President’s Blog: 31st October 2022
Greetings!
After a hectic couple of weeks, we have been trying to make the best of the mild weather before putting the clocks back. We spent three days with friends in Bangor when we walked along the beach at Newborough and then along the Menai Straits. The following day we walked along the Ogwen Trail to Zip World – no we didn’t Zip but we watched others doing so while we had lunch! – and afterwards to the beautiful Ogwen Bank to see the waterfalls. It was there that I met a lady who had come over from Malaysia for her son’s graduation at Bangor University. The Falls were her place to come to when she was in Wales as they were so different to anything in Malaysia, especially in autumn, as it is summer all year round there. We take our change of seasons for granted and it is hard to imagine a year unmarked by changes in nature and climate. This autumn, the colours of the trees have been particularly spectacular but is this a result of climate warming? It is a reminder that we need to take care of this precious world that is lent to us so that future generations can enjoy the beauty of God’s world. Please remember the COP27 meetings that are due to take place in Egypt next month, in your prayers.
On Thursday, we travelled to London by train. I had been invited, along with other members of the Connexional team, to meet the President of the World Methodist Church Council, Dr JC Park, who was visiting London. I had previously been at his induction at Houston, Texas, when The WFMUCW Assembly coincided with the World Methodist Council Assembly. JC engaged us with stories from the places he had visited and the people he had met (including the Pope), during his term of office. It was interesting to hear him talk about Methodism in Korea, the role of women and the hope that they will be allowed to become Bishops. I asked him to pass on greetings from MWiB to the women in Korea. It was both an honour and a privilege to meet him.
It was with shock and sadness the following day, that we heard of the tragedy in Seoul when so many young people had been killed or injured as they were enjoying the Hallowe’en festivities. Our hearts and prayers go out to the people of Korea and to Dr JC Park.
Our journey home was beset with train cancellations and drivers who were ‘out of hours’ but we had time to reflect on what had been a very interesting week.
Blessings
Ruth
