A message from Revd Rosemary Mutopo
A TIME TO PAUSE, TO REST, TO RECHARGE, TO RECONNECT WITH GOD AND WITH ONE ANOTHER
July and August unfold and the summer rhythm begins to take hold, with schools closing, holidays beckoning, and calendars softening their hold on our time, we find ourselves at the close of another Methodist year. This is a time when many step away for rest, holidays, and time with loved ones. The slower pace of summer invites us to reflect, recharge,
and realign our hearts with the gentle movement of God's Spirit.
I find myself reflecting on the words of a well-loved hymn: StF 470 – “Lord, for the years”
“Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided,
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.”
Timothy Dudley-Smith, Singing the Faith 470
These opening lines speak to the heart of what many of us feel as we move toward the end of another Methodist year. Whether this past year has felt long or short, heavy or light, clear or confusing, God’s faithful love has been our constant companion. July and August are often a time to pause, to rest, to recharge, to reconnect with God and with one another. Perhaps you will find yourself walking along a shoreline, listening to birdsong in a quiet garden, or enjoying conversations that have no agenda other than presence. These are holy moments too.
In rest, God restores.
But these summer months are also a time of transition in our Methodist journey. August marks the end of our Connexional year—a time when some ministers move circuits, when roles are laid down and picked up, and when we begin to turn our attention toward September’s new beginnings. That’s why the second verse of the hymn also speaks deeply into this season:
“Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze…”
As we rest, we also listen. What is the Spirit whispering in this in-between time? Where is God calling us next—as individuals, as congregations, as a Circuit?
We often speak of rest as something earned after a busy season, but Scripture presents rest as holy, purposeful, and part of God's design. Jesus said, 'Come away with me to a quiet place and rest awhile.' (Mark 6:31). This is an invitation not just to pause, but to be renewed. As we look back on the year behind us—the joys and challenges, the growth and the grief—we do so knowing God has been faithful. And as we prepare to enter a new Methodist year in September, we do so not in haste, but with hearts refreshed by grace.
“Lord, for ourselves; in living power remake us -
Self on the cross and Christ upon the throne,
Past put behind us, for the future take us,
Lord of our lives, to Iive for Christ alone.”
This final verse of 'Lord, for the years' draws us into a deeply personal moment of prayer and recommitment. It recognises our need not just for guidance, but for transformation. The plea is not for comfort or direction alone, but for God to 'remake us' in living power - a bold ask rooted in trust. To place 'self on the cross' is to surrender ego and control, making room for 'Christ upon the throne' of our lives. It echoes Paul’s words in Galatians 2:20, 'It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.' This is the essence of Christian discipleship - a life reordered around Christ.
As we set the past behind us, we ask God to take us into the future He has prepared — not aimlessly, but with intention and calling. This is a prayer of letting go, stepping forward, and living wholly for Christ alone. It is a fitting prayer for summer’s threshold: 'Remake us, Lord. Take us forward. Be our centre.'
May you find deep rest this summer — not only in body, but in soul.
May the Spirit of God renew your strength, your purpose, and your peace.
As the Methodist year ends, may you lay down burdens and pick up grace.
And may Christ, enthroned in your heart, lead you with courage into the days ahead.
With every blessing, Rev Rosemary Mutopo