Dear Friends
Well, that’s Christmas over for another year. It will soon be time to dismantle the tree, take down the cards and put away the decorations. Then there are the “thank you” letters, emails or text messages to send and, for some, the tiresome business of changing items that aren’t quite right. Thinking of that line in the poem “Christmas” by John Betjeman about “hideous tie so kindly meant”, I wonder how many of us pretended to be pleased with a garment we’re never likely to wear, or an ornament that will only be on display when the giver comes to visit. With this comes a feeling of guilt because we know that a relative or friend has spent time and money on this gift and we should be grateful. Then there are the toys that are soon discarded or broken, and the gadgets that don’t work properly, not to mention the chocolates, biscuits or toiletries that come in handy for us to give to the person we’d forgotten to buy for, or which find their way in the new year to a charity raffle or tombola.
I’m sure most of us have, at some time, given or received a Christmas present that failed to please. Yet some people seem to have the knack of choosing just the right gift, which might be simple and inexpensive, but which shows an understanding of the needs and tastes of the recipient, and which is given and received with love. The greatest Christmas gift of all was just what the world needed, even if the world didn’t know its need. This gift, the child born at Christmas to be our Saviour, was given with love, by God. For those who have received that very precious gift with gratitude Christmas is not over after all. This is a gift for life, and a gift that gives life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
As we go forward into another year, the Church follows the story of Jesus Christ through his life, his ministry and his teachings, until we come to his death and resurrection and his ascension into heaven. Then we see how Jesus continues to be with his friends, through the gift of the Holy Spirit who empowered the first Christians to spread the Gospel message, and who empowers Christians today to live for Jesus and to share his love. Whether we gave and received many Christmas gifts or few, and irrespective of how much they were appreciated and enjoyed, there is a far greater gift which can be ours. Those who accept this gift and open their hearts to Jesus can know his presence with them, not just at Christmas and New Year, but always.
With love and prayers that God will bless you in the coming year,
Glynis Hetherington
Friday, 17 December 2010
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
DECEMBER 2011 - Vol 32. No. 12
Dear Friends
In the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday I decided to look on the internet for some prayers for peace. I typed in the word “peace” only to receive the message: “The search engine cannot find peace.” I think that, perhaps, the search engine is not alone in being unable to find peace. Many people are caught up in situations beyond their control, whether they are in war torn places or suffering the effects of the economic recession, or facing other situations that disturb their peace. Watching and listening to the news can be pretty depressing and the troubles in the world add to our anxiety levels. No wonder it is hard to find peace.
It was into such a world as this that God came as a tiny baby. Jesus was born to a poor couple far from home. The Holy Family became homeless refugees, fleeing from the wrath of a jealous king. The tale of the baby born in a stable, visited by shepherds who saw a vision of angels and wise men who followed a star, is a wonderful story, but in our telling of it at Christmas we usually stop short of the violence that was unleashed in the wake of these happenings. Even as the infant Jesus lay sleeping peacefully in his manger bed, the forces of evil were threatening to strike. Jesus came as light into a world of darkness, but the darkness was never far away.
It seemed as if the powers of darkness had triumphed thirty-three years later when Jesus Christ hung on a cross. Three days after that the light blazed brighter than ever, for Jesus was alive and death was defeated. It is through his death on a cross that Jesus Christ has reconciled us to God, taking away our sins and pouring out his forgiving love upon a sin sick world. Herein lies our peace.
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace; at Easter we celebrate his rising from the dead. Both Christmas and Easter are about birth, about new life – the Christmas story tells of the birth of Jesus and we celebrate this life and light coming into the world. At Easter we think of resurrection and we rejoice that the light still shines, as we celebrate the new life that goes on beyond death for all who are born anew in Christ. The two stories belong together and, indeed, they are part of the same story – the story of what God has done to save us from our sins, and to bring us back into a right relationship with himself. Through Jesus our Saviour we can have peace with God.
May you all find peace this Christmas.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
In the week leading up to Remembrance Sunday I decided to look on the internet for some prayers for peace. I typed in the word “peace” only to receive the message: “The search engine cannot find peace.” I think that, perhaps, the search engine is not alone in being unable to find peace. Many people are caught up in situations beyond their control, whether they are in war torn places or suffering the effects of the economic recession, or facing other situations that disturb their peace. Watching and listening to the news can be pretty depressing and the troubles in the world add to our anxiety levels. No wonder it is hard to find peace.
It was into such a world as this that God came as a tiny baby. Jesus was born to a poor couple far from home. The Holy Family became homeless refugees, fleeing from the wrath of a jealous king. The tale of the baby born in a stable, visited by shepherds who saw a vision of angels and wise men who followed a star, is a wonderful story, but in our telling of it at Christmas we usually stop short of the violence that was unleashed in the wake of these happenings. Even as the infant Jesus lay sleeping peacefully in his manger bed, the forces of evil were threatening to strike. Jesus came as light into a world of darkness, but the darkness was never far away.
It seemed as if the powers of darkness had triumphed thirty-three years later when Jesus Christ hung on a cross. Three days after that the light blazed brighter than ever, for Jesus was alive and death was defeated. It is through his death on a cross that Jesus Christ has reconciled us to God, taking away our sins and pouring out his forgiving love upon a sin sick world. Herein lies our peace.
At Christmas we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace; at Easter we celebrate his rising from the dead. Both Christmas and Easter are about birth, about new life – the Christmas story tells of the birth of Jesus and we celebrate this life and light coming into the world. At Easter we think of resurrection and we rejoice that the light still shines, as we celebrate the new life that goes on beyond death for all who are born anew in Christ. The two stories belong together and, indeed, they are part of the same story – the story of what God has done to save us from our sins, and to bring us back into a right relationship with himself. Through Jesus our Saviour we can have peace with God.
May you all find peace this Christmas.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
Saturday, 16 October 2010
November 2010 - Vol. 32. No. 11
The Rector writes:
Dear Friends
As we become older many of us are conscious that the memory isn’t quite what it used to be. We go into a room to fetch something and forget what we’ve gone there for; keys, diaries and spectacles are mislaid; we recognise a familiar face but cannot put a name to it. Even so, many older people remember things from years ago as if they only happened yesterday. For those who lived through the Second World War, the events will be forever etched upon their memories. One of my early memories is of stories my parents told of war time, but as a child I had little understanding of what war was. I still remember the shock of discovering that war brings death and destruction. I hope I never lose the capacity to be shocked and appalled when I hear of the horrors and atrocities of war. It’s a long time since the World War that my parents’ generation was involved in, but there have been many wars before and since. Uppermost in many of our minds now is the terrible waste of young lives in Afghanistan, as we continue to pray for our troops serving there, and for the ordinary people of that country caught up in the conflict.
Among those who observe the two minutes’ silence on 11th November, and those who join in Remembrance Sunday parades and services on 14th November there will be people who have lived through the horrors and deprivations of war. Some people taking part will be thinking of comrades and family members who died in wartime. There will be others, like myself, who know of these things at second hand, through the memories that others have shared through telling their stories. Younger members of the uniformed organisations who take part in parades may only just be starting to learn about what life was like in wartime, and about the courage of the men and women we shall honour in our Act of Remembrance.
This year it is Gotham’s turn to host the Parade and Service of Remembrance involving the Gotham and District Branch of the Royal British Legion. However, there will be services in our Benefice churches on Remembrance Sunday and all are welcome to attend. May all of us who take part reflect on the wicked waste of life and the terrible suffering that war brings, and commit ourselves to do all that we can to promote peace and justice. Let us pray that God will raise up more peacemakers, remembering that Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
Dear Friends
As we become older many of us are conscious that the memory isn’t quite what it used to be. We go into a room to fetch something and forget what we’ve gone there for; keys, diaries and spectacles are mislaid; we recognise a familiar face but cannot put a name to it. Even so, many older people remember things from years ago as if they only happened yesterday. For those who lived through the Second World War, the events will be forever etched upon their memories. One of my early memories is of stories my parents told of war time, but as a child I had little understanding of what war was. I still remember the shock of discovering that war brings death and destruction. I hope I never lose the capacity to be shocked and appalled when I hear of the horrors and atrocities of war. It’s a long time since the World War that my parents’ generation was involved in, but there have been many wars before and since. Uppermost in many of our minds now is the terrible waste of young lives in Afghanistan, as we continue to pray for our troops serving there, and for the ordinary people of that country caught up in the conflict.
Among those who observe the two minutes’ silence on 11th November, and those who join in Remembrance Sunday parades and services on 14th November there will be people who have lived through the horrors and deprivations of war. Some people taking part will be thinking of comrades and family members who died in wartime. There will be others, like myself, who know of these things at second hand, through the memories that others have shared through telling their stories. Younger members of the uniformed organisations who take part in parades may only just be starting to learn about what life was like in wartime, and about the courage of the men and women we shall honour in our Act of Remembrance.
This year it is Gotham’s turn to host the Parade and Service of Remembrance involving the Gotham and District Branch of the Royal British Legion. However, there will be services in our Benefice churches on Remembrance Sunday and all are welcome to attend. May all of us who take part reflect on the wicked waste of life and the terrible suffering that war brings, and commit ourselves to do all that we can to promote peace and justice. Let us pray that God will raise up more peacemakers, remembering that Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
Monday, 20 September 2010
October 2010 - Vol. 32. No. 10
Dear Friends
I watched a ladybird scurrying along a window sill. Its little legs were working at a furious pace. Part way along the ledge the ladybird opened its wings, took to the air, executed half a summersault and landed flat on its back. After thrashing about for a while it managed to right itself and set off to climb up the window pane. Whether there was any aim or purpose to all this activity, or if it was part of a daily exercise regime, or just a ladybird’s idea of having fun, I have no way of telling! The ladybird seemed to expend a lot of energy without making much progress. Then I thought about some of the journeys we humans embark upon, and the time and effort we invest in some of our projects, and I wondered how God views these things. The author of Isaiah Chapter 40 might have been pondering similar thoughts when he wrote in verse 22, “It is he (God) who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers.” Whether we are like grasshoppers or ladybirds, these words from the Old Testament express how great and awesome God is and how little we are. We can be so self-centred, acting as though life revolves around us and our concerns. A reminder that this is God’s world helps us to get things into perspective.
Sometimes we set off on journeys or embark on projects which we fail to complete, or we achieve only limited success because we have made our plans without reference to God. Yet God loves us, wants the best for us and has a plan for our lives. In Ephesians Chapter 2 Paul writes of the good works that God has prepared beforehand for us to walk in. However small we are in the vastness of the universe, we are precious to God and we have a unique place in God’s world. If we can learn to listen and to discern God’s will, the effort we put into things is not wasted.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 3 Paul writes about building on a foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw – and how fire will test what has been built. This is a reference to the Day of Judgment and the image of the building relates to the Church in Corinth. We can also apply it to ourselves and our own Church. Those whose work will be profitable are like those who build with gold, silver and precious stones. Wood, hay and straw will not survive fire. Therefore, those who build with these materials accomplish nothing of lasting value. The foundation is Jesus Christ and all who build their lives on him can claim the promise of eternal life, but some of our work is for this life only. Those things that have eternal value are not the easiest to measure. For instance, if you help another person to come to faith in Jesus Christ, that may be unseen by everyone except God, and yet you are building for eternity.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
I watched a ladybird scurrying along a window sill. Its little legs were working at a furious pace. Part way along the ledge the ladybird opened its wings, took to the air, executed half a summersault and landed flat on its back. After thrashing about for a while it managed to right itself and set off to climb up the window pane. Whether there was any aim or purpose to all this activity, or if it was part of a daily exercise regime, or just a ladybird’s idea of having fun, I have no way of telling! The ladybird seemed to expend a lot of energy without making much progress. Then I thought about some of the journeys we humans embark upon, and the time and effort we invest in some of our projects, and I wondered how God views these things. The author of Isaiah Chapter 40 might have been pondering similar thoughts when he wrote in verse 22, “It is he (God) who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers.” Whether we are like grasshoppers or ladybirds, these words from the Old Testament express how great and awesome God is and how little we are. We can be so self-centred, acting as though life revolves around us and our concerns. A reminder that this is God’s world helps us to get things into perspective.
Sometimes we set off on journeys or embark on projects which we fail to complete, or we achieve only limited success because we have made our plans without reference to God. Yet God loves us, wants the best for us and has a plan for our lives. In Ephesians Chapter 2 Paul writes of the good works that God has prepared beforehand for us to walk in. However small we are in the vastness of the universe, we are precious to God and we have a unique place in God’s world. If we can learn to listen and to discern God’s will, the effort we put into things is not wasted.
In 1 Corinthians Chapter 3 Paul writes about building on a foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw – and how fire will test what has been built. This is a reference to the Day of Judgment and the image of the building relates to the Church in Corinth. We can also apply it to ourselves and our own Church. Those whose work will be profitable are like those who build with gold, silver and precious stones. Wood, hay and straw will not survive fire. Therefore, those who build with these materials accomplish nothing of lasting value. The foundation is Jesus Christ and all who build their lives on him can claim the promise of eternal life, but some of our work is for this life only. Those things that have eternal value are not the easiest to measure. For instance, if you help another person to come to faith in Jesus Christ, that may be unseen by everyone except God, and yet you are building for eternity.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
September 2010 - Vol. 32. No. 9
The Rector writes:
Dear Friends
I often meet people who believe in God, and who try to live according to the teachings of Jesus, but who rarely attend church services. These people have their children baptised and do their best to bring them up in the Christian faith. They would never dream of not coming into church for life’s significant events such as weddings and funerals. Some of them enjoy church services on the occasions when they do attend, such as Christmas, Easter and Harvest, but they lead busy lives and other things take a higher priority than regular church attendance. There are some who intend to come more often, but never quite get around to it. Some feel closer to God outside, and a response to God is awakened in them when they are enjoying the wonders of nature. That’s understandable because, after all, the natural world is God’s creation. Buildings – even church buildings constructed to the glory of God and made holy by the prayers of countless generations – are still buildings made by human beings.
However, church buildings were put there because believers need a place to meet. Yes, we can pray and praise God anywhere, any time. I have had as many meaningful encounters with God outside the church walls as within. Even so, I believe that there is something about collective worship and prayer that adds up to more than the sum total of all our personal devotions. Private prayers and corporate worship complement each other. We need time and space to be alone with God, and time to be together. It’s about belonging. Through baptism, we are brought into the family of the Church. Families that function best are those which meet together and keep in contact. Within a family we learn the meaning of love and we offer and receive support as we journey together through life. The Church family needs to meet to grow together in the knowledge and love of God, and to offer mutual support, as well as to pray for the world in all its need, and to reach out in loving service to the community. God doesn’t intend us to go it alone, and there is so much that we can do better together.
We hear about declining church attendances, and some of our rural congregations are very small. A few committed people work hard to keep our small village churches open. If other parishioners want their church to be there for their weddings, baptisms and funerals, and to remain as a focus for the Christian faith in their village, I would urge them to re-think their priorities before it is too late. However, if someone reading this decides to resume, or to begin, church attendance, I pray that this will not be a mere duty, but that you will find it a joy and that God will bless you .
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
Dear Friends
I often meet people who believe in God, and who try to live according to the teachings of Jesus, but who rarely attend church services. These people have their children baptised and do their best to bring them up in the Christian faith. They would never dream of not coming into church for life’s significant events such as weddings and funerals. Some of them enjoy church services on the occasions when they do attend, such as Christmas, Easter and Harvest, but they lead busy lives and other things take a higher priority than regular church attendance. There are some who intend to come more often, but never quite get around to it. Some feel closer to God outside, and a response to God is awakened in them when they are enjoying the wonders of nature. That’s understandable because, after all, the natural world is God’s creation. Buildings – even church buildings constructed to the glory of God and made holy by the prayers of countless generations – are still buildings made by human beings.
However, church buildings were put there because believers need a place to meet. Yes, we can pray and praise God anywhere, any time. I have had as many meaningful encounters with God outside the church walls as within. Even so, I believe that there is something about collective worship and prayer that adds up to more than the sum total of all our personal devotions. Private prayers and corporate worship complement each other. We need time and space to be alone with God, and time to be together. It’s about belonging. Through baptism, we are brought into the family of the Church. Families that function best are those which meet together and keep in contact. Within a family we learn the meaning of love and we offer and receive support as we journey together through life. The Church family needs to meet to grow together in the knowledge and love of God, and to offer mutual support, as well as to pray for the world in all its need, and to reach out in loving service to the community. God doesn’t intend us to go it alone, and there is so much that we can do better together.
We hear about declining church attendances, and some of our rural congregations are very small. A few committed people work hard to keep our small village churches open. If other parishioners want their church to be there for their weddings, baptisms and funerals, and to remain as a focus for the Christian faith in their village, I would urge them to re-think their priorities before it is too late. However, if someone reading this decides to resume, or to begin, church attendance, I pray that this will not be a mere duty, but that you will find it a joy and that God will bless you .
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
August 2010 - Vol. 32. No. 8
The Rector writes:
Dear Friends
Someone who was invited to attend a Baby Naming Ceremony and to be a “Guidemother” told me she would far rather have stood as Godmother to the child. She expressed disappointment that there wasn‘t to be a “proper Christening”. We had an interesting conversation about the purpose of a Baby Naming Ceremony, which is offered by the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths. Presumably such ceremonies are one way for people with no religious beliefs to celebrate the birth or adoption of a child.
I knew little about these ceremonies until I looked on Nottinghamshire County Council’s website. I discovered that each ceremony can be tailored individually so that it is personal to the family and their child. There is a scale of charges, depending on which day of the week is chosen, and whether the ceremony is held in a Register Office or another venue. A Baby Naming ceremony has no legal status. One thing that surprises me is that the ceremony may include a religious reading if desired. I would expect most people who believe in God to wish for one of the ceremonies their faith community offers at significant moments in their lives, such as marriage, bereavement, birth or adoption. I receive about twenty or so requests each year for a Christening, this being the popular name for the rite that the Church calls “Baptism”. Within the Christian Church, some traditions routinely offer a Dedication Service, withholding baptism until the child is old enough to make his or her own decision to follow Jesus Christ.
The Church of England is one of several denominations that practises infant baptism. The baptism service includes promises to bring up a child in the Christian faith. An ongoing relationship with the Church is an important part of that. The role of Godparents is to encourage the child in following Jesus. For parents who feel unable to make the commitment asked for at baptism, and for those who prefer to wait until their child can make his or her own decision, there is an alternative. This is a Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child. It is a meaningful service in which the parents make promises to care for their child. Prayers are offered, and the child receives a blessing. The service may also be offered to parents who have adopted a child. There is no charge for Baptism or Thanksgiving services. We simply put out a collection plate and invite people to make a donation, as they feel able.
To find our more, please ask for our leaflet “The Gift of a Child”. I happy to discuss the options with parents or those about to become parents.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
Dear Friends
Someone who was invited to attend a Baby Naming Ceremony and to be a “Guidemother” told me she would far rather have stood as Godmother to the child. She expressed disappointment that there wasn‘t to be a “proper Christening”. We had an interesting conversation about the purpose of a Baby Naming Ceremony, which is offered by the Registrar of Births, Marriages and Deaths. Presumably such ceremonies are one way for people with no religious beliefs to celebrate the birth or adoption of a child.
I knew little about these ceremonies until I looked on Nottinghamshire County Council’s website. I discovered that each ceremony can be tailored individually so that it is personal to the family and their child. There is a scale of charges, depending on which day of the week is chosen, and whether the ceremony is held in a Register Office or another venue. A Baby Naming ceremony has no legal status. One thing that surprises me is that the ceremony may include a religious reading if desired. I would expect most people who believe in God to wish for one of the ceremonies their faith community offers at significant moments in their lives, such as marriage, bereavement, birth or adoption. I receive about twenty or so requests each year for a Christening, this being the popular name for the rite that the Church calls “Baptism”. Within the Christian Church, some traditions routinely offer a Dedication Service, withholding baptism until the child is old enough to make his or her own decision to follow Jesus Christ.
The Church of England is one of several denominations that practises infant baptism. The baptism service includes promises to bring up a child in the Christian faith. An ongoing relationship with the Church is an important part of that. The role of Godparents is to encourage the child in following Jesus. For parents who feel unable to make the commitment asked for at baptism, and for those who prefer to wait until their child can make his or her own decision, there is an alternative. This is a Service of Thanksgiving for the Gift of a Child. It is a meaningful service in which the parents make promises to care for their child. Prayers are offered, and the child receives a blessing. The service may also be offered to parents who have adopted a child. There is no charge for Baptism or Thanksgiving services. We simply put out a collection plate and invite people to make a donation, as they feel able.
To find our more, please ask for our leaflet “The Gift of a Child”. I happy to discuss the options with parents or those about to become parents.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington
Monday, 28 June 2010
July 2010 - Vol. 32, No. 7
Dear Friends
There's nothing like sunshine for showing up the smears on the windows and the cobwebs in the corners. Bright, sunny weather also brings encouragement to venture out of doors, whether for recreation, to tackle the gardening, or to catch up on some outside jobs. During a recent sunny spell I decided the time had come to clean my car. I washed the outside, but still haven't got around to sweeping out the interior. Our lives can be a bit like that - outwardly everything looks fine, but do our innermost thoughts bear close scrutiny? Whatever our lives look like on the outside, some of us may be eaten up with worries and cares, or we could be harbouring a grudge or nursing hurt feelings.
When a man with a gun ran amok in West Cumbria, Ron commented that for him, a 'Cumbrian lad', this felt a bit close to home. A lot of people enjoy holidays in the Lake District. The perception of many of us is that gun crime is rife in our big towns and cities, but it's not what we would expect in Whitehaven and the nearby places where people were shot and killed. The truth is that violence can erupt anywhere. As our hearts go out to those affected by this tragedy, theories are being put forward about what caused an apparently respectable man suddenly to go around shooting people.
Christians believe that human beings are made in the image of God, with a capacity for goodness, kindness and love. We also believe that the divine image in us is marred by sin. there's a flaw in all of us and in certain destructive behaviour. Thankfully, for most of us, that won't involve killing and wounding with weapons, but we may cause hurt by our words and our attitudes.
Jesus said that from the heart all kinds of wickedness come. Bad thoughts can lead to cruel words and evil deeds. At the start of the Holy Communion service we often use a prayer asking God to cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We have recently celebrated the Spirit's coming at Pentecost as a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire. Wind can blow the dust from the corners; fire cleanses and refines. We need the Holy Spirit in all our hearts to cleanse and purity, and to fill our minds with those good thoughts that lead us to speak and act kindly. When we learn to live as the spirit of God directs, our words and deeds will never be destructive, for we shall be motivated to help and encourage and to live creatively and constructively in the world.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington.
There's nothing like sunshine for showing up the smears on the windows and the cobwebs in the corners. Bright, sunny weather also brings encouragement to venture out of doors, whether for recreation, to tackle the gardening, or to catch up on some outside jobs. During a recent sunny spell I decided the time had come to clean my car. I washed the outside, but still haven't got around to sweeping out the interior. Our lives can be a bit like that - outwardly everything looks fine, but do our innermost thoughts bear close scrutiny? Whatever our lives look like on the outside, some of us may be eaten up with worries and cares, or we could be harbouring a grudge or nursing hurt feelings.
When a man with a gun ran amok in West Cumbria, Ron commented that for him, a 'Cumbrian lad', this felt a bit close to home. A lot of people enjoy holidays in the Lake District. The perception of many of us is that gun crime is rife in our big towns and cities, but it's not what we would expect in Whitehaven and the nearby places where people were shot and killed. The truth is that violence can erupt anywhere. As our hearts go out to those affected by this tragedy, theories are being put forward about what caused an apparently respectable man suddenly to go around shooting people.
Christians believe that human beings are made in the image of God, with a capacity for goodness, kindness and love. We also believe that the divine image in us is marred by sin. there's a flaw in all of us and in certain destructive behaviour. Thankfully, for most of us, that won't involve killing and wounding with weapons, but we may cause hurt by our words and our attitudes.
Jesus said that from the heart all kinds of wickedness come. Bad thoughts can lead to cruel words and evil deeds. At the start of the Holy Communion service we often use a prayer asking God to cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We have recently celebrated the Spirit's coming at Pentecost as a mighty rushing wind and tongues of fire. Wind can blow the dust from the corners; fire cleanses and refines. We need the Holy Spirit in all our hearts to cleanse and purity, and to fill our minds with those good thoughts that lead us to speak and act kindly. When we learn to live as the spirit of God directs, our words and deeds will never be destructive, for we shall be motivated to help and encourage and to live creatively and constructively in the world.
With my love and prayers
Glynis Hetherington.
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
June 2010 - Vol. 32 No. 6
The Revered Steve Osman writes:
Dear Friends
"And now, the time is near, and so I face the final curtain..."
Sadly, this will be my last letter for the Messenger, Parish Lines and Compass (though if you ask me nicely I may send you an update from my new patch!)
So what can I say on this auspicious occasion? Simple. Goodbye. Adieu. Adios.
No, I'm not showing off with my grasp of European languages, I'm simply saying the same thing three times. If you know your French and Spanish, you'll know that all three words carry the same message.
Rectors Goodbye = God be with ye; Adieu and adios = to God. In other words, all I'm doing is commending you into God's care. There's no better way to say farewell than to commit those you care about into God's hands. Leaving here is going to be very hard. After ten years we feel we have got to know folk well and over ten years we've been through a lot together. But this isn't the end of the story. We face new challenges, so do you. Personal life and church life will continue to change and develop for you and for us. In the adventures that lie ahead there is no better or safer place to be than being held securely in God's hands.
I'm aware that those of you reading this may fall into at least two categories. There will be some who have a strong Christian faith. I say to you, as I did to the youth groups at Lydia's farewell - keep the faith. Stay centred on Christ. Keep going with the regular disciplines of prayer and Bible reading. Look forward to new encounters with Jesus.
The other group are those of you who read this through curiosity, whose faith is barely formed or uncertain. To you I say, give church a try. If you want to find out more about faith, more about the God who has revealed himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, more about this adventure we call following Jesus, try looking in your local church. You'll find ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Going back to Ol' Blue eyes' song quoted at the beginning, I hope I haven't done it my way, but God's way. I commend you all to following God's way, there's no better way to live. And there's no better place to be than safe in God's hands.
Goodbye! Or, for Christians, not just adieu, but au revoir. (Look it up!)
Dear Friends
"And now, the time is near, and so I face the final curtain..."
Sadly, this will be my last letter for the Messenger, Parish Lines and Compass (though if you ask me nicely I may send you an update from my new patch!)
So what can I say on this auspicious occasion? Simple. Goodbye. Adieu. Adios.
No, I'm not showing off with my grasp of European languages, I'm simply saying the same thing three times. If you know your French and Spanish, you'll know that all three words carry the same message.
Rectors Goodbye = God be with ye; Adieu and adios = to God. In other words, all I'm doing is commending you into God's care. There's no better way to say farewell than to commit those you care about into God's hands. Leaving here is going to be very hard. After ten years we feel we have got to know folk well and over ten years we've been through a lot together. But this isn't the end of the story. We face new challenges, so do you. Personal life and church life will continue to change and develop for you and for us. In the adventures that lie ahead there is no better or safer place to be than being held securely in God's hands.
I'm aware that those of you reading this may fall into at least two categories. There will be some who have a strong Christian faith. I say to you, as I did to the youth groups at Lydia's farewell - keep the faith. Stay centred on Christ. Keep going with the regular disciplines of prayer and Bible reading. Look forward to new encounters with Jesus.
The other group are those of you who read this through curiosity, whose faith is barely formed or uncertain. To you I say, give church a try. If you want to find out more about faith, more about the God who has revealed himself as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, more about this adventure we call following Jesus, try looking in your local church. You'll find ordinary people with extraordinary stories.
Going back to Ol' Blue eyes' song quoted at the beginning, I hope I haven't done it my way, but God's way. I commend you all to following God's way, there's no better way to live. And there's no better place to be than safe in God's hands.
Goodbye! Or, for Christians, not just adieu, but au revoir. (Look it up!)
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
May 2010 - Vol. 32 No. 5
Dear Friends,
As I write for this month's magazine it is Easter Day and a wonderful day of celebration.
We are reminded of the new life that Christ offers us all here and now and in eternity. A wonderful free gift that is offered to us all. As the month of May continues we will celebrate the Ascension of Christ on Ascension Day May 13th and then Pentecost on Sunday May 23rd. It used to be and still is called Whit Sunday by some.
All these three events help us in our daily lives and living. Life can often be a serious of ups and downs, uncertainties, changing circumstances, wonderful vistas or dark valleys.
The Easter story, the Ascension and finally Pentecost tell us of a Lord who died, rose again, ascended and then sent His Spirit to a world which so desperately and clearly needed reconciliation, hope, healing and justice.
We look around us today and see so much devastation in the world from a variety of sources. We see lives hurt or damaged by events. We also see a world of inequality, injustice and selfishness. The haves and have nots.
The arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost tells us of a God who does not discriminate, give to some and not others Rather He gives his Spirit, presence, peace and love quite generously and liberally to those who will receive Him. Those early, scared and isolated disciples, suddenly encountered the Ascended Lord through His Spirit in a quite marvellous way. A way which made them excited, free and full of courage and hope about life. They received a new power and strength. That power is available to us today too. The Holy Spirit is waiting for a moment to empower you and your life afresh and give you the experience of those early disciples. Gifts and fruits of many kinds await in God's kingdom and are generously given to his people.
Take a moment. Be Still. Listen. Pray. Be surprised by the Lord who is waiting around the corners of your life to show you how important and loved you are.
Over the next few months there will be many changes in our parish relationships as Steve Osman leaves us and we await and pray for his replacement.
Let us be mindful that the Holy Spirit will be with us in this time to guide, lead and give wisdom and insight as is needed. We never work alone in God's vineyard.
Seek out any opportunities to hear the Lord speaking to you and calling you into a closer and deeper walk with Him.
Have a blessed Pentecost.
Revd. Glenn Martin.
As I write for this month's magazine it is Easter Day and a wonderful day of celebration.
We are reminded of the new life that Christ offers us all here and now and in eternity. A wonderful free gift that is offered to us all. As the month of May continues we will celebrate the Ascension of Christ on Ascension Day May 13th and then Pentecost on Sunday May 23rd. It used to be and still is called Whit Sunday by some.
All these three events help us in our daily lives and living. Life can often be a serious of ups and downs, uncertainties, changing circumstances, wonderful vistas or dark valleys.
The Easter story, the Ascension and finally Pentecost tell us of a Lord who died, rose again, ascended and then sent His Spirit to a world which so desperately and clearly needed reconciliation, hope, healing and justice.
We look around us today and see so much devastation in the world from a variety of sources. We see lives hurt or damaged by events. We also see a world of inequality, injustice and selfishness. The haves and have nots.
The arrival of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost tells us of a God who does not discriminate, give to some and not others Rather He gives his Spirit, presence, peace and love quite generously and liberally to those who will receive Him. Those early, scared and isolated disciples, suddenly encountered the Ascended Lord through His Spirit in a quite marvellous way. A way which made them excited, free and full of courage and hope about life. They received a new power and strength. That power is available to us today too. The Holy Spirit is waiting for a moment to empower you and your life afresh and give you the experience of those early disciples. Gifts and fruits of many kinds await in God's kingdom and are generously given to his people.
Take a moment. Be Still. Listen. Pray. Be surprised by the Lord who is waiting around the corners of your life to show you how important and loved you are.
Over the next few months there will be many changes in our parish relationships as Steve Osman leaves us and we await and pray for his replacement.
Let us be mindful that the Holy Spirit will be with us in this time to guide, lead and give wisdom and insight as is needed. We never work alone in God's vineyard.
Seek out any opportunities to hear the Lord speaking to you and calling you into a closer and deeper walk with Him.
Have a blessed Pentecost.
Revd. Glenn Martin.
Thursday, 1 April 2010
APRIL 2010 - Vol 32 No. 4
The Reverend Steve Osman writes:
Dear Friends,
A few months ago I had to put my car in for repair. The only courtesy car I was offered was a brand new BMW X5 - I was slightly embarrassed to be driving it. Less than an hour after I got home someone in the village phoned me about something and commented, "I see you've got a new car." The grapevine in these villages is very efficient!
So I guess by now you will have heard that I am moving on from my present post, moving back to the N.E.
I just want to use this opportunity to say that we are very sorry indeed to be moving, but still feel it is right. I have spent ten very happy years in Gotham and slightly less than that looking after my other four churches. There have also been some excellent examples of collaboration across all twelve villages. I can't remember any seriously bad times; sad times yes, with the death of parishioners, but overall this has been a wonderful ten years. I have grown to love this part of the world and will always be proud to have served in these communities.
My new post is a challenge. Three churches formed into one parish with some resistance to that idea. Church life is a struggle in depressed ex-mining communities. My view is that there is no such thing as a problem, only an opportunity for challenge. On the plus side we will be much nearer family including elderly parents. The parish is next door to where I grew up. I have had to work hard at trying to tell the difference between God's call and the call of home. Accepting the fact that I'll be just fifteen miunutes from the Stadium of Light, I'm as convinced as I can be that this is what God wants.
For all of us who call ourselves Christian, this notion of God's guidance is always a challenge. As young people, what does my faith say about my career choice, my choice of life partner? As we get older, what does my faith say about how I spend my time or my money? From my experience it is rare to get clear and obvious answers when we ask God about all this. What is important is that we ask him. Too many Christians simply get on with their lives and give God just a passing nod.
This Easter time we can reflect on how Jesus followed his Father's will in order to give us hope and new life. That wasn't easy for him. Perhaps appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice will help us to give God more of our lives.
Steve Osman.
Dear Friends,
A few months ago I had to put my car in for repair. The only courtesy car I was offered was a brand new BMW X5 - I was slightly embarrassed to be driving it. Less than an hour after I got home someone in the village phoned me about something and commented, "I see you've got a new car." The grapevine in these villages is very efficient!
So I guess by now you will have heard that I am moving on from my present post, moving back to the N.E.
I just want to use this opportunity to say that we are very sorry indeed to be moving, but still feel it is right. I have spent ten very happy years in Gotham and slightly less than that looking after my other four churches. There have also been some excellent examples of collaboration across all twelve villages. I can't remember any seriously bad times; sad times yes, with the death of parishioners, but overall this has been a wonderful ten years. I have grown to love this part of the world and will always be proud to have served in these communities.
My new post is a challenge. Three churches formed into one parish with some resistance to that idea. Church life is a struggle in depressed ex-mining communities. My view is that there is no such thing as a problem, only an opportunity for challenge. On the plus side we will be much nearer family including elderly parents. The parish is next door to where I grew up. I have had to work hard at trying to tell the difference between God's call and the call of home. Accepting the fact that I'll be just fifteen miunutes from the Stadium of Light, I'm as convinced as I can be that this is what God wants.
For all of us who call ourselves Christian, this notion of God's guidance is always a challenge. As young people, what does my faith say about my career choice, my choice of life partner? As we get older, what does my faith say about how I spend my time or my money? From my experience it is rare to get clear and obvious answers when we ask God about all this. What is important is that we ask him. Too many Christians simply get on with their lives and give God just a passing nod.
This Easter time we can reflect on how Jesus followed his Father's will in order to give us hope and new life. That wasn't easy for him. Perhaps appreciation of Jesus' sacrifice will help us to give God more of our lives.
Steve Osman.
Saturday, 27 February 2010
March 2010 - Vol. 32 No. 3
Dear Friends,
If you attended the Cluster party and pantomime you may remember that Jack had to carry out a risk assessment and don a safety helmet before he climbed the beanstalk. It makes sense to try and avoid unnecessary risks. No-one wants to spend time in A & E if they can possibly help it. Even so, some of us have been heard to reminisce about the 'good old days' when we climbed trees, hurtled down hills on our bikes, careered down snow covered slopes on sledges and had a good many falls and tumbles in the process. It was a natural part of what we remember as a fairly carefree childhood. Most of us survived, or we wouldn't be here to tell the tale. If we'd had to wear cycle helmets in those far off days, I might have avoided four stitches in my forehead when I was about eight years old! Safeguarding against accidents must be good, yet we cannot eliminate all risks and dangers as we go through life.
At Christmas someone mentioned the risk God took in entering our world as a helpless infant. Now we have reached the time of year when the focus is on the adult Jesus. During Lent we remember how, after his baptism, Jesus spent time in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. Jesus overcame temptation through fasting, prayer and calling to mind words of Scripture. When he embarked on his public ministry he began to preach and teach about the Kingdom of God, and to demonstrate what that Kingdom is like through signs and wonders, not least the healing miracles which show that God wants each one of us to be whole.
Jesus came as the Light of the World, exposing the darkness in the world and those areas of darkness in the human heart. He had enemies as well as friends. Not everyone could bear to let that bright light shine into the darkness inside them. It's not comfortable to stand beneath the all-seeing gaze of God and, unless you are prepared to allow the Holy Spirit to eradicate the darkness in you and to change and transform your life and make you more like Jesus, you are sure to feel threatened. Added to that, is the desire of many leaders, religious and secular, to cling to positions of power. So they were bound to feel threatened by the superior power clearly demonstrated by Jesus.
If God had done a risk assessment before entering this world in the person of Jesus, the whole venture would probably have been called off. In his humanness, Jesus struggled as anyone would to face up to the suffering and death towards which events were moving. On the night before he died he prayed in great anguish that the cup of suffering might pass from him. Yet he was able to win through to a place where he could say to God the Father, 'Not my will but yours be done'. Because Jesus was willing to take the risk, even though it cost him his life, we can stand on the far side of the cross and give thanks for all that Jesus endured for us. We also know that this was not the end of the story.
During Lent we prepare to remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate his resurrection from the dead. Whether our journey through this life involves little risk and leaves us relatively unscathed, or whether we live a life of high adventure and have many mishaps along the way, all of us must one day pass from this life.
Revd Glynis Hetherington
If you attended the Cluster party and pantomime you may remember that Jack had to carry out a risk assessment and don a safety helmet before he climbed the beanstalk. It makes sense to try and avoid unnecessary risks. No-one wants to spend time in A & E if they can possibly help it. Even so, some of us have been heard to reminisce about the 'good old days' when we climbed trees, hurtled down hills on our bikes, careered down snow covered slopes on sledges and had a good many falls and tumbles in the process. It was a natural part of what we remember as a fairly carefree childhood. Most of us survived, or we wouldn't be here to tell the tale. If we'd had to wear cycle helmets in those far off days, I might have avoided four stitches in my forehead when I was about eight years old! Safeguarding against accidents must be good, yet we cannot eliminate all risks and dangers as we go through life.
At Christmas someone mentioned the risk God took in entering our world as a helpless infant. Now we have reached the time of year when the focus is on the adult Jesus. During Lent we remember how, after his baptism, Jesus spent time in the wilderness being tempted by the devil. Jesus overcame temptation through fasting, prayer and calling to mind words of Scripture. When he embarked on his public ministry he began to preach and teach about the Kingdom of God, and to demonstrate what that Kingdom is like through signs and wonders, not least the healing miracles which show that God wants each one of us to be whole.
Jesus came as the Light of the World, exposing the darkness in the world and those areas of darkness in the human heart. He had enemies as well as friends. Not everyone could bear to let that bright light shine into the darkness inside them. It's not comfortable to stand beneath the all-seeing gaze of God and, unless you are prepared to allow the Holy Spirit to eradicate the darkness in you and to change and transform your life and make you more like Jesus, you are sure to feel threatened. Added to that, is the desire of many leaders, religious and secular, to cling to positions of power. So they were bound to feel threatened by the superior power clearly demonstrated by Jesus.
If God had done a risk assessment before entering this world in the person of Jesus, the whole venture would probably have been called off. In his humanness, Jesus struggled as anyone would to face up to the suffering and death towards which events were moving. On the night before he died he prayed in great anguish that the cup of suffering might pass from him. Yet he was able to win through to a place where he could say to God the Father, 'Not my will but yours be done'. Because Jesus was willing to take the risk, even though it cost him his life, we can stand on the far side of the cross and give thanks for all that Jesus endured for us. We also know that this was not the end of the story.
During Lent we prepare to remember the suffering and death of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate his resurrection from the dead. Whether our journey through this life involves little risk and leaves us relatively unscathed, or whether we live a life of high adventure and have many mishaps along the way, all of us must one day pass from this life.
Revd Glynis Hetherington
Friday, 15 January 2010
February 2010 - Vol. 32 No. 2
THE REVEREND STEVE OSMAN WRITES:
Dear Friends
These days image is everything. Millions of pounds are spent in the fashion industry; thousands of pounds are spent trying to lose a few pounds. For teenagers, looking cool is the most important part of social life. In this lead up to a general election, our politicians will have a small army dedicated to influencing how our leaders appear.
It has to be said, the church has an image problem. This month sees the beginning of Lent when the popular image is about giving things up, being miserable because you can’t have your chocolate fix. Many people think that’s all that Christianity is about. All they remember is, “thou shalt not…!”
In my 5 parishes we are looking for a logo to represent what we are about. The reality is – image speaks.
What troubles me most about all this is when folk have a misguided image of Jesus. It’s been well said that when someone rejects Christianity, they are rejecting a misunderstanding of Christianity. So Jesus is depicted as an irrelevance, a killjoy, someone who said interesting things but doesn’t have much to do with real life. If that were true I would reject Christianity also – and my job along with it!
Read the gospels more closely and you discover a Jesus who was the life and soul of the party, who liked nothing more than eating out with friends and acquaintances, who enjoyed a good joke (remember the camel through the eye of a needle?) and who was an expert storyteller. Why were crowds drawn to him like a magnet?
Lent is, of course, a preparation for Easter. This same Jesus who told good stories also showed us how much he loved us by choosing to die for us. That’s where the Jesus image becomes much more challenging. If he was willing to do that for me, how should I respond? It’s now becoming costly, so far better to keep to my prejudices and misconceptions.
Can I simply ask that you spend Lent learning more about the real Jesus? Read through Mark’s gospel (and the other 3 if you’ve time) and ask yourself just two questions – who was this Jesus and why did he come?
If you do that seriously, my guess is you’ll find your self-image and the way you look at the world utterly transformed. You’ll discover you really are made in God’s image and that’s life changing.
Steve Osman
Dear Friends
These days image is everything. Millions of pounds are spent in the fashion industry; thousands of pounds are spent trying to lose a few pounds. For teenagers, looking cool is the most important part of social life. In this lead up to a general election, our politicians will have a small army dedicated to influencing how our leaders appear.
It has to be said, the church has an image problem. This month sees the beginning of Lent when the popular image is about giving things up, being miserable because you can’t have your chocolate fix. Many people think that’s all that Christianity is about. All they remember is, “thou shalt not…!”
In my 5 parishes we are looking for a logo to represent what we are about. The reality is – image speaks.
What troubles me most about all this is when folk have a misguided image of Jesus. It’s been well said that when someone rejects Christianity, they are rejecting a misunderstanding of Christianity. So Jesus is depicted as an irrelevance, a killjoy, someone who said interesting things but doesn’t have much to do with real life. If that were true I would reject Christianity also – and my job along with it!
Read the gospels more closely and you discover a Jesus who was the life and soul of the party, who liked nothing more than eating out with friends and acquaintances, who enjoyed a good joke (remember the camel through the eye of a needle?) and who was an expert storyteller. Why were crowds drawn to him like a magnet?
Lent is, of course, a preparation for Easter. This same Jesus who told good stories also showed us how much he loved us by choosing to die for us. That’s where the Jesus image becomes much more challenging. If he was willing to do that for me, how should I respond? It’s now becoming costly, so far better to keep to my prejudices and misconceptions.
Can I simply ask that you spend Lent learning more about the real Jesus? Read through Mark’s gospel (and the other 3 if you’ve time) and ask yourself just two questions – who was this Jesus and why did he come?
If you do that seriously, my guess is you’ll find your self-image and the way you look at the world utterly transformed. You’ll discover you really are made in God’s image and that’s life changing.
Steve Osman
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