Saturday 29 December 2007

Looking Forward: Newsletter 30th December 2007

It is time to look forward to 2008 and all that it may bring. We may be looking forward to the birth of a child, celebrating a ‘milestone’ birthday, a significant anniversary, a wedding or a christening. At this cold and dismal time of the year we are perhaps looking forward to a holiday either in this country or abroad or the opportunities that retirement brings.

At St. Martin’s there are many things to look forward to, both the growth of ‘green shoots’ and new initiatives. After the successful Christmas party at The Net we look forward to these families returning and bringing their friends with them. The Coffee Shop provides a warm and welcoming environment where local people can meet and share fellowship and friendship and we pray that this will reach out to more people. We look forward to the development of the home groups which provide a supportive, caring environment in which people’s faith can be nurtured.

The Marriage Course, which is designed to help married couples strengthen their relationship, starts at the end of January and we look forward to this initiative for couples both within and outside the church.
We look forward to the impact that the first Daytime Alpha course will have on people’s lives. At the beginning of the year the D.C.C. looks forward to telling Bishop Clive about the different initiatives that we have undertaken in our desire to grow the church.

As we look forward to 2008 let us all remember that ‘the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1.9).


God bless
Lilian

Friday 21 December 2007

The Bishop of Lichfield’s Christmas Message – The Bethlehem Nativity Play

The Christmas card from the Archbishop of Canterbury this year is a photo of a little boy and a little girl, dressed as Mary and Joseph for a nativity play and holding hands. That normally makes for a cheerful card, but these two are Palestinian children from a primary school in Bethlehem and their solemn expression is difficult to read. Is it foreboding or sullenness, shyness or fear?

The Israeli travel industry is doing its best to attract tourists/pilgrims back to the ‘Holy Land’ but there is not much mention of Bethlehem these days. When I visited the biblical sites, the trip to Bethlehem was cancelled at short notice because of the violence. Today the great dividing fence and the numerous checkpoints would not be conducive to a good holiday, though the locals have to put up with it permanently. Even a nativity play can’t have its usual cheering effect. My abiding memory of the country is of almost palpable hate between the communities – and no wonder: each has suffered so much violence and each mourns for so many innocent victims.
But that is just the point. When we ask, “Where is God in all this suffering?” the answer lies in the nativity play. When God decided to intervene in our/his world, he didn’t go first to the United Nations/Caesar or even to the local faction leaders. He came to Bethlehem, where oppressed people like Joseph were forced to do what foreign soldiers decreed and where pregnant women were hassled. No doubt the hate and bitterness were fully expressed over drinks in the inn all those years ago. But round the back, in the stables, unnoticed by all the principle players, God was doing a miracle that would do more to defeat hate through love than anything else in the whole of human history.


Looking at the unsettling faces of those two Palestinian children on the Christmas card I couldn’t help wondering what it is that turns a child into a terrorist. It must surely be a sense of outrage at terrible injustices done repeatedly to one’s family and friends, together with a blindness to the terrible wrongs done by one’s own community. Only love can lance that poisonous kind of hate. To change enemies into friends when generations have been feuding seems impossible to us; and yet the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the end of Apartheid and the growing peace in Northern Ireland encourage us to believe that love can still defeat hate.

The key to world peace lies again in Bethlehem and the Middle East. The problems there are just as intractable as they were in South Africa or Northern Ireland. And we have our own individual and family quarrels. Christmas often points up our private tragedies, the intense loneliness of consumer society, and the petty hatreds we find difficult to get rid of. The barriers and checkpoints are there in our own lives too when we come to think about it. Whatever our situation, we can still pray for the Prince of Peace to be born again in our hearts and in our world; and we can pray that one day the children of Bethlehem may smile again at the prospect of taking part in a nativity play. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Jonathan Gledhill
Bishop of Lichfield
December 2007

Monday 17 December 2007

Jesus – the best gift but is that all? Newsletter 16th December 2007

At Christmas we celebrate the greatest gift to mankind from our Heavenly Father, the gift of Jesus, God in human form in all its frailness and vulnerability. We can only imagine the smell and dirt as our Saviour was brought into this world in total humility. For me, Jesus is the best gift but I believe that God wants to give so much more.

Recently, the Alpha course had their away day to look at the Holy Spirit and I was asked to go along. I have been to others away days in the past, but this was the first that St. Martin’s arranged without another church. I have to admit that I had my doubts as to whether we would see the Holy Spirit move in the way that I have seen before.

Simon talked, we watched the Alpha video, we had the discussions and lunch had been eaten. Now the time for us to pray we those who wanted it, would anybody want to receive the Holy Spirit and would my influence help or hinder them? I am glad to say that there were many prayers said and in one instance, a particularly intense presence of the Spirit. I do not know what this experience meant for the person we were praying for, but I am believe that when the Holy Spirit gives such an experience there is a reason for it and for me it is exciting to see how a person develops and grows their faith.

Jesus left us the Holy Spirit as a gift and to be filled continually is something I believe the church should seek. More and more people in our church have been given an experience of the Holy Spirit and been left with a gift that has been used to build up the church. You may be aware of the words, dreams, etc people are getting relating to our church and I believe we are being prepared.

I hope and pray that we, as a church, can get to know the Holy Spirit and that we are open to His moving and the gifts He wants to bring to St. Martin’s. Jesus is the greatest gift, but why settle for this when there is so much more God wants for us?

May God’s love and peace be with you all, and with the ones you love.

Martin

Monday 10 December 2007

Count Down To Christmas: Newsletter 9th December

This year I have found it difficult to buy Advent Calendars that meet my specifications(yes, I know my two might be considered too old for such things but traditions need to be maintained!). I need calendars with no chocolate, one with large clear numbers, one small enough to post and both with a nativity theme. For the first time I could only find suitable ones in Christian bookshops.Even those with Christmassy things like stars, bells, and parcels behind the doors were in short supply.

The German Lutherans in the early nineteenth century used to count down the days to Christmas in ways such as drawing a chalk line each day on the door or lighting a candle.In 1908 Gerhard Lang, a printer in Munich,made a calendar consisting of 24 pictures telling the story Jesus’ birth on cardboard.Doors were added in later versions, often with Bible verses printed on them.During the second World War production ceased in order to save paper but the idea was resurrected after,

The first Christmas cards ( mid nineteenth century) also usually depicted either a nativity scene or robins ( postmen were referred to as robins because of their red uniforms) or a snow scene ( it was colder then!)

Calendars and cards are such a good way to help children learn what Christmas is all about. The birth of Jesus Christ should not be buried in chocolate and Father Christmas.

Liz Dunthorne

Saturday 1 December 2007

Thought for Advent: Newsletter 2nd December

So it’s the start of advent, what does that mean in the
21st Century?
The hectic countdown to Christmas?
Stressful days shopping?, buying presents?, focussing on loved ones? preparing for Family events?, writing
Christmas cards? writing letters to Santa? lighting the advent candle? opening the advent calendar?

Yes all of that, but I suggest more importantly its time to find time for God in advent.
To prepare our hearts for the coming of God.

It is the start of the life of Jesus, and as we all continue along our journeys of life, like Christ, I urge you all to find time for God, as we prepare to celebrate literally; the birth of our salvation, in advent time.

May Gods love and blessing remain with us all,

Phill

A Fair Christmas? Newsletter 25th November

In case you haven’t already realised there are only four shopping weeks left before Christmas. If like me you haven’t yet completed your Christmas shopping, why not consider buying gifts which you family and friends will not only enjoy but will also make a difference to others around the world.

It is becoming much easy to purchase Fair Trade, ethical or alternative gifts which benefit people in the developing world – particularly if you have access to the internet. For example Christian Aid (
www.presentaid.og) and Oxfam (www.oxfamunwrapped.com) provide a range of alternative gift ideas. For example you can buy a loved one a goat, or a new toilet, and the money from that gift goes to people in the developing world, and helps them build a better life. In turn the person for whom the gift is intended receives a card telling them how the money is being used.

Alternatively you may like to buy a fairly traded gift. Tearcraft (www.tearcraft.org) provide a range of beautifully handcrafted home, gift and jewellery items from around the world. These items are made by skilled craftspeople from some of the world’s poorest communities. Not only do you receive beautiful gifts, but you have the knowledge that your purchase provides employment, fair wages and the hope of a brighter future for some of the world’s poorest.
When we think of fair trade we tend to think about food items, but it is now possible to buy a whole range of fairly traded items, including clothes, toys, kitchenware, items for the home, etc. If you have access to the internet, you may like to visit
http://www.getethical.com/ which finds the best ethical, Fair Trade and environmentally friendly products and services and brings them together in one easy-to-access online shop. Do not worry if you don’t have access to the internet, increasingly high street stores are starting to realise the great market for fair trade and ethical goods, and if you search careful it is possible to find these some of these items on the high street (and if you high street store doesn’t supply fairly traded ethical goods, demand to know why not!). We also have a number of catalogues from a variety of Christian organisations with a range of gift ideas in church.

When we purchase fairly traded and ethical gifts it is good to know that not only does it bring pleasure to those for whom the gift is intended, but it also brings benefits to others by building a more just and fair world.


God bless

Simon

Monday 19 November 2007

Newsletter 18th November 2007: The Cracked Pot

An elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other was perfect and always carried a full portion of water.

At the end of the long walk from the stream to the house, the cracked pot was only half full. For two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water.
Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments, but the poor racked pot was ashamed of its imperfections. It was miserable that it could only do half what it had been made for.
After two years of what is perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream. "I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house."

The old woman smiled, "Did you notice that there were flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side?" "I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them. For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house."

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it's the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding. You've just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

So, to all my cracked pot friends, have a great day and remember to smell the flowers on your side of the path.

How true is this, hope you enjoyed it!!

Newsletter 11th November 2007: Just Remembering

Today is Remembrance Sunday when all over the country in churches and at war memorials there will be services and ceremonies, but why do we remember? There are very few who can remember the first world war, more who remember the second, but for a lot of us these are just history. So is it time to forget, to move on as some argue? Or should the remembrance be for all those other conflicts which sadly have taken place since, Suez, Korea, Bosnia, The Gulf and those conflicts which we are still involved in Iraq and Afghanistan. Personally I think it is right to use this day of remembrance to include all those members of the services who have lost their lives in any conflict serving their country. We might or might not agree with our involvement in Iraq or Afghanistan but these soldiers are there in our name. But if we say that we remember them with respect and pride then surely that should affect how we act, I have been quite saddened lately to read how poorly the injured are treated when they return to this country. In an interview, rather bitterly, a young soldier remarked that the public would know about the two dead their unit had lost but they would not hear about the twelve injured, those who had lost arms, legs, sight, hearing, disabled for life. Surely the greatest measure of respect we can show is not just in remembering the dead but also in treating the injured with dignity and fairness, and with justice.

As Christians every time we take communion we remember the importance and significance of Jesus’ death, but only if we allow that to affect how we act are we truly honouring that sacrifice.

Mick

Newsletter 7th October 2007: Actions Not Words

When you have something to grumble about; buses running late, dirty streets, poor service, shoddy goods; what do you do? Do you just moan and complain or do you try to do something about it? Do you and many others complain and continually run down our town and all it’s numerous failings; or do you try and do something about the situation. It is so easy to talk about what is wrong, but how will things ever improve if we do nothing BUT talk. If you are unsatisfied with a product or a service, do something; write a letter, phone the company concerned. Recently I waited for a bus to take me to the Manor Hospital. These buses are supposed to run every 20 minutes, but it was late arriving and the moans and complaints were overwhelming. No one seemed to allow for all the road works that caused the delay but just blamed the driver. Again, our town of Walsall is continually derided and run down for it’s dirty streets and poor public services. Do YOU do anything about it? Do you campaign for more litter bins, remember not to drop your own litter, do you try to put things right?

Jesus did not just talk, He DID. When action was needed he provided it. Jesus was angry that the money changers and merchants were doing business in the Temple, (Mark 11:15-17) and he threw them out. When He saw a man with a deformed hand (Matthew 12:9-14), He healed him; although it was the Sabbath, and He was rebuked by the Pharisees. Many complain about the government and our local council, and what they have or have not done; but many of those who complain cannot be bothered to even go to cast their vote. All very negative thinking. Many people sacrificed so much to give us the vote, especially women, and it hurts and angers me that they complain but never raise a finger or stir themselves to try and change things. Would Jesus have acted in this way?

I hope and pray that we may all become doers as Jesus was and is, and not just negative thinkers who take no action even when it is needed. We CAN make a difference. Help us to see our cup ‘half full’ and not ‘half empty’; let us be proud of our town and all that it is, not degrading it or running it down. Let us count our blessings; we do have so much to be proud and thankful for; most especially our Church, our Faith, our God and Father.

God Bless. Doreen.

‘The God Delusion’: Newsletter 14th October 2007

Some years ago I saw a notice in a shopping centre which had the usual negative sign – “No Cycling, No Skating, No Skateboarding” ,to which someone had added – “No point in living!”
I have been reminded of this during the past few months when I have read my weekly comic – The New Scientist - because in it they have given much space to Richard Dawkins and his book ‘The God Delusion’.


I have to say they have been fair and balanced and have given equal space to his detractors. Dawkins is a vociferous atheist and, although it may be the wrong use of the word, is quite evangelical about it.

I feel quite saddened that some people have not come to know our God or his son Jesus Christ and often wonder what they believe is the point of life.

I remember attending a humanist funeral at a local crematorium where, we were told, there would be absolutely no allusion to religion. The “service” took place in front of the most powerful symbol of our faith, the Cross, and the candles were lit throughout. The space in the proceedings usually left for prayers had a reflection on the life of the recently departed. The words used, however, drew strongly on the Old Testament especially Ecclesiastes and Proverbs. Once again I was troubled that the person who had died and his family were left with no hope for the future – death was the end there was no chance of resurrection.

I cannot understand a life without a strong belief in God and his son Jesus Christ. He has been gracious to me and has granted me many blessings and I will continue to live in the love of Christ. Perhaps these words at the start of Hymn 52 (MP) go some way to expressing my thoughts;
“God sent His son, they called him Jesus;
He came to love, heal and forgive;
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
an empty grave is there to prove my saviour lives.
Because He lives I can face tomorrow;
Because He lives all fear is gone;
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth living because He lives.

God Bless

John

Holly: Newsletter 7th October 2007

It was Christmas Eve 2004 the phone rang and my niece, working voluntarily at the local Animal Hospital said “We have just received a dreadfully neglected little dog who may not survive can you accommodate her if she does”.

A Yorkshire terrier; not our kind of dog at all but we went to see her anyway and after a few days of intensive treatment we took her home. What a sad sight she was, head & stub of a tail drooping, dull sad eyes that spoke of a life of misery and suffering. Breathing but not living, at one point we thought she had just curled up and died so completely motionless was her poor bedraggled body.

Approaching three years later anyone who has met “Holly “ would witness a very different dog indeed, full of life, bright expressive eyes, a well developed personality (do dogs have personalities?) Confident in manner, as she proudly protects home & family, the difference is a response to love, an ingredient we all need in which to grow and develop our full potential. At times we can all feel unloved and unlovable and sometimes it can perhaps seem easier to love an animal than another human being, especially if that person happens to be someone we don’t particularly like or have difficulty relating to, and sometimes it could be a member of our own family; but God calls us to bear a distinct family resemblance to him and his son Jesus. “This is love not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” 1 John 4:10 At a time where there are many people and families within St. Martin’s who are experiencing very difficult times for a variety of reasons let us reach out and love one another, “For God is love and whoever lives in love lives in union with God and God lives in union with him”.1John 4:16.

Lesley

Going for Growth

The Diocese is looking for an alternative way of fixing Parish Share as part of its central strategy of “Going for Growth”. For 2008 we are asked to “bid” for our Parish Share. We have submitted a figure which is below our current formula payment and this may well involve us in further discussion with the Diocese as they seek to raise sufficient funds.

Our formula payment meant that we paid for our Minister, the Vicarage, a contribution to training future vicars and a very small contribution to other costs. Our bid for 2008 does not allow this level of support.

We are beginning to see the fruits of the hard work of Simon, Richard, Martin and many others as a result of initiatives such as the Alpha Courses and “The Net”.

The regular income of St. Martin’s is not at a level to allow us to continue to pay Parish Share at our traditional level, to tithe our giving for chosen mission agencies and charities and to fund new initiatives in “Going for Growth”.

Jesus himself spoke five times more on the subject of money than any other. If he devoted considerable time to the matter then we must also give it priority.

We all want to see St. Martin’s grow in numbers and in faith, the green shoots are there. We must continue to pray that we are able to do that little bit more with our gifts, our talents, our time and our money.

With Christ’s help our giving can do great things for His Church.

God bless Roger

Saturday 11 August 2007

Has it got vodka in it?! Newsletter 12 August 2007

For the past year every Friday evening Christians from different churches across Walsall have been offering free (non-alcoholic) drinks, and a listening ear to people in the centre of Walsall as part of the ‘Ministry to Drinkers’, which takes place on Darwall Street next to St Paul’s Church..

This Friday night ministry has been grabbing peoples’ attention as a positive Christian presence in the town centre. Walsall has a considerable alcohol problem, particularly binge drinking amongst women and young adults. The Drinkers Ministry is mentioned as a positive initiative in the 2007 report of the Director of Public Health entitled: ‘Alcohol in Walsall - a public health perspective’.

Each night there are the regular visitors, who come and have a good chat and a laugh with us; and occasionally a prayer, and there are the people who are just passing through, but which ever they are they all say that what we are doing is a good thing, and because we offer soft drinks it helps water down the alcohol people have consumed!

The door men on the pubs and clubs all say that the town centre is a better place since we have been there - there appears to be less violence and the atmosphere has changed for the better. That is fantastic news. I have been involved with the Drinkers Ministry for over 6 months, and consider it to be one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling things that I do. Why don’t you come down and see for yourself - we need more helpers, especially men, and you can help as little or as often as you want. Oh and the title? - well that’s the most frequently asked question every night!!!

God bless,
Simon

Two Horses: Newsletter 5th August 2007

Just up the road from my home is a field with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. But if you stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing.

If nearby and listening, you will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see how she is always checking on him, and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray. When she returns to the shelter of the barn each evening, she stops occasionally and looks back, making sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see.

Anon.

Saturday 21 July 2007

Choices: Newsletter 22nd July

Wouldn’t life be easier if we didn’t have so much to choose from? I went shopping recently and found out there were 8 choices of apples! Whether it is the latest gadget or the cereal we have for breakfast, there are always options for us. Even if there were only one thing to choose, you still have the choice to take it or leave it. That is part of life, we have absolute control of what we do or don’t do and therefore, are responsible for our actions.

In our walk with Jesus, we also get spiritual options and choices and the responsibility lies with us. God never forces His will on us, He allows us the freedom to choose in all areas of our lives, not just on Sunday. Although we are all unique and we have our own way in bringing our faith into our daily lives, over the years I have been with St. Martin’s I have seen people grow in faith and I have seen others fade away. Why should this be?

Although nobody can give you the recipe for a successful Christian life, I have noticed events that point to a growing Christian. I have never met a growing Christian who does not regularly have there own quiet time with Jesus. As your stewardship secretary, it has been a real privilege to see people grow through being open to God through there giving. I have seen people grow through the development of their own ministry and using their talents and gifts (not always in church).

My own experience tells me that if I want to have a closer relationship with God, then amongst other things, I need to choose to spend some time with Him. If I only talked to Jackie (my wife) once a week on a Sunday morning, then our relationship would suffer and I am sure would stop sooner or later. For me, at the heart of my faith is my relationship with God and I have to make choices. Recently, work has taken up more and more of my time and it would be easy to justify not spending time praying and reading God’s word. However, there is always a voice saying to me that it is my choice and that what ever I choose, God will not love me any more or any less.

Yours in Christ

Martin

Mission on the 529: Newsletter 15 July

I spend many hours each week on buses (or waiting in hope!). First thing in the morning folk read the Metro, adjust their make up, ring their place of work to say they’ll be late and so on. Some even read their daily Bible passage or maybe, like me, use the time to pray. Very few chat to each other. Later in the day, however, the bus is full of older people and buggy-wielding young mums. The atmosphere changes completely. The buzz of conversation is all around and most people at least exchange a few words with their neighbour even if only to complain about the weather or the length of time they’ve waited for the bus.

As you know, I find it easy to talk to most people and I try to be a good listener as well. I have lost count of the times now when my neighbours on the bus pour out their worries and concerns. Many seem to have no-one independent to express their fears (usually) or hopes to, and some have no-one at all. It is an awesome responsibility to respond appropriately to these people. I try to make them feel valued and give them hope. More than once, the person has told me that they felt they could talk to me because I was wearing a cross. Food for thought there. Maybe we should all more easily recognised as Christians both by our actions and also some sort of “badge”. There is certainly a need in the busyness of the modern world for a listening ear. Not only can a bus journey be shared but also the journey of life and possibly even of faith.

Finally, Chris and I would like to thank you all for your prayers over the last few weeks. We have felt well supported.

Liz Dunthorne

Sunday 10 June 2007

Cross Talk Church Link: Newsletter 17th June 2007


Over the past few months Simon has been working to set up a prayer link with Holy Trinity Church, Batu Gajah, Perak, Malaysia. (On a map of Malaysia find Kuala Lumpur and look north about 200km). The idea of this link is to encourage our two churches to pray for one another.
Holy Trinity Church is very similar to ours in that it has around the same attendance and a congregation made up of the middle socio economic background. They also have similar challenges in that they are also trying to grow their congregation.

We feel very excited about this and have formed a little working group to service the link. The group members are: Simon, Diane Sainsbury, Margaret Carter, Jane Quinn, Jackie Brown, Christine and me.

It is our intention to provide you with as much information about the prayer link as we can and to provide photographs of Revd. Jesvinder Singh and his church and congregation. (Today we are hoping to take some photographs of our congregation to send to them so don’t be shy, join in the group photo!).

We’ve asked them to join us in praying for the success of last night’s film night in starting to build the bridges which will, hopefully, bring young people into our church.

We’ve also asked them to share in our thanksgiving for the 38 members of our cluster churches who were confirmed on Pentecost Sunday and especially for the seven from St. Martin’s.
In our turn we are using their prayer request in our weekly intercessions and at home groups and the Saturday morning prayers.

Some of the prayers will also be printed in the prayer diary.

To finish, I quote some of the words used by Revd. Jesvinder – “We are looking forward for this partnership to open the view of the Church to ministry and mission.” Let us all use our personal prayers to echo his wish.

God Bless
Christine and John


Saturday 9 June 2007

Gardens: Newsletter 10th June 2007


The French have named us a ‘Nation of Shopkeepers’ but I think it is more appropriate to call us a ‘Nation of Gardeners’. You only have to look around our own, our neighbours’ and friends’ gardens and to see the wonderful examples of God’s creation. So many differing flowers, trees and shrubs; from grand gardens, feasts of colour such as Chelsea, to pocket handkerchief sized plots; from a humble window box to a couple of pots on a step with a flower showing its’ beauty bravely.

Today (10th June) is the second day of our St. Martin’s Open Gardens Weekend, and I hope that we have been fortunate with the weather, and that many people have been enjoying looking around the gardens, which are open to view. I know that everyone concerned has been working hard to bring their gardens to the peak of perfection, so they will show at their best. Many others have worked hard also, offering plants for sale on the Plant Stall and those stalwart folk who offer the delights of the refreshments.

There are many references to gardens in the Bible and perhaps the most well know is Gethsemane where Jesus brought the disciples to pray with him before His final betrayal and arrest.(Matthew 26:36-44). Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb within a garden, (John19:41-42), and Mary seeking where Jesus’ body had been taken, (John20:14-18) mistook Jesus for the gardener.


There is a line from a short poem by Dorothy Frances Gurney which goes; ‘You’re closer to God’s heart in a garden than any place else on earth’, and I think that is very true. I went on a short course about prayer and praying in different ways, some while ago, and one aspect we were asked to try was to go out into the garden, in the quiet, and touch different plants and leaves and flowers, to run our fingers through the grass, and to put our hands on the bark of a tree trunk. In the stillness, with all these differing sensations of touch, you become acutely aware of God’s presence and his greatness surrounding you and prayer seems to fill the whole of you. I found this a wonderful experience and continue to try it from time to time.

Surely, when surrounded by God’s creation in a garden we cannot fail to know his presence with us, his greatness and his infinite love.

Every Blessing, Doreen.


Monday 4 June 2007

The Way Forward

Congratulations to David, Shirley, Tracey, Chris, Roberto, Toby and Sue, who were confirmed last Sunday at Lichfield Cathedral. I hope that they all may be here today to celebrate communion for the first time at their own church of St. Martin’s. As Richard said in this newsletter last week, this is the first step on a journey of faith – it is almost inevitable that this journey will involve moments of difficulty, even of despair. All of us, no matter how long we have been Christians, have moments when we feel that somehow our faith has let us down and we cannot see the way forward. The best, indeed the only, advice that I can offer is to remember that Jesus is always there to help us and “if we ask Him for anything in His name, He will do it” (John 14:14). Bear in mind, however, that the timing and the extent to which our prayer is answered will be a matter for God’s judgement of our needs and not necessarily our own wishes.

As we progress in the church calendar into Pentecost, the season that celebrates the foundation of the Christian church, our own church council is, and has for some time been, considering the way forward for St. Martin’s to grow in terms of its congregation, its faith and its presence in the community. Some of our ideas will already have become apparent to you, the stall at Park Hall School Fete, for example. But the Council exists to represent the views of the whole church, so if you have any ideas or thoughts on the way forward for our church, then please tell a member of the church council, or Simon, so that we can take everybody’s views into account – then perhaps next year we will have even more candidates for confirmation.

God Bless Keith

Wednesday 30 May 2007

Back to Church Sunday 30th September 2007

It has been estimated that up to three million people in Britain would go back to church if only they were invited. With this in mind, the Diocese of Manchester launched 'Back to Church Sunday' three years ago, and the scheme has proved so succesful that it has been adopted nationally. The evidence suggests that, on average, 12 people per church respond to the invitations to come on Back to Church Sunday, and many become permanent members (for a church the size of St Martin's that would mean increasing our average adult Sunday attendance by over 15%).

Back to Church Sunday will be taking place on 30 September 2007, and this year St Martin's will be participating in this scheme.

How does this involve you? The most effective way to attract people to church (maybe for the first time), is to offer to accompany them to church. I therefore want to issue you a challenge, over the next four months, I would like you to pray for three or four people who do not currently attend church, who you can invite to St Martin's on Sunday 30th September. At the end of June we will be distributing invitation cards for you to invite your friendsd to church.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to really grow the church, and it is something we can all do. Please do pray about this scheme, and for the people you will invite.

Simon

Friday 25 May 2007

The Journey of Life

Our Christian life is often referred to as a journey. This is not a bad analogy, as it begins at some point when we recognise Jesus as our Saviour and Lord; and ends when we arrive at our appointed place with Jesus in eternity. Whenever I hear the expression “Our Journey” it conjures up mental images of a crowded station platform and piles of luggage being loaded onto trains while crowds of people wait expectantly, heading for some exotic destination.

The difference with our journey of faith is that we have the Head Porter with us, Jesus. “Come to me all who labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest (Matt. 11: 28)”. Like most travellers we take with us unwanted baggage, perhaps physical or mental difficulties, or emotional scars. But unlike most travellers we do not have to struggle alone under the weight. Jesus will bear that load for us if we allow him.

Today some people from our church will take the first step of their journey of faith by being confirmed at Lichfield Cathedral. I hope that they will allow Jesus to share their burdens on their journey. We, as members of the same church family, can also play our part. We can pray let they have a safe journey without obstacles or hardships. Also we can keep watch and be ready to assist if they seem to struggle or tire.

For those being confirmed today may God bless you and bring you his peace.

Yours in Christ, Richard

Saturday 19 May 2007

Change

What is change? My world is continuously changing. Different people, different problems, different challenges, life is full of change. Sometimes good, job promotion, new baby, new mobile phone with all the gadgets on it; sometimes bad, redundancy, family illness, my computer’s stopped working But that’s life!

But is that all there is to life?

I’d like to change the world for the better, feed all the starving people, bring relief to all the oppressed, abolish poverty at a stroke. We have the technology surely we can do it!

But it doesn’t happen. Why not? Is it too big a job? I might as well give up now.

The world can be changed, not by expansive and extravagant gestures but by changes in individuals. By people’s attitudes to each other, people seeking to help each other rather than seeking to get one over on each other, by individuals looking to each others needs rather than being blinkered by there own desires, by loving one another. By loving one another as God has loved us.


“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3 v 16)

That seems massive, that someone like Jesus would allow himself to be killed to show how much God loves us and that even our worst behaviour and actions can be forgiven. I couldn’t do anything like that. But the bible tells us we don’t need to.

“.. a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth, yet when it is sown, grows up, and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow." (Mark 4 v 31 -32)

All big changes start from a small beginning.

Pray to God to show you what small change you could make in your life, one that could lead to a mustard tree, whether you see the outcome or not. But be careful, ‘you might not get the answer that you wanted to’!

Monday 14 May 2007

St Martin's Prayer Link: Holy Trinity, Batu Gajah


The Revd Jesvinder Singh, Minister of Holy Trinity Church, Batu Gajah


In a very exiting development, St Martin's church is developing a prayer link with the congregation of Holy Trinity Church in Batu Gajah in the state of Perak in West Malaysia.

The purpose of this link is primarily for our two churches to support one another through prayer. Holy Trinity Church is based in the town of Batu Gajah which has a population of 34000 people situated 24km from the state capital of Ipoh. The name Batu Gajah, which literally means "stone elephant" in the Malay language, is presumably derived from 2 large stones boulders that resembled elephants found along the Kinta river. The town is famous for it's tim mining, and has a significant Chrinese population.

The history of Holy Trinity goes back to 1884 when chaplaincy work started in Batu Gajah mainly looking after the planters who were in and around the town. However, after 1910, Rev. H. C. Henham took the intiative to start ministry among Tamils, the ministers used to travel to Batu Gajah from Ipoh. The old wooden Church building remained up to 1990 when a new building was constructed. There is also a mission church called St Andrew's in the Kinta Valley.

Holy Trinity Church has a mainly Tamil congregation, the church itself is open evangelical with a sacramental focus. The congregation is drawn from a middle socio-economic background with more and more people being from professional sectors. The Church has grown through difficult times and now has grown to an average Sunday attendance of around 90-100 adults and with about 20 children for the Sunday School. Jesvinder, the Parish Priest, arrived at Holy Trinity in November 2004, and married his wife Caroline in May 2006. The challenge facing Holy Trinity is sharing the gospel and growing the congregation larger. The church has adopted the Diocesan Mission statement : Mission as Transformation (2006-2010) with a special focus for each year. The theme for year 2006 was Transformation of Individuals in Christ and for the year 2007 the theme would be Transformation of Families in Christ. The word transformation has been stressed into the hearts and minds of all members. The hope of the people of Holy Trinity is that their partnership with St Martin's will open up the view of the church to ministry and mission, which is my hope too.

Please hold Jesvinder and the people of Holy Trinity and St Andrew's in your prayers. For further information, including photos of Holy Trinity, please follow the link from our website (http://walsallstmartins.2day.ws/walsallstmartins/section/5PrayerLinkHolyTrinityChurchBatuGajahMalaysia/
).

Simon

Sunday 29 April 2007

Baptism

On Sunday April 29th, under the bright spring sunshine, James, Edward and Matthew Hingley were baptised by full immersion during the main morning worship.
What is baptism? Baptism marks the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives. In baptism we celebrate what God has done for us in Christ, making serious promises and declaring our Christian faith. Baptism is the first step in the Christian journey. Here are some photos of this wonderful event.



St Martin's doesn't have a full size baptistry in the church, so for practical reasons the baptism took place outside.



Although the sun was shining, the water was cold! Here James prepares for his baptism.




Next came the turn of Edward




And finally the youngest of the three brothers, Matthew, is baptised.


Congratulations to James, Edward and Matthew, we pray that they will continue to grow in their Christian faith.

What has God done for us? Newsletter 29th April 2007

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."
John 3:16-17

Do we realize what God has done for us? Do we ever stop long enough in the hectic busyness of every day to think about the death and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ? You know I don't think we do, at least, I don’t.

We cannot come anywhere near comprehending the sacrifice and total love God gave to us when He sent His Son into this world to live, to die, and to rise from the grave. He gave us His only Son so that we shall never die, that's right eternal life! How do we get this eternal life?

It's free, all we have to do is believe, It's called faith. We are no longer alone because He is here with us. Our hearts can be filled with the peace and love of Jesus Christ.

Don’t think for a minute that your life will always be rosy. We all have our problems, on a daily basis! Loving Christ won’t change that. But now I feel I can deal with problems, because I believe that God is there in the problems with us. We can always rely on Him, Trust Him to be there for us, to listen & help if we let Him into our hearts. You see God sent His Son into this world not to judge us but to save us. To me that is what Resurrection is all about. Its about joy, It's about faith; It's about God’s love for us.

Prayer:
O Risen Lord Jesus, when all is darkness
and we feel our weakness and helplessness,
give us the sense of Your presence,
Your love and Your strength.
Help us to have perfect trust in Your protecting love
and strengthening power, so that nothing may frighten or worry us,
for, living close to You, we shall see Your hand,
Your purpose, Your will through all things.
We ask this in the precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Who lives and reigns with the Father,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
Amen

God Bless,
Jane

Friday 27 April 2007

Earth Day: 22nd April 2007

“All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all”

Today, April 22nd, has been designated as Earth Day. The first Earth Day was held in 1970 in the USA. Over the past few years much has been said and written about the state of the earth from global warming and other atmospheric pollution to problems with the ozone layer.


For about a thousand years man has been increasing the pollutants in the atmosphere ( in the tenth century a queen of England complained of the smoke pollution in London) and this has been accelerated over the last two hundred years as man, in his pursuit of industrialisation, has caused an increase in the acid gases which were first described in 1848. (Don’t forget Queen Victoria had the blinds drawn on her train when it passed through the Black country so she didn’t have to see the filth and squalor!)

Now we are told that one of the gases which is needed for plants to produce food is the real villain of the piece. Carbon dioxide, the gas used by plants to make sugars, has been increasing quite rapidly and is now causing the earth’s temperature rise. Yet this gas has been present in the atmosphere since the earth began.

When God made the earth and all on it he made sure that everything was in balance, day and night, water and earth, plants and animals. The gases of the air were also in balance; man in his greed has upset His delicate balance.

Perhaps is it now time to remember that we are just temporary creatures on God’s earth and should look after it as He would want. Only then will we return to a world where all things are bright and beautiful again. Take time today to think about God’s wonderful creation and how we all can do our bit in preserving it for future generations.

God Bless
John

Sunday 8 April 2007

Easter Day


Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!
On behalf of all at St Martin's we wish you a happy and joyful Easter, and pray that you may experience the love, hope, life and power of the resurrection in your life.

Silence: Newsletter for 15th April, 2007

Do you find difficulty with silence? When we pray we are encouraged to talk to God – tell Him of our worries and concerns – for ourselves, our families, friends and neighbours; situations that frighten or trouble us. This can become a shopping list of wants – the talking all on one side – ours. If we are able to leave a period of silence, we can be open to hearing God speak to us – helping us to make the right decision and take the right course of action.

I am afraid that all my life I have been, and still am – a ‘talker’ – none of my friends or family would dispute that; and one to whom being quiet or silent is quite foreign. Unsuccessfully I have tried to overcome or at least improve this skill of listening that I lack.

During my own prayer time at home and in church, I do listen hard in the hope that God will speak to me. What am I expecting? A voice from above? A flashing light? A momentous happening? So far - nothing like that – and perhaps I have been a little disappointed; but I will still try even harder to hear what God is trying to tell me or guide me as to what to do or be.

Scripture tells us ‘there is a’ time for silence and a time for speech’. I pray that God will show me when it is right for each of these. We must all thank God for the miracle of speech that enables us to communicate with each other – but we must also be as ready to listen as to talk.

Lord, teach us the silence of humility, the silence of wisdom, the silence of love, the silence of perfection, the silence that speaks without words, the silence of faith. May we be able to silence our hearts that we may hear the Holy Spirit of God within us.

Every Blessing, Doreen.

Saturday 31 March 2007

Thank You (Published 25/03/07)

As parents some of the first words we teach our children are ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and in our dealings with children and young people we continue to reinforce the idea that everyone must be thanked when they have done or given us something. This is most frequently done verbally but there are times when we feel it is more appropriate to send a card, note or letter expressing our thanks. On other occasions we express our gratitude by performing some task or by giving a small gift.

Today we are joining Sylvie and Keith as they give thanks for thirty five years of marriage. We, too, have much to be thankful for, whether it is the love of family and friends, good health, rewarding employment, a full and active life or relative financial security. We are also fortunate to live in a country where we are free to express our views without fear and in a pleasant suburban area with easy access to both countryside and the facilities of towns.

As Christians we express our thanks to God through prayer, through giving time to promote His kingdom and through monetary gifts. Next Sunday will be our Gift Day when we all have the opportunity to give thanks for the way that God has worked in our lives.

What have you to be thankful for? Please give prayerful consideration to whether you are able to contribute to St. Martin’s Gift Day remembering that ‘all things come from you and of your own do we give you’ (1 Chronicles 29.14).

God bless. Lilian

Mobile

I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to kids as gifts?
What if we used it as we travelled?
What if we used it in case of an emergency?
This is something to make you go hmm... where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill! And no dropped calls !

Saturday 17 March 2007

Listening (Newsletter 18th March 2007)

Mobile phones ringing, loud music playing in shops, lifts and hotels, T.V. commercials everywhere, traffic noise, aeroplanes ...our ears are continually assaulted by noise! It is increasingly difficult to find the peace and quiet we need to listen. Listening is one of the most important skills we need to develop if we are to communicate effectively. If we want to have meaningful relationships we must listen to our families, our friends, our community and, most importantly, to God.

Recently Jane and I had the experience of being "called out" by the church family to join the Ministry Team. We were both amazed and, quite frankly, terrified by the prospect. But after talking to our families and friends and listening to Simon and Richard, in great humility and with trembling hearts, we decided to go forward, trusting that the church family had listened to God.

Simon and Richard have been teaching us about prayer over the last few weeks. They have been encouraging us to listen to as well as speak to God.(re: Richard's sermon on 4th Feb.)

In the Old Testament Samuel had to learn to recognise God's voice. He thought Eli was calling him when in fact it was God. He listened carefully and his immediate response was: "Speak for your servant is listening." (1Sam. v.10)

At St. Martin's we have many opportunities to listen to God. The Taize service is one, where there is time, space and peace to retreat from the noise of the world. Father Roger of Taize said: "A moment of silence, even very short, is like a holy stop, a sabbatical rest, a truce of worries."

Let's resolve today to shut out the noise and distractions of modern life and listen more closely to God. Only then will we truly be able to discern God's will for our future here at St. Martin's.

God bless, Jackie.

Mike (Newsletter 11th March 2007)

When it was fist suggested that a banner be created in memory of Mike, I was overwhelmed. Today as we dedicate the completed banner I am still just as emotional. It is a most wonderful tribute to Mike from St Martin's that you want to commemorate him in this way. He would be astounded; he was a very humble man. However he would have loved the idea of fifteen women sewing for him! The banner is more beautiful than I could have imagined. I can't thank enough the women who have given so willingly of their time, energy and skills. In particular I am indebted to Carol Smith and Gill Beasley for the part they have played in designing the banner, organising us sewers and making it happen. They have opened their homes, been inspirational and given so much to see this through to fruition. I will always be most grateful to you all. Though we have been wielding the needles, I am very aware that without the financial support of many more, and those who donated fabrics and silks, the banner might not have been created. I am touched by your generosity. It is a great comfort to know that this church, that Mike loved, will always remember him in this physical way. What could a more fitting legacy of a lovely man who was much loved? On behalf of all the family, Carrie and myself, I thank you all so much.

Sue Keys– Statham.

Dedication

It’s been a really good year for major anniversaries. During the year we remembered two 60th anniversaries; the end of the war in Europe and the end of the war in the Far East.

In October we celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar when the English Fleet under Nelson and Collingwood defeated the combined fleet of the French and Spanish.
Just last week we celebrated the 400th anniversary of the failed Gunpowder plot to destroy James I and his Parliament.


Today, on Remembrance Sunday, we remember, principally, all those men and women who died in the two world wars. Yet British service men and women continue to die in the service of this country. Throughout the whole of the twentieth century there were only three years when British service men and women did not die on active service.

Perhaps, as we remember all of those who have died for our continuing safety, we should take note of Nelson’s prayer before the battle of Trafalgar:

May the Great God, whom I worship, grant for my Country, and for the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious Victory; and may no misconduct in anyone tarnish it; and may humanity after Victory be the predominant feature in the British fleet.

For myself, individually, I commit my life to Him who made me, and may his blessing light upon my endeavours for serving my Country faithfully. To Him I resign myself and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. Amen, Amen, Amen.

Yes he does pray for Victory but he also prays for humanity in Victory. More importantly he dedicates his life to God and asks for his blessing on his endeavours. We may not be as great as Nelson but we can all dedicate ourselves to serving God in whichever way he chooses for us.

John

Prayer

A few weeks ago, in my role as Pastoral leader, I was asked to take one of the House assemblies. I readily agreed but it was only after agreeing that I found out that the theme was “Prayer!” At this point I began to ask whether the House leader’s meeting was really that important! Consequently, I began to think about what I was going to say.

Two days before the assembly one of my prayers was answered when one of our cover supervisors offered to take the assembly.

His assembly was a million times better than I could have done. He pitched the level just right and the pupils were truly attentive to his interactive presentation.

Yet at the end I was left with the feeling that something was missing. It took a while for me to realise that he never once mentioned giving thanks to God. It reminded me that we are very quick to ask God for help and advice but very slow to say “thank you”.

I’m not very good at formal prayer; but the lines from one of the ‘Crocodile Dundee’ films, where Mick Dundee says, “God and me, we be mates!” gives me great hope. So I tend to have conversations with God for, as it says in the prayer diary, I try to “pray as I can, not as I can’t”.
In our busy lives we can still find time for informal chats with God. Prayer in all of its forms is powerful.


Oh, almost forgot, yes I did remember to say “thank you”
for God’s intervention in the assembly.

God Bless
John

Dr. Edward Jenner

This week marks the anniversary of the birth (17-05-1749) of one of the most important figures in British Science – Dr. Edward Jenner. I would guess that most of you would not have heard of his everlasting contributions to the progress of science.


His first important contribution was that, as a young man, he observed and recorded the habits of one of the most important signs of summer – the cuckoo. He was the first to expose this parasitic bird as a nest destroyer and layer of eggs foreign to the nests of many birds.

However, it is his second contribution for which he receives the thanks of mankind, for it was Edward Jenner who discovered the process of vaccination. Through his work as a country doctor he was able to use a disease of cattle called “Cowpox” to provide an inoculation against the dreadful disease Smallpox. In the eighteenth century this was one of the most feared diseases on earth – no country was spared. His breakthrough meant that millions of people gained long-lasting protection against this disease. By 1978 this disease was eradicated from all countries.
Yet, what about Jenner? Some countries feted him as a hero, others gave him a money prize but he remained as a country doctor, often suffering from sarcasm and lampooning. He could have made enormous amount of money but, in line with his strong Christian upbringing (his dad was a vicar!), he preferred to continue serving God and his fellow man.

Jenner used his God given skills to provide help and relief to his patients; in our small way can we do less? We need to pray that God will use us to serve others and use what gifts and talents we may have.

God Bless,
John

John Newton

Just recently I have had the opportunity to re-read the story of John Newton. Alongside the Wesley Bothers and Isaac Watts, Newton remains one of my favourite hymn writers with hymns like: “Glorious things of thee are spoken, Zion, city of our God”; “How sweet the name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear”; and “Amazing Grace”.

Newton’s early life was a catalogue of foul language, blasphemies and general vile behaviour. In fits of conscience he prayed for forgiveness but only saw it as wiping the slate clean and allowing him to continue as before.

It was only during the enormous storm which was gradually destroying the ship he was on (The Greyhound) that he really confronted the enormity of his past life and his sins and really asked for forgiveness. It was reading the words of Christ: (Matt. 7 vv 7&8) “ask and it will be given unto you: seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened unto you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened” and Luke 15 (The Prodigal son) which caused his conversion.

However, he could see that while God would forgive sinners he was worried that this would not include him. In everyday life, one is able to forgive a friend but would you forgive your arch enemy? His answer lay in Acts chapter 9 where we are told of Saul’s conversion.
From this time on Newton believed and understood the massive sacrifice that Jesus made in atoning for our sins and so he spent the remaining years of his long life thanking and praising God for his forgiveness.


We may not feel that our sins are as enormous as those of John Newton but we all fall far short of perfection. We must ask for forgiveness on a regular basis as well as strengthening our faith for it is by faith that we as sinners will be justified before God.
God Bless you all.

John

Are we Listening?

When I was growing up and attending the local Methodist chapel we seemed to spend more time in studying the Old Testament rather than the New. Even now I find myself drawn to the stories of the developing Israelites and their covenant with God.

In particular I have been reading part of the books of Samuel and it is apparent that people in those times turned their back towards God and ignored Him and His covenant. For this they were severely punished. Not even his priest Eli was spared for when his sons Hophni and Phinehas sinned against the Lord they were killed in battle and the Ark of the Covenant was captured. (1 Sam. Ch. 4 on.)

Yet at this same time we have the young boy, Samuel, who had been given to the service of the Lord by his mother, Hannah. Samuel was called by the Lord three times and each time he ran to Eli thinking that it was him who called. Eli eventually realised that it was God calling the boy and instructed him to reply “Speak, Lord for your servant is listening”. (1 Sam. Ch.3)

I wonder if we are the same. Do we choose to ignore or do we just misunderstand what God is asking us to do?

Perhaps on this Father’s Day when we each remember our own father we would be well to give praise and thanks to our Heavenly Father and ask him to speak to us as he did to Samuel. We will never be as great or as powerful as Samuel but we can each be faithful and try to do what we can to grow the Church.

God Bless
John

Saturday 3 March 2007

Annual Church Meeting: March 4th 2007 Newsletter

Annual Church Meeting

Next Sunday (March 11th 2007) is the Annual Church Meeting to which all on the electoral roll are invited.This will take place immediately after the morning service and will be a short meeting. Most of the reports are now available at the back of church for you to read and there will be an opportunity to ask questions at the meeting. “Reports” and “elections” may not be words that excite you but I challenge you to think again.


The “reports” are a true celebration of the life of a vibrant church – did you know how the Guides are flourishing? They also inform us of areas of concern, such as finance. As for “elections”, have you ever considered serving on Church Council? If you want to be involved, make your views known, why not stand for election?

As Paul reminds us in his first letter to the church at Corinth: “There are different ways of serving God, but it is the same Lord who is served.God works through different men in different ways, but it is the same God who achieves his purposes through them all. Each man is given his gift by the Spirit that he may use it for the common good”. (J.B.Phillips) Paul goes on to say in more than one letter to the early church, that the church is one body made up of many parts. All parts are needed to make the whole function.

Church council meetings are on a Thursday, five or six times a year – not a huge commitment. Even if this is not for you, do please stay next Sunday so that you know what is going on behind the scenes as well as visibly in the life of St. Martin’s. The body can’t function without all the parts – and that means you!

Liz Dunthorne

Jesus prays for his disciples

In several passages in the gospels we hear of Jesus finding a quiet place to pray but rarely do we know exactly what he prays for. Today’s reading from John’s gospel is different because within these verses we find Jesus praying for his disciples, giving us a very moving and personal insight into Jesus relationship with them.

Jesus begins by thanking God for giving him the men who were his original disciples and for their faith in him. Jesus goes on to ask for God’s protection on them and prays that they might be united in their mutual love of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. He also asks that they will know joy in their discipleship. Finally he prays that the disciples might be “sanctified”. In other words rather like a place of worship might be sanctified, made clean for service; that the disciples would be made clean by the forgiveness of their sins and kept pure by the guidance of the Spirit.

The word disciple means follower. So as Christians who follow the teaching of Christ, we too are disciples. I’m sure that Jesus prays to his Father, for all his disciples now today, just as he did 2000 years ago. He prays that we too will be united by our love for him and each other. He prays that we too will know joy on our path of discipleship and will be sanctified. Discipleship is not always easy and when it feels particularly difficult remember that, like the original disciples, God chose us to serve Jesus. So he isn’t going to let us struggle on our own. We will be in Jesus’ prayer today.

Yours in Christ,

Richard

Rejuvenation

Recently I was walking past a derelict building site on the other side of town and noticed how many weeds and plants and grass had grown there. It’s amazing isn’t how quickly nature reclaims land for itself if man does not interfere. It doesn’t seem to matter what we do to the environment, we can build on it or poison it, but ultimately it is still able to recover, and still becomes part of the natural world again, part of God’s creation. An example of the power of God in the world.

An example to of what the power of God can do for us. Nothing that we can do to our relationship with Him is irreparable. We can build walls between him and us, and he will build a bridge for us to cross if we want. We can poison our relationship with God by our negligence or by our sin, but His forgiveness is eternal and the offer of it is never taken back. God’s love is able to repair any damage we can possibly do. Therefore do not think that anything in your past or present is too big an obstacle to a relationship with him. His powers of rejuvenation are unstoppable and he will reclaim us as his own if we don’t interfere with his healing process.

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Mike Statham (who passed away in February 2006)

I’m sure for most of us this past week has been overshadowed by the sad news of Mike Statham’s death. A harsh reminder to most of us that we don’t know what life has waiting for us. It certainly reminded me that I should make the most of what I have today.

The majority of us have comfortable and pleasant lives and it is a shame if can’t appreciate what we have. The simple things in life that we probably take for granted are forgotten or ignored. We can waste a lot of time and energy wishing for some elusive “thing” that will make our lives “even better”, and to what end? The things we really ought to worry about, such as forgiveness and what happens after death, have already be taken care of. Jesus.

I’m not suggesting we should be self-indulgent or inward looking, that is not the way we, as Christians, should be. I am reminded though we need to take time out today and look around at all we have and be thankful. I am also reminded that “living for today” can mean not putting off doing something for someone else.

Mike’s faith had grown considerably since he came to St. Martin’s and he was always putting it into practice. He was always willing to help others in whatever way he could, and always with a smile on his face. Mike, thank you for your example and your witness, rest in peace with God.

Yours in Christ, Richard


Editors note: a banner made in the memory of Mike will be unveiled in St Martin's on Sunday March 11th 2007 at the 10am service.

Newsletter – 07/01/07

As ever at this time of year I find myself marvelling at the amount of growth that can be seen in our gardens, hedgerows and woods. It seems however icy, cold or damp it becomes nothing can halt the march of Mother Earth. When it does snow and the ground is as “hard as iron” its surprising that anything can survive at all. Yet all the time below the surface of the soil little roots are feed by whatever nutrients they can seek out and are protected from anything the weather throws at them. Then the minute the temperature warms up there is almost an explosive release of stored up energy as the plant, bush or tree bursts into life.

With the cold grey days of January and February ahead of us, and the joy of Christmas behind us, there is for us as Christians the temptation to go into a sort of spiritual hibernation until Lent at least. There is though, no reason why are faith should not grow during this period. Christmas may be behind us now, but we can hold onto the hope that Christ’s birth offers us and use this hope to feed our faith. Jesus’ birth is evidence that we are loved and cherish by God. And just as the soil protects the plant roots, we have the Holy Spirit to protect the roots of our faith, to encourage us and strengthen us during hard times. If we feed and protect out faith we should be able to burst forth into
life when at Easter we celebrate the fulfilment of God’s gift to us.

Wishing you all a joyful 2007, yours in Christ, Richard

Life's Journey

On holiday this summer Diane and I climbed Great Mell Fell. According to our friends from Keswick, it was only a “pimple”, but to us unseasoned walkers it was our Everest. During our climb I was acutely aware of the constantly changing views, and how by climbing only a few feet the landscape changed by offering me a different perspective. Parts of the climb were quite gentle, almost flat; and during these periods I was constantly looking around and soaking up the beauty of God’s creation. There were also times when the climb was steep and difficult and during those periods I was looking down, watching where I put my feet, and totally unaware of the sights around me. Of course, those hard sections were completely forgotten once I reached the top and could take in some air, as well as the spectacular scenery.

Once back down again and relaxing aching muscles over some local ale I was reminded how our climb mirrored “life”. When the going is easy we look around and take time to enjoy our Lord’s company. However when we have the difficult periods we are too busy and often too tired to even notice He is there. Yet, just as the beautiful scenery was still there even when I had my eyes to the ground; so too is God there when times are hard and we are not conscious of him. He is always there and no matter how difficult the journey of life is, he still holds in his hands for us a beautiful summit at our journey’s end. There we will have all the time we need to recover and catch our breath.

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” Matthew 28:19

Yours in Christ - Richard

Thursday 1 March 2007

Growth

As I sat looking out at the garden,( as I do when I can),
I have been enjoying a tub planted with many different types
of bulbs each flowering in succession.

Fulfilling their own (or Gods) internal plan for them.

Yet when we planted them they were dry, drab, dead looking
bulbs, full of promise for the spring, but not offering any glimpse of
their potential. But with faith in the promise of what they would
deliver, we planted them, with trust and hope.

It was not our hands that watered them, it was not our actions
that warmed them, and not our thoughts that made them shoot,
grow, and burst into glorious colour, that gladdens all who see them.

As we look to appoint Gods gardener for St. Martins it is perhaps similar.
We provide the environment for growth, the church building.
The soil in which to prosper and grow together, its people.

But it’s the Holy Spirit that waters us, and warms us into growth,
towards the aim God has for us all, to be fruitful and to flower,
each in our turn, to fulfil Gods loving plan for us all.
To grow is to change in response.

May God continue to bless us.

Phill.

Faith, Hope and Love

As we look back at the interregnum,
as like the summer it draws to an end,
what can we learn from it?

Perhaps we can say that its our Faith in Christ,
and in each other, that has seen Christ’s body at St. Martins,(which is everyone of us! ) continue God’s work towards his Kingdom during this time.

Perhaps we can say that is that the Hope,
that the sacrifice of Jesus has made possible in this life and the next,
that has made the hopeful wait for God’s next shepherd
at St. Martins all the more eagerly awaited.

But we can certainly say that Love,
the Love of Christ for us all,
the faithful love of God,
and the Hope that the Holy Spirit has kept before us,
that has helped our Prayers, Fellowship and progress in this testing time .

As the concluding verses of 1 Corinthians 13 : 1-13, state:

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love
But the greatest of these is love.

May God continue to bless us.

Phill.

New Year Reflections (Published January 2006)

Its January, named after the Roman deity, Janus, depicted with two faces, one looking backward one looking forward.

At the New Year we can look backward to the interregnum and the appointment of Simon, and forward to the future of St. Martins in 2006, which we are all going to continue to contribute to, one way or another, I’m sure.

In between is Christmas, whether it was spent with Family, Friends, or at work like myself, I trust it was a special time,
and that we didn’t lose sight of the act of Love, that Christmas celebrates. Where Gods love provided his son Jesus Christ as a saviour for us all.

Another way of looking two ways, is looking inward at ourselves at St. Martins, showing Love and fellowship to all at St Martins, as we did in 2005, and continuing to look outward at the Wider Community, and world, that surrounds us, showing that same Love to all who use our facilities at the Church, and in the community, and the new friends and contacts that that Love may bring in 2006.

May I thank you for all the Love, Prayer and Fellowship we have all seen at St Martins in 2005, and look forward to the growth in all directions that Love can bring us all in 2006.

As the old saying reminds us:
‘Love wasn’t put in your heart to stay;
Love isn’t love, till you give it away!’

May God continue to bless us all in 2006

Phill

A Modern Psalm

Lord of mercy and Grace
Have mercy on your people of self-interest and greed.

You Lord created a world of love and peace,
For us to oppress and waste, in hate and apathy.

In a world of plenty, populated by billions,
Thousands die of hunger or in loneliness every day.

You Lord wanted our lives to be full and fruitful,
We create empty lives, which are shallow and myopic.

Whilst we hurry toward the blinding darkness of self interest,
We are already blind to the eternal light of your Truth and Grace.

Unlike the balance of nature around us,
We kill, destroy and waste,
Because we can, not out of true need.

We serve the new golden calves of greed and possessions,
and ignore you Lord and each other,
But you Lord are still merciful, and full of loving Grace.

We misuse the earth’s resources, and each other,
and fuel the fires of our own doom,
But you Lord seek to save us from ourselves,
If we only listen and act.

Lord; open all our eyes to your truth.
Guide us into the light of your salvation.
Strengthen us to speak of you to all.
Guide our minds to understand the gift of your Grace to all.
Strengthen and live in our hearts, to live your life.
Guide our paths to reach out to all those around us.
Strengthen all of us, to love God and each other, in Justice and peace.
Guide our change from the inside out Lord.

Phill Ball




Christ is Risen (First published 16th April 2006)

Friends,
Christ is risen ! , Happy Easter !,
God’s Love for us all be praised !

Perhaps we can all reflect on the cost of that love, and just how special God’s Love is to each and every one of us, this Easter time.

May we all find time to thank God for all his Love!

A few words on Gods love:

The Trinity of Love
I believe in God, who created, and creates in Love.

I believe in Jesus, who was sent in Love,
and who for us; died for Love.
Who by God's Love, defeated death, and rose anew;
that by his loving Grace, we may live in that life of Love forever.

I believe in the Spirit of God's Love,
his Holy Spirit, who walks with us,
our friend, comforter and guide.

I believe in God's love,
Then, now, and to come.
God is Love, and through Faith we know and share God's Love.
Love given, Love Redeemed, Love shared.

May you all know and share God’s love this Easter

Yours in Christ
Phill.

Monday 26 February 2007

What Jesus' death on the cross really means (first published in Easter 2004)

You know the saying, he’s as hard as nails? Well we know that’s not literally true. The nails that were used to pin Jesus to the cross were probably rusty, blood stained and old. It was a horrible death – slow and agonising during which he went through all the human agonies – something we don’t like to think about, a stumbling block to our sensibilities, but the heart of our faith. A faith that proclaims that Jesus, both God and human, died for all of humanity. A death which was undertaken with strength, as he forgave others and promised everlasting life. A death which was endured with weakness, as he felt that God the Father had gone from him, as he felt sorrow and as he felt thirsty. A death in which Jesus trusted that God the Father would receive him back.

How often do we follow Jesus so that we may live in God’s strength? How often do we endure weakness apart from God? How often do we find that we must trust God even though he seems far away? As we struggle to do all these things, let us remember that Jesus, God’s own son, has struggled in the same way, yet without sin. And so let us repent and turn to Jesus.

A couple of weeks ago I went with a friend to see the controversial film by Mel Gibson ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ Although I had read many reviews and seen several clips, nothing could have prepared me for what was nothing short of torture. The agonies that Jesus endured as he was beaten relentlessly, almost to the point of death, and then forced to carry his own cross were excruciating to watch. Yet he never complained or asked to be spared. He took our punishment upon his shoulders and asked his Father to forgive us. Such love he had for us.

Yet still our world does not turn and listen. Even now, the world spins round on its axis, but does not turn to look and see. Humanity does not turn to ask, in the midst of suffering, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’

Every blessing this Eastertide,
Penny

Reflections on Harvest (Published in October 2006)

Last weekend was our Harvest Festival, and it brought back memories of my first ever, at my primary school in north London. The centrepiece of the wonderful pyramid of fruits and vegetables piled up around the school hall was a great loaf of bread made by the local baker. It was in the shape of a huge golden sheaf of wheat with a little harvest mouse climbing around the wheat stalk.. These were the days when this display represented the fruits of people’s labour in their gardens and allotments – foods you could touch and smell. This was a ritual of gratitude that stretched around the world and back in time to a moment when an ancient ancestor felt well fed and was grateful. As the years went on the dire curse of the tin and packet would set in and the sensuality of natural foods would be replaced by packaging

Nowadays the whole consumer experience is a blur of feeling desire, want, pleasure, satiation, nausea and gross indulgence,- followed by a longing for austerity, and detox of mind, body and spirit, all in a matter of hours

Every day can be a Harvest Festival if we just stop and stock-take our lives. The fruits of our labours are all around us if only we stop long enough to look. That is because the society we live in through the medium of advertising and marketing wants us to focus on all the things we don’t have instead.

Nothing cleanses the mental palate like gratitude. We all take things like running water for granted; we all wake up in a dry, warm room under a dry warm duvet. How often do we say ‘thank you’ though?

I believe it’s time to evaluate the harvest festival of our own lives – there’s no end to the gifts that surround us. Let’s be thankful for all that we have, and not grumble about what we haven’t. Why not make a ‘thank you’ list?

Let’s face it, - there’s nothing in our lives that wouldn’t be considered a miracle in someone else’s.

God bless,
Penny

Putting things into perspective

I was reading a book titled ‘A Bundle of Laughs’ when I came upon this article about putting things into perspective, and it made me stop and think about how often we get impatient with folks, not knowing their circumstances.

‘Heavenly Father, help us to remember that the idiot who cut us up in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can’t cope with change is a worried 19 year old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next term.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary-looking homeless man (who really ought to get a job!) is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slowly through the supermarket aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savouring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she had back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not just to those who are close to us, but to all humanity. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive and show patience, empathy and love’.

Love and blessings to you all,
Penny

Where was God Today? (First published in July 2005 after the London bombings)

I had just finished my breakfast and was contemplating a relatively quiet day, when suddenly a newsflash came on the TV, - ‘London rocked by explosions.’ Immediately my thoughts turned towards Catharine, my beloved daughter. As many of you know, she is studying bassoon at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama in the City of London.

The story unfolded bit by bit. Firstly it was thought that there had been a power surge on the Underground, then we heard that a bus had been blown to pieces. My mind was in total turmoil. Where was Catharine likely to be? Normally she would have been travelling to Aldgate or Moorgate station to go to college. I tried ringing her on her mobile phone - no service. Then I tried all of her housemates. Their phones were dead. Eventually, I was able to leave a message on one of her friend’s mobiles. And then all I could do was wait.

After what seemed an interminable length of time, my phone rang. It was Catharine - she was safe. Tears of relief ran down my cheeks. I could only thank God for keeping her safe.

As the hours have passed, we have realised the severity of the situation. At the time of writing, there have been 37 confirmed deaths and over 700 injured. As the Prime Minister, Tony Blair said, ‘This is not an attack on one nation – it’s an attack on all nations and civilised people everywhere’. It was an awful day, but just think how much worse it must be for those who have lost loved ones, and those who perhaps haven’t been able to trace friends and family who were out and about at that time.

So where was God in all this? Paul talks about love and the good overcoming evil (Romans 12 9-21) and this was indeed evil of the worst kind. No it had nothing to do with religion, just evil misguided people. The vast majority of Muslims abhor and reject what has been done in the name of their religion; and we Christians must reject evil that is and has been done in the name of Christianity today and in the past. Love must and will overcome evil. Communities in London will be drawn together by this atrocity in fighting a common cause - terrorism. Love will conquer all in the end. But for now we rejoice and thank God for the safe keeping of our loved ones; but we must also mourn with those who mourn and we must seek to live in harmony with one another.

Love in Christ.

Penny and Peter

Thought on the Lord's Prayer

THOUGHTS ON THE LORD’S PRAYER

Lord, I cannot say ‘OUR FATHER’

if my Christianity has no room for other people and their needs.

I cannot say ‘WHO ART IN HEAVEN’

if my attention is focused only on earthly things.

I cannot say ‘HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME’

if I, who am called by your name, am not holy.

I cannot say ‘YOUR KINGDOM COME’

if I fail to acknowledge your sovereignty in my life.

I cannot say ‘ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN’

unless I am truly ready to serve you here and now.

I cannot say ‘GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD’

without doing an honest day’s work and without considering the needs of those less fortunate.

I cannot say ‘FORGIVE US OUR SINS AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US’

if I harbour grievances against my bother or sister.

I cannot say ‘LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION’

if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say ‘DELIVER US FROM EVIL’

if I am not prepared to take a stand against injustice and evil in my society.

Lord, I cannot say ‘THINE IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY’

if I do not submit to Christ as King, if I fail to trust you to act in my life, or if in pride, I seek my own glory.

And finally, I cannot say AMEN

unless I can honestly say, come what may, this is my prayer.

“Prayer is exhaling the spirit of man and inhaling the spirit of God” – Edwin Keith

“When I pray, coincidences happen, And when I stop praying, the coincidences stop” – Archbishop William Temple

“Before we can pray,’ Lord, Thy Kingdom came’, we must be willing to pray, ‘my Kingdom go’” – Alan Redpath

Let’s be honest with ourselves, - how often do we go through the motions of using this beautiful prayer which Jesus himself taught us without really thinking what it’s about? Keep this with your Bibles as a reminder.

God bless,
Penny