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
Saturday, 1 December 2007
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!!
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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