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

January 2012 Vol. 34 No. 1

Dear Friends 

What does January mean to you?  It could be writing letters, texts or emails, thanking people for Christmas presents.  Perhaps it’s a time for dressing in your “glad rags” for New Year parties, or browsing through brochures and searching the internet to book a summer holiday in the sun.  You might anticipate fun in the snow or cosy evenings by the fireside. On the other hand, you may find this a depressing time of year, when your spirits plummet with the drop in temperature. Perhaps you worry about how to keep warm and well.  Maybe you daren’t venture out much, or you feel trapped in your home, with attendant feelings of isolation and loneliness.

At the risk of becoming boring on the subject of breaking a wrist, I want to say that this has given me some insights into how it feels when certain simple tasks can’t be carried out unaided.  Perhaps one good thing to come out of this is a deeper empathy with those who face the frustration of being less active than they were.  I’m grateful to those who have been helping me in all kinds of ways, and I now have a little more understanding of the importance of such help to those who are frail, sick or disabled.

I know that lots of active people in our parishes keep an eye on elderly and housebound neighbours, but there may be someone reading this who hasn’t got around to contacting a neighbour who is struggling with poor health or age related problems. I’m not suggesting that this is due to selfishness or indifference. You may simply be a bit diffident about offering assistance, perhaps wondering whether or not your call would be welcome.  The likelihood is that your neighbour would be really pleased to see you, but if ringing the doorbell feels a bit daunting, you could always pop a card through the letterbox first.  Many elderly and housebound folk don’t see all that many people and would be delighted with a visit, or help with collecting prescriptions or fetching shopping.  A friendship may well begin which becomes rewarding for both of you.  A word of caution though – if your elderly neighbour doesn’t know you; you may need someone else to introduce you.  Don’t forget all those warnings about not opening the door to strangers.  Most people are genuine, but sadly there are also some unscrupulous con men out there.     

For some people the month of January means New Year resolutions.  If one of your resolutions is to befriend or help a neighbour, remember that Jesus said that whatever we do or others, it’s as if we did it for Jesus himself.

Wishing you God’s blessing in the coming year

Glynis Hetherington

DECEMBER 2011 - Vol. 33 No. 12

Dear Friends 

I have returned to parish ministry after ten weeks sabbatical/study leave.  It has been a time of refreshment and challenge.  Unfortunately, towards the end of October, during a visit to my Mum in Stafford, I slipped on a ramp and broke my left wrist.  So I am having to think about what I can and can’t do one handed.  I expect to have the plaster off on 6^th December.

In a hospital waiting room I spotted, across the room, a man I recognised with a teenage boy I had not met before.  The lad was obviously the man’s son; he was just like a younger edition of his father. Not everyone takes after a parent or other relative, but some children show a startling resemblance to another family member from an early age. Some grow up to become more and more like someone in the family. We may hear people exclaim, “You’re just like your mother” or, “You’re the image of your father”.

Jesus, the Son of God, showed an amazing resemblance to his Father.  We are not talking of physical likeness, because no-one has ever seen God.  Nor do we have any description of what Jesus looked like, although it’s highly unlikely that this Jew, born in Palestine, looked anything at all like the blue-eyed, blond haired figment of some artists’ imaginations!  Whatever Jesus looked like, he resembled his Father so closely in character that Paul described him as “the image of the invisible God”. (Colossians 1:15) In Jesus the nature of God is revealed – all the compassion, kindness and unconditional love of God in one perfect, sinless human being.  This is what we celebrate at Christmas, in the birth of the child named, in Matthew’s Gospel, ”Emmanuel” – “God is with us”. (Matthew 1:23) Even in infancy the light of God’s love shining in Jesus was revealed to visitors to the manger. A few weeks later when Mary and Joseph took the baby to the Temple an old man called Simeon and an old woman named Anna recognised him as God’s promised Messiah.

We, too, bear the image of God, though that image in us is marred by sin.  Yet our heavenly Father loves us also as his sons and daughters.  It’s because of his love for us, and for the world, that Jesus came into the world.  In John’s Gospel it says that all who believe in his name are given power to become children of God. (John 1:12) Our heavenly Father sends his Holy Spirit into the hearts of all who will receive him, to begin in us that transformation that will make us more like Jesus.  Jesus is the image of his Father, but if we live our lives close to him we can become more like him, and the light of God’s love can shine in us.

With my love and prayers for a blessed and joyful Christmas

Glynis Hetherington