December 2012 Vol. 34. No. 12

Dear Friends

At this time of year lots of people attend carol services and concerts.  Some carols are played and sung every year.  Much as I love many traditional Christmas carols, I have other favourites which are less well known.  One of these is “God’s Surprise”.  We sing it to the tune “Scarlet Ribbons”.  The birth of Jesus is a surprise for a number of reasons.  In Bible times there was the expectation that God would send the Messiah (that’s a Hebrew word meaning “anointed” – the Greek equivalent is “Christ”).  First century Palestine was occupied by the Romans, and the Jews were anticipating a leader sent from God who would deliver them from their enemies.  There were various ideas about the kind of leader this would be, but a king who would lead them into battle was what many were looking for.  So the birth of a baby to a couple far from home, who found no room at the inn and who had to take shelter among the animals was not what they were expecting.

When that baby grew up he attracted followers, but upset many of the religious leaders, with all his talk of forgiving enemies and praying for those who hate us, not to mention healing people on the Sabbath.  The Roman rulers were upset too, because they feared Jesus would lead a revolution.  Jesus came to show a different way to be great, and to save us all, not from occupying armies but from the consequences of human sinfulness.  He came to bring about a revolution all right – a revolution in people’s hearts, to turn us right around from going our own way and to turn us back to God.  Some understood his message, but many missed the point – just as many failed to notice that God had come among human beings that first Christmas in the form of a tiny baby, wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.  Those who did see and believe were just a handful of shepherds who saw a vision of angels, and some wise men who followed a star.  I wonder how many people who celebrate Christmas this year will see the sign of God’s love in the baby in the manger, and receive him into their hearts and lives, and how many will miss the point.

To quote a couple of lines at the end of each verse of that carol, “God surprises earth with heaven, coming here on Christmas day.”  Are you ready to be surprised by God this Christmas?

With my love and prayers for a blessed and peaceful Christmas,

Glynis Hetherington

November 2012 Vol. 34 No. 11

Dear Friends

I asked some young people what they thought about when I said the name of their church.  There were some interesting responses including ‘the stained glass windows’, a favourite worship song, and ‘people going up to the altar for the bread and wine’.   The last answer led us into thinking what the Church really is – a building, what goes on in the building, or the people who use the building as a place to meet.  We went on to think about the Church as a family.  When I baptise an infant I talk to the parents about being born physically into a family, and baptism as a symbol of spiritual birth and being welcomed into the family of the Church.  Some families are close and meet often, so that warm and loving relationships grow and there is always help, support and encouragement and a deep level of commitment and sharing.  Family members are there for each other and from that secure family base each member can grow and flourish.

Other families don’t see much of each other and members drift apart.  I find that sad.  The same can happen with the Church family.  There are many who belong to the Church through baptism, yet who rarely meet with their Christian brothers and sisters for worship and prayer. The Parish Church is there to serve people in the community, whether or not they have any involvement in its life and worship, but some of our smaller congregations have concerns about how much longer they can fulfil that role. Maybe the Church of the future will be centred on the larger towns and villages. The faithful few in small villages might meet in one another’s homes, as happened in New Testament times.  Our relationships with God and each other are more important than buildings, and yet, if one day some small churches have to close, I wonder how many people will regret not sharing in the life of their Parish Church when they had the opportunity.

Staying connected to our families provides a network of friendship and support, and the same goes for the Church family.  In our individualistic society it is important to foster relationships and a sense of belonging.  Together as we grow in our relationships within the Church family we can also grow closer to God, helping one another in our quest to discover meaning and purpose for our lives.  For Christians, Jesus shows us what God is like, and demonstrates in his own life and teaching, and in his sacrificial death, God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. As children of the same heavenly Father it is important that we stay connected to each other.  Those who are already committed to meeting regularly would be delighted to welcome newcomers, or to welcome back members we haven’t seen for a while.

 

With my love and prayers

Glynis Hetherington

October 2012, Vol. 34 No. 10

Dear Friends

This summer there has been a lot of excitement over the Olympics, and more recently the Paralympics.  Those people I have spoken with who have attended these events have spoken of very efficient organisation, and of how friendly and good-natured everyone has been from members of the public to the officials and Police officers on duty.  How refreshing it is to have reports of events where vast crowds have gathered to share in something good.  We see so many ugly crowd scenes these days, and even occasions that start peacefully can too easily erupt into violence.  At the Games we have seen that it is possible for vast numbers of people to share together in a spirit of peace and friendship.

 Another aspect of the Games that has touched me was hearing athletes speak about their dedication and commitment to improving on their own personal best, and to achieving the highest standard they can in their chosen sport.  That attitude has been an inspiration to many.  The Paralympics have been especially inspiring in view of the obstacles faced by sports men and women with disabilities and their determination to reach their fullest potential.  Their high standards of achievement and their courage are an example to us all.  So many of us who are able bodied fail to appreciate the health and strength that we have.  Sometimes, though, when we are ill or are temporarily incapacitated by some kind of injury, we can begin to imagine what it must be like for those whose lives are a constant battle with discomfort, or who struggle to find a way of performing the simple routine tasks that other people carry out with ease.

 People are talking now about the legacy of the Olympics and Paralympics.  It is to be hoped that we can utilise the lessons learned about good organisation of events, and that we can harness the goodwill that has been generated.  Some have spoken of their hope that today’s children and young people will be inspired by these Games to strive to achieve the best they can in their own chosen sports. Among the athletes and sports people are some good role models, and young people need good role models.  Even those who are not particularly athletic or ‘sporty’ can perhaps be spurred on to practise whatever gifts and skills they have in other areas and to develop their own talents to the best of their ability.  Each one of us is a unique child of God with the potential to grow and become the person God created us to be.  May we all be inspired by the Olympics and Paralympics to develop our God given abilities and talents, not only for our own personal fulfilment, but also for the benefit of others.

 With my love and prayers

 Glynis Hetherington

September 2012 Vol. 34. No. 9

Dear Friends

I am writing this on return from a week at Horton on the Gower Peninsula – an area where I have enjoyed many holidays from childhood.  Over the years, firstly with my parents, and later with Ron and our sons, I have walked many stretches of the coastal paths and visited just about all the beaches. This year Ron and I set off on a walk we’ve done many times before, down through the Bishopston Valley to a bay called Pwll Du (which is Welsh for Black Pool).  It’s a few years since we last undertook this walk and when we came to a choice of paths through the woods we couldn’t remember which route we usually take. We made the wrong choice, and  found ourselves in the middle of the wood, tramping along an overgrown path, on the opposite side of the stream to where we wanted to be. 

We battled through brambles and nettles, scrambling under and over fallen tree trunks and squelching through deep mud in places, and eventually emerged, scratched, stung and muddy, on to a familiar track, leading to a most idyllic scene at the back of the bay.  Cattle were grazing near a ford in the stream, the sun was shining and the view was breathtaking.  We spied a bench, made of yew, and it seemed to beckon!  Time for a rest and a drink, we decided.  I don’t know how long that bench has been in place, but I don’t remember seeing it before.  We were surprised and delighted to see two inscriptions.  One, along the front edge, reads, “All this beauty is of God”, while carved into a corner on the seat are the words, “I will give you rest”.  It was a moment to thank God for the scene before us, the sunny day, and for emerging safely from our long trek through the woods.  It was also a reminder to give thanks for the rest that comes with a holiday. 

There are many kinds of rest, from the blessedness of sleep at the end of a  tiring day, or relaxation after exercise, to the rest that comes with the cessation of pain after illness, or recovery from injury, or the peace of mind that comes when a difficult situation is resolved.  For people going through troubles of various kinds it can be hard to find the rest we crave.  “I will give you rest” is a promise given by Jesus recorded in the Gospel according to Matthew, Chapter 11 verse 28.  Some of you will be familiar with this promise from the Comfortable Words which are included in the Prayer Book service of Holy Communion, and which may be used in the newer services.  Jesus invites those who carry heavy burdens to come to him so that, however difficult our journey through life may be, and whatever obstacles we face, we can find spiritual rest and peace in his presence.

With my love and prayers

Glynis Hetherington

August 2012 Vol. 34, No. 8

Dear Friends

“You don’t have to go to church to be a Christian.”  That’s been said many times, and there’s some truth in it because being a Christian is not first and foremost about going to church, and sometimes people who are not Christians like to come along to church services – all are welcome. Some people say that Christians are people who try to live honest lives, doing good and not hurting others.  Certainly Christians ought to live like that, but so should everybody else! There are people of other faiths and people with no religious beliefs who have high standards of honesty and integrity and who do good to others. There has to be something else that defines a Christian. A Christian is someone who believes in Jesus Christ. So is this just about believing that he lived and did wonderful things 2000 years ago? That’s part of it, but there is more.  Christians believe that the whole nature of God is revealed in Jesus, and that through Jesus we can have a personal relationship with God.  We can receive assurance that God loves us, accepts us and forgives our sins.

In the Gospels we read of Jesus calling people to follow him and he still calls people today.  The fishermen left their nets to follow Jesus and we are called to leave behind anything that gets in the way of our relationship with God in order to begin a new life with Jesus. A Christian is someone who has responded to that call, and who has accepted Jesus as their Saviour and Lord.  That doesn’t mean that Christians are better than other people and we are certainly not perfect!  It does mean that we are in the process of becoming the people God intends us to be, through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit at work in us.

Christian faith is not just about believing, but is also about belonging.  For some the belonging comes first, as they are brought to church from an early age and gradually grow in their understanding and their desire to follow Jesus. Other people may come to faith in Jesus from a non-church background, then go on to make a commitment and start to get involved in church life.  We are at different stages and this is why we need one another, so that we can encourage and help one another along the path of faith and discipleship.  Attending church services is part of that. We tend to speak of going to church, but Church with a capital ‘C’ is something we belong to rather than go to.  The Church is people, not a building. We are the Church – each one of us who has decided to follow Jesus.  So let’s get away from talking about going to church and speak instead of belonging to the Church.  We belong to the Church if we belong to Jesus Christ, and we belong together.  Jesus never meant his followers to go it alone. 

With my love and prayers

Glynis Hetherington

July 2012, Vol. 34 No. 7

Dear Friends

I hope you enjoyed the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.  Soon the focus of our attention will be the Olympic Games.   For those who have obtained tickets, I guess it will be great to share in the atmosphere of a live event; others will find it hard to prise themselves away from their television screens.  The sheer variety of events means that, whether or not we participate in sports or watch them regularly, there should be something to interest most people.  Even the least “sporty” among us can get caught up in the excitement as results are announced, and all can share in feelings of national pride when medals are awarded to our own Olympic teams.

Sometimes people say things like, “I wish I could run (or jump, or swim, etc.) like that”.  The same kind of comments are sometimes made by people watching a great actor, or listening to a brilliant musical recital, or seeing a gifted artist at work. For those who feel that their attainment levels have never reached more than average, there may be just a twinge of envy.  It can all look so effortless to us, but just think of all the hours of practice that are required to reach a high level of achievement (let alone Olympic standard). 

We can’t all be Olympic athletes or great performers, but each one of us has our own unique gifts.  Each year the Mothers’ Union has a theme. This year it is “Your Gift?  Discover and Celebrate”.  Christians believe that God gives different gifts to each one of us; it would not do if we were all alike.  St. Paul compares the Church to a body with many parts.  He says the Holy Spirit gives different gifts to members of the Church, so that each may contribute to the whole.  These gifts are not meant to be kept to ourselves, but shared so that all may work together, supporting and encouraging each other, as we try to do Christ’s work in the Church and in the world.   Like athletes, musicians, artists and actors, we need to practise, and to exercise our gifts from God so as to make the best use of them. However, it’s important to remember that, whether we are very talented, potential gold medallists, or nowhere near the same league, we are precious children of God, whose love for us is constant, irrespective of our achievements.

So as we enjoy the Olympic Games, could we also take a moment to think about and give thanks for our own unique gifts, and to encourage someone else whose gifts may be different from ours?  Discover, and celebrate your gifts, and think about how you can practise them and use them.

With my love and prayers

Glynis Hetherington

June 2012, Vol. 34, No. 6

Dear Friends

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is our second longest serving monarch after Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years.  In this year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee many celebrations are taking place, especially this month.  The Coronation was on 2^nd June 1953, well over a year after the accession to the throne. Those of you who are around my age or older probably have memories of the Coronation. I recall a street party, with games, stalls, and a children’s tea, and I remember taking part in a fancy dress parade.  Like most children I received a coronation mug!  As time goes by, although we forget some things, certain occasions remain vivid in our memories. Even so, we may not remember the exact date of an event unless we can link it to something significant in our own lives.  The death of the Queen’s father, King George VI, happened on 6^th February 1952 and I find that date easy to remember because my brother was born the next day. 

The authors of the books of the Bible didn’t record actual dates, but sometimes they “placed” an event by relating it to something else.  For instance, Isaiah says that he had a vision of the Lord “in the year that King Uzziah died” (Isaiah 6:1). In the Old Testament some kings are described as having turned away from the Lord and are remembered as bad kings; others are held up as examples of good kingship.  It’s all very black and white, yet human nature is more complex than that.  David is remembered as a great king, yet he did some bad things in his time. However, David sought forgiveness, and by God’s grace he was able to put past sins behind him and go on to fulfil his calling from God.  All of us, kings, queens and ordinary citizens, stand in need of God’s forgiveness and this is freely given through Jesus Christ, our King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  We also need God’s strength for the tasks to which he calls us.

In her Christmas message in 1952 Queen Elizabeth II asked people to pray that God would give her wisdom and strength to carry out the promises that she would be making. In a radio broadcast on the evening of the Coronation the Queen referred to that and went on to say, "Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.” Many people believe that the Queen has fulfilled that pledge, and we are invited to express our appreciation of her 60 years of service to our Church and country, by signing the “Big Jubilee Thank you”. There will be an opportunity to do this in our parish churches during June. All letters will be combined and delivered to Her Majesty later in the year.

With my love and prayers

Glynis Hetherington

May 2012, Vol. 34 No. 5.

Dear Friends

During our Easter services, we heard once again the story of Mary Magdalene weeping at the empty tomb in the early morning while it was still dark.  She became aware of someone nearby and thought at first that it was the gardener, until he called her name. Then she knew it was Jesus, risen from the dead.  He told her not to hold on to him, because he must ascend to God the Father.  The Church celebrates the Ascension on Thursday 17^th May.  On Sunday 27^th May comes Pentecost (sometimes called Whitsun) when we give thanks for the gift of the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit came in a dramatic way to the first disciples, empowering them  to go out and spread the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ.

These events happened a long time ago, but Christians believe that Jesus is with us always. Unlike the first disciples, we did not witness the crucifixion and the resurrection. In his earthly life Jesus could only be with a relatively small group of people, in a particular place and time in history.  Now, because he has ascended into heaven, he is with all who believe in him, in every time and place.  All Christians can claim the promise of the Holy Spirit to empower us to do the work to which God calls us and to spread the Good News of Jesus in our own time and place.

On Pentecost Sunday, we shall have with us The Right Reverend Paul Butler, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham.  He will be in our area as part of his Prayer Walk around West Bingham Deanery.  Please see Benefice Notes for details. There will be one service at St. Mary’s, East Leake, for the whole Benefice. The Prayer Walk, however, is not primarily an occasion to visit churches. Bishop Paul will be doing what the first disciples did – getting out and about to meet people where they are. 

Some of us meet a lot of people in the course of our lives, whether we see them in the supermarket, on the street, at the school gate, in the workplace, or when we go out socially.  Though we should not try to force our religious views on others, there are lots of opportunities to talk about Jesus. I am often surprised and humbled by the interest shown in the Christian faith by people who don’t have a lot of connection with the Church.  Some of us are concerned that Christianity is being marginalised in our increasingly secular society.  It’s up to all of us who are believers to take the opportunities that come along to share our faith with those who are interested, but more than that to live our lives in a way that demonstrates the love, joy and peace which Jesus offers to us all.

                       

With my love and prayers

Glynis Hetherington

April 2012 Vol. 34, No. 4

Dear Friends

Go into any Christian church and you are likely to see at least one cross and possibly more.  These crosses vary in materials and design.  In our parish churches all the crosses are empty.  It may seem strange to some people that our Christian symbol is something that was an instrument of death.  Jesus was crucified on the day we call Good Friday.  When Jesus had breathed his last, his body was taken down from the cross and laid in a tomb.  On the third day – the first Easter day – Jesus was raised from the dead.  He came through suffering and death to life. So the empty cross reminds us that Jesus, who was crucified, is alive.  Through the Holy Spirit, we can know the presence of Jesus with us now.  Christians try to follow his teaching and example, but there is more to being a follower of Jesus than that.  We also believe that we can know the presence of our living Lord in our lives, and through Jesus we can have a personal relationship with God the Father.  The sacrifice that Jesus made through his death on a cross was a once for all event that took place a very long time ago – yet it still has the power to bring about healing, forgiveness and the assurance of God’s love in the lives of believers today.

In some traditions it is more usual to see a crucifix or cross with the figure of Jesus depicted on it.  When I was on retreat at Loyola Hall last autumn I found myself drawn to look at the crucifix in the chapel there and was overwhelmed as this brought home to me once again all that Jesus endured for me.  We believe that on the cross Jesus bore all the wickedness and shame of the world, breaking the power of sin and death forever.  That’s a huge concept, but it will not change our individual lives until we take this amazing truth and make it our own.  Christians are those who have invited Jesus Christ into their lives as Saviour and Lord and who seek to put to death all that is wrong in their lives and to live a new life with Jesus.  This dying to sin and self and rising to new life is symbolised in the water of baptism.

We celebrate new life at Easter.  Birds, flowers, insects, lambs in the fields and other signs of new life abound at this time of year, and these may be seen as signs of God’s goodness and love and of the new life that can be ours through Jesus Christ – but most of all we will appreciate and enjoy this new life when we open our hearts to Jesus and allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by his love for each one of us. 

With my love and prayers for a joyful Easter

Glynis Hetherington

March 2012 Vol. 34 No. 3

Dear Friends  

This year of 2012 may have got off to a good start for some of you, indeed I hope that it has. Yet I know many people for whom the year has begun with sadness and loss.  For those of us involved in offering pastoral ministry, much of our time so far this year has been taken up with visiting parishioners who are seriously ill, and trying to help families through the trauma of bereavement.  Our hearts go out to all who are struggling with difficult and sad situations.  At times like this it is all too easy to feel downhearted. The cold, dark winter days may add to a feeling of gloom and despondency. Now as we enter the month of March, spring is on the way and with that season there comes a resurgence of hope. There are stirrings of new life in the world of nature and the appearance of spring flowers reminds us of the growth that has been going on, unseen, in the darkness.

We are in the season of Lent.  For some this is a time of going without something we enjoy in order to give a little more of ourselves to God in prayer, and to focus our thoughts on Jesus and all that he has done for us.  Some people do something extra during Lent, for instance reading the Bible more or reading other Christian literature.  Some attend worship and meetings that help us to think about our faith and to come closer to God. During Lent we remember that Jesus spent forty days and forty nights in the wilderness, being tempted by the devil.  At first those things the devil asked him to do seemed not unreasonable. The devil even quoted words from the Hebrew Scriptures (our Old Testament) making his claims seem plausible, at least on the surface.  The things we are tempted to do are not always obviously wrong.  Temptation can be subtle, and misuse of Scripture texts can confuse us.  Jesus was well versed in the Scriptures, understanding their proper interpretation. He wrestled with temptation and quoted Scripture in an appropriate way to defeat the devil, winning through to a place where he was strengthened in his resolve to do the will of the Father.  This took him, eventually, to the cross.  Jesus calls his followers to take up their cross and follow him.  We cannot avoid temptation or situations of sadness and loss.  Yet through all this we can discover God’s peace and the strength that the Holy Spirit gives to aid us in our struggles.

Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, when we celebrate Jesus rising from the dead.  During the testing time of Lent, and the suffering of Holy Week and Good Friday, we look forward to the new life which will break out on Easter Day.  This is the good news that brings light in our darkness and comfort in our sorrows – the gift of new life, eternal life, in Jesus’ name.

With my love and prayers

Glynis Hetherington

February 2012 Vol. 34 No. 2.

Dear Friends  

Among the saints who are commemorated by the Christian Church, some are mentioned in the New Testament, like Mary the Mother of Jesus, Joseph, John the Baptist, and the disciples of Jesus.  Many of us have heard about these people who knew Jesus in his earthly life and ministry.  Among those who came later who were made saints some are well known, like Francis of Assisi, but there are others we may not know about at all.

One saint most people have heard of is Valentine who is remembered on 14^th February, but I wonder how much you know about him.  For instance did you know that Valentine was a priest or bishop who was martyred in Rome under the Emperor Claudius?  The connection with lovers may have something to do with a pagan festival in Rome which occurred on the Ides of February.  Another view is that in mediaeval belief 14^th February was the day when birds mated!  Whatever the reason for St. Valentine’s Day, some of you will send a card or a gift to the love of your life and perhaps arrange a romantic evening out!  With love in the air, February seems a good month to invite couples who are engaged to be married to come together to find out what is involved in planning a church wedding. Please see Benefice Notes for details of a ‘get-together’ to be held in St. Mary’s Church, East Leake, on 4^th February. I shall be pleased to welcome any couples who may be thinking about getting married in church as well as those who have already booked a service in one of our five parish churches.

A wedding is a celebration of the love of the bride and bridegroom for one another and an occasion to make a public declaration of their commitment to be together for the rest of their lives.  The love shared by the couple is a gift from God, and in the church service we seek God’s blessing for the couple on their special day and in their future life together.

Christians believe that God’s love is revealed in many ways, and uniquely through Jesus Christ.  Jesus commands his followers to love one another.  Love can be expressed through giving, caring and seeking the best for others.  There are many kinds of love, including romantic love, the love of families and friends, and the love of God for each one of us. 

Whether or not you receive a card from a special person on 14^th February, remember that everyone is special to God, who loves each one of us, and who sent Jesus into the world to show that love to us.

With my love and prayers

Glynis Hetherington