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Viewpoint from Rev Derrick Hill 18/01/2019
 Revd Derrick Hill
Baptist Minister
as published in the Yarmouth Mercury
A New Phase of Life?
Listening to Radio Norfolk this morning, I heard of a new advertising campaign for people to change career and bring their life experiences to the teaching profession. Preparing the younger generation for their future is surely an important role in any society – and there is certainly a pattern for people to have more than one career in a lifetime. My own working career included 30 years in NHS management followed by 15 years in church ministry
 But a new phase of life doesn’t necessarily involve career change! Maybe you began this year with a resolution to live differently. Although New Year’s resolutions have a reputation for being short-lived, for a proportion that resolve is fulfilled. Congratulations if resolutions you made this year are still being pursued vigorously
One resolution my wife and I made last year was to downsize our home and relocate – still in Norfolk but beyond the borders of the Borough of Great Yarmouth within which I have lived for the past 40 years. Preparations continue and we confidently expect to move during 2019, leaving behind the familiar and exploring the new, not just in terms of location, but also of friendships and activities. Exciting and yet, at the same time, uncertain times!
 Another change expected this year, although details remain unclear, is the consequence of the nation’s decisions over Brexit. It was interesting that the New Year messages of our Queen, our Prime Minister, and the Archbishop of Canterbury each rightly focused on the need for us all to work together for the benefit of the whole community as we enter as yet uncharted waters
In reality change affects us all. By its very nature, it involves facing the uncertain which each of us must do every day. It has been said that change is the only constant – but whilst appreciating the sentiment, as a Christian, I must disagree. I believe and trust in a God who does not change – yet who continually makes all things new as He works to renew this broken world. The Bible assures us that “God works for the good of those who love him” and my experience of His presence through the changes of the past 70 years – good times and hard times – means that I can look forward to this year’s changes with hope and confidence. May that be your experience too
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