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 !

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

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

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.