I believe in the sun even when it’s not shining
I believe in love when I feel it not
I believe in God even when he is silent

These words above are based on some lines which were found written on the wall in a cellar in Cologne after World War II. At the recent Annual Service of Comfort for the Bereaved held in our church at the end of last month, the choir sung a setting of these beautiful words set to music by Norwegian composer Kim Andre Arnesen. The original lines are these:
I believe in the sun, though it be dark;
I believe in God though He be silent;
I believe in neighbourly love, though it be unable to reveal itself.

At the time these words were written, some underground passages beneath old buildings were being used as refuges for people hiding from the Gestapo. At one point, nine Jewish fugitives hid there for four months without ever being caught. The emergency housing was fully equipped with kitchen, bedroom, living room, radio, a small library and oil lamps. Meals could only be prepared at night so any smoke or smell wouldn’t attract the Gestapo’s attention. Food had to be supplied by friends who willingly gave up a portion of their rations to help those people living for weeks in utter darkness. The inscription itself is written on the wall of one of these underground rooms.

This month of course is the time when we remember all those who died in the World Wars and of course sadly more recent conflicts. Thankfully we are not living in such conditions ourselves but Ukraine remains very much on our hearts and minds I am sure. I think these beautiful words above speak to us of a great hope which we all need to hang on to in difficult times. A hope that despite what we may be experiencing or facing in the future, the sun is still shining, God is there, as is love. It’s like flying in a plane high above the clouds, the sky is blue and the sun is shining, even though the weather below is grey and raining. In those weather conditions, it doesn’t mean the sun has gone away, it’s still there somewhere. The author of these words cannot see the sun and he can’t hear Gods voice. Yet he still hangs onto these items of faith, perhaps because of his trust in the love and compassion being shown to him in secret.

So as winter begins in earnest, I pray these words may give you comfort, as we all face the cost of living rises and of course higher energy bills. Neighbourly love is something our community does very well, but we need to know which of our neighbours needs a helping hand. I don’t know whether we are planning any warm spaces in the village, but I am pretty sure as the colder weather bites if there’s a need we will find a solution in Capel! In the meantime, you are assured of a very warm welcome at one of our heated church services or events so come and join us soon!
With my love and prayers

Revd Liz