As Christians, the Bible tells us that we should be involved in the emotions of those we find around us. St Paul tells the Christians at Rome: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Bereavement, sickness and disappointment are common and it's important that we share in these sufferings with those who are being affected.But it's wonderful when we can join in with the rejoicing of those who rejoice. This weekend we celebrated with one of our congregation, Ida, (the mother-in-law of our previous vicar) who reached the milestone of her 80th birthday. Once a month we celebrate the birthdays of all the members of the congregation who have a birthday that month. So, yesterday, Ida too, received her chocolate as we sang to them all:
"Happy birthday to you,
To Jesus be true,
May he guide and bless you.
Happy birthday to you."
Over coffee and tea afterwards, we all enjoyed a piece of Ida's birthday cake.
