The Rev Lythan Nevard

This is my last column for the Midweek Herald. I am moving on to a different role in East Anglia. So I am going to take the opportunity to sing praise about the place I have been living in and working in and loving being a part of for the last five years – Cranbrook. We are aware we are not popular in East Devon, being built on lovely farming land. And that we are sometimes referred to as “Crimebrook”. But Cranbrook has been built in response to a housing crisis in East Devon and Exeter. Most people who live here are locals. I have lived in 12 different places in my life and can honestly say that this is the friendliest, most caring place I have ever lived. Even before actual lockdown last year, people in Cranbrook were galvanised into action and within a few days almost the whole town had been covered by volunteers wanting to look after their neighbours. Our Facebook page is full of people ready to help each other out. Most people smile at each other in the street whether they know each other or not – that is becoming more of a challenge as Cranbrook grows but it is still true. Cranbrook is a place full of young families and a can-do spirit. It is a place to explore, being ‘church’ in a different way as well. Our church, Cornerstone, has no building of its own and we constantly try to be a blessing to our whole community in lots of different ways. And, FYI the crime rate in Cranbrook is really low. In the Bible, Paul writes: “Timothy, don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.” Jesus too didn’t measure people by their age, sex or level of education either but saw them all as worthy of God’s love. I think whether they are people of faith or not, the inhabitants of Cranbrook actually have an example to set in how lovingly they live together. Cranbrook, I’m going to miss you.

Are you giving anything up for Lent? I’m not sure there is anything left to give up this year! Yes, Lent has come upon us once again. Forty days of reflection and preparation before Easter when Christians quite often choose to give something up to practice self-discipline and as a sign of sacrifice. For me that is usually chocolate or wine. Why forty days? Because that is how long Jesus spent in the wilderness fasting, being tempted and preparing for his ministry (Sundays in Lent don’t count!). After his temptation Jesus was cared for by angels.

I’ve just started to learn to play the ukulele. I’m a bit late to the party this far into lockdown I know. And also, I was given the ukulele as a Christmas present eight years ago. To be fair, my daughter picked it up and is now an accomplished player so it wasn’t sitting idle. But a challenge from a group of friends galvanised me into giving it a go and so a few days ago I started strumming. To my complete disappointment I was not an overnight success. Perhaps I had thought that owning a uke for so long would be enough. Or maybe my daughter just makes it look easy. Either way I am realising I have a long way to go. (it’s the G chord I really struggle with). It is tempting to just give up. But I won’t. Partly because I have made myself accountable to others and partly because I know it is about building muscle memory. Playing a little (badly) everyday will eventually mean I can strum with confidence. I have to be patient with myself and my reluctant fingers. It’s a reminder of what I need to do as a disciple of Jesus. Living a life of walking in his way doesn’t come easily! But it's important to keep practicing, to build in those good habits of prayer, bible study, and care for others. Having a goal helps and being accountable to others is great too. And most of all not falling prey to that little voice that tells you to just give up. There are some verses from the book of Joshua where God reminds us “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, I am the LORD your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.” In faith, in life, in ukulele playing that is so helpful. G chord I’m coming to get you.

At the moment I have a friend staying with me who is a Minister from Zambia.