1 John Chapter 4 verse16.

Every year we have a Marriage Preparation Day to which we invite all the couples who are to be married in any one of the three churches in our Benefice that year. At the day, which we held the weekend before I write, we lead our couples through discussions about such things as our own childhood, the most important ways to treat children, what we value in our lives, money matters, different aspects of stress, practical ways of dealing with conflict and a few other areas which we believe will be helpful to couples who are about to exchange vows “till death us do part.” The day is interspersed with coffee/tea and biscuits, a good hot lunch, a glass or two of wine, wonderful desserts and everyone has an enjoyable and informative time.

This year we have 19 weddings in the Benefice, 6 of which happen before the end of this month! At the M.P. Day 13 of our couples attended, which was a great take up and I noticed when we started at 10.00am we had 26 young people all looking a bit apprehensive and serious as they sat in a big circle in our Parish Rooms -and 45 minutes later they were all looking relaxed, laughing and enjoying themselves! I am always thrilled when a couple want to be married in church and usually say in my short address during the wedding service that I believe it is the best place for such a serious and life-changing  occasion to take place.

Many couples -before they speak to me- are worried that it is hypocritical to get married in church when they haven’t been attending regularly over previous years. I am delighted that they want to start their married lives together in church, making vows before God and am sure God is equally pleased He is included on such a special occasion! For some it is the beginning or resumption of church going and in including God in other important life changing events – such as the baptism of a baby or the funeral of a loved one, as well as Easter and Christmas visits  -  which cause the relationship (with God) to grow. I am fully aware how difficult it is to start going to church when you are not used to the hymns, when to stand or sit, what to do or say, the mystery of holy communion etc.- although unfamiliarity with rules would not stop us from going to watch football, cricket, theatre, opera, ballet etc!!

Yet, I believe, God enjoys and delights in people connecting with Him in the same way as we enjoy meeting up with a long lost relative or friend from the past. We have to keep connecting to keep a renewed relationship growing. The season of Lent, which has just started, far from being a time to give things up, is actually a time of renewing our relationship with God and a growing appreciation of the enjoyment we can have in His presence.  We have lots of special services coming up and I know everyone is offered a warm welcome in each of the churches.

With Love,

Stephen.

19.02.2012

The following week we moved on to studying God’s instructions to Moses and Israel specifically for making the Tabernacle where God would dwell in the midst of them.  Exodus 25v8-9, Hebrews 8v1-2, 5, Exodus 40v17-38.  With much laughter we grappled with the general layout of the Tabernacle, and God’s specific instructions.  One person remarked that the Holy of Hoies was to  the west and not to the east as the ‘altar’ ends are in Church of England buildings. What happened when the Tabernacle was completed?  The glory of the Lord came down visibly as a cloud by day, and as fire by night.  When we then considered John1v1-2&14, 1Corinthians3v16, & 1Corinthians6v19-20 we began to see God’s glory returning to the 2nd Temple, the Temple of Herod in the person of Jesus the Christ, and now His glory, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in those who firstly put their trust in Jesus as Saviour and then goes on to follow in obedience to His ways by the power and help of the Holy Spirit.  How can we afford to neglect such a gift of God to us ?

In the Christian calendar we move swiftly on from the birth of Jesus which we celebrate at Christmas to following the ministry of Jesus as he went from village to village preaching about the kingdom of Heaven and healing those who came to him, and performing miracles. We read of him stilling storms with a word, walking on water, changing water into wine, directing a miraculous catch of fish, feeding thousands from nothing, raising the dead and all the while teaching and preaching as he went. Quite amazing! Wherever he went, as you would expect, vast crowds gathered to see him, to be healed by him and to experience the peace of God which passed all understanding wherever he was.

It is always wonderful and encouraging to see so many people of all ages come into our churches over Christmas as we relive and celebrate the miracle of the Son of God coming down to earth to live with us. This year as I read and  spoke again about the event that we all know so well, I was struck by the risk- in human terms -  that God took sending his Son into the world where he or his mother, on the balance of probabilities that existed at the time of his birth, would not survive. Who among us would choose that our precious offspring would be born in such circumstances?! Or that he would escape being killed, by King Herod or anyone else threatened by his birth. That he survived into adulthood was a miracle in itself. But throughout, God had a plan and Jesus a destiny and nothing and no-one had the power to prevent this plan from being fulfilled.

As I ponder all these events, I am convinced more than ever that God was and is in control and that His purposes- for the world and each of our lives in it – will be fulfilled. His ways and His timing is perfect. He did all this because He loves us so much and wants us to be in communion -live our lives -in Him and through Him. As any loving father would, he longs for all those who look for him at Christmas to continue to seek in Him for evermore.

We move swiftly onto Lent in our calendar which begins with Ash Wednesday. It is a time when everyone can think about their own relationship with God and decide what they might do to strengthen it. Like reading through all those cards and letters we receive at Christmas after the celebrations are over and deciding ways that we can keep in better contact with our loved ones and friends, plan times to see them and keep in even better touch than we have managed in the year just past.

The reading from the Bible remembers a time when Jesus took his closest friends up a mountain and revealed to them who he really was. After all the excitement, all they could see was Him. It is what He would like us to do after we have taken the decorations down. Just think about Him -and keep in touch.

With Love,

Stephen

New year, new officers elected at the AGM at the Afternoon Group meeting.  Sally Millett is our new secretary and Marguerite Weager the new treasurer, hope you both enjoy your new jobs.  They replace Mary Middleditch and Janice Rivers who have held positions for several years.  Many thanks to both.

We all contributed ideas for our 2012 programmes which will also interest non-members, including Little Angels Mums.  Please ask coffee ladies or any Member if you would like more info. 

There will be a talk on hedgehog rescue, visits to the Nailsworth Amateur Dramatics, plus talks by MU speakers and on Feb 1st Rev Sian Collins will be at the afternoon (2pm) meeting with her “Sand Meditation”.  And of course our social events

Sue Reed brought along the Banner to our Evening  Group meeting, which all organisations are asked to help make – it should be quite impressive when finished.  Much hilarity greeted some of the ideas put forward.

We do all enjoy our meetings which strengthen friendships and show care for one another.  And look forward to welcoming any one who may be interested in joining us.  The year’s programme will be on the Church noticeboard.

The children acted through the events of the Nativity, following a book that they had all been reading during Advent.  With cast aged from 0 – 7, they were quite wonderful and a great start to the Christmas week.

This is probably the best cast photo that anyone managed to get – apologies to those who aren’t in the shot – getting 15 small children sitting still for a photo is a tough call!

Little Angels Nativity 2011

NEWSLETTER 15.01.12 click here