. But above all we need to be aware of God's input - He, of course, sees the total picture, for He is the all-seeing, all-knowing one who also has a total perspective on the past, present and future. He does not ususally do all the hard work for us, sending an E-mail with precise instructions on all manner of problems, challenges and the like, but He will guide us as we listen to Him in prayer, worship, Bible reading and the events and people of everyday life and also as we listen to one another.

I have enjoyed seeing the River Thames from way up above, from the shore and from the safety of a boat and each view has enhanced my total enjoyment of our famous old River. Let us in our life together in the Church make sure we also benefit from seeing as many perspectives as possible - for each view has something to add to the final picture.

God bless you
Yours sincerely

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