“MINE IS A STRANGE CALLING”

Dear All,

“I want it and I want it NOW!” could be the motto of the 21st century. Our modern age would have us believe that everything ought to be available instantly at the push of a button.

This November I will have been in the parishes of the Woodfield Team of churches for 5 years. It’s hard to believe. I don’t know where those 5 years have gone. They’ve been busy and demanding years to say the least. Yet, I’ve been given so much – the privilege of sharing with people in their joys and sorrows, the joy of seeing folk grow in their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. I’ve seen the parishes of the Team journeying in their understanding of working together across the area, and beginning to see the benefits of being together and not just isolated churches.

It’s also been 5 years in which my own friendship with Jesus has developed; I’ve had to give him more of my trust, as challenging situations have developed.

Mine is a strange calling in a world where so much is expected to happen instantly. The growth of God’s Kingdom is more like the organic growth of the things of nature. It takes time for seed once planted to germinate, send down roots and produce shoots, to flower and bear fruit. Things that are worthwhile usually take time to happen.

And the fruit of God’s kingdom is often intangible in a world that measures success in terms of statistical targets. God’s work sees the growth of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness; it sees lives lived in step with the Holy Spirit. His hand is often seen in the small, almost secret, moments – an act of friendship, a trouble shared.

However, this calling of mine is not one I would change. I am grateful to God for these last 5 years. I am grateful to Him for life, for love, for the hope that is ours in Jesus Christ, and for the privilege of serving him and you in these villages.

Yours,

Vivien

FUTURE EVENTS

TALKING OF GOD

So often we get very tongue tied when it comes to speaking of our walk with God and yet many want to hear our stories. They are curious. I need guinea pigs to trial a course called ‘Talking of God’. It’s a 4 session course and I’ll be running it on 4 Fridays starting on 4th November at 10am here at Measham Vicarage.

If you’d like to help me see how this course works, then phone me on 01530 270354.  (Vivien)

LIGHTS OF LOVE: MEMORIAL SERVICE. SATURDAY 5TH NOVEMBER AT 2PM

This is a simple service of hymns, prayers and readings, during which we can remember those whom we’ve lost and to whom we still want to say ‘We love you’. There’s a chance to light a candle and say a prayer for your loved one. Feel free to come along if this would be helpful to you.

CHRISTMAS @ MEASHAM Thursday 1st December starting at 6.30pm:

A date for your diary – come to this Measham village event. It will start with carol singing at St Laurence Church in Measham, then the switching on of the Christmas lights and late night shopping in the High street. And much more….

TIDDLYWINKS will be meeting on 8th and 22nd November, in St John’s Church. It runs from 9.30am-11am and costs £1.25 per family. There’s a mixture of songs, a Bible story, craft and toys, and is open to pre-schoolers plus their carer.

NOTICE

St. John’s Church Hall,

The Parochial Church Council of St. John’s Church, Donisthorpe has been considering for some years, ever since the building had to be closed following an accident, what could be done with the Church Hall.  At the time of the closure, the PCC was faced with the church hall and the church building both needing extensive, and costly, work.

There was a public meeting in the Church where proposals to sell the Hall and alter the Church so that it could be used for the sort of functions which used to be held in the Hall were discussed.  This sort of proposal has not been taken further, partly because of the current situation which makes selling property very difficult. We have been very concerned that it has become an eyesore in the village.

However, the agents who advise the Diocese have been in touch and advised that there is an opportunity at the moment to sell the Hall and that such an opportunity is unlikely to come round again for some time.

The proposals have been looked at again and a decision has been reached that the Hall should be offered for sale.  The reasons for the decision are:

1. The cost of repair of the Hall is too great to be managed:

2. Even if it were to be reopened, the Hall could not generate sufficient income to cover the cost of maintaining it and to justify the considerable capital costs of repair and refurbishment;

3. Even if it were possible to reopen the Hall, there are not the people readily available to run it as a going concern;

4. It is intended that alternative facilities be provided by reordering the church.

5. It seems prudent to have 1 building that can be maintained properly and used fully, and that building is the church building.

During the discussions, the history and background of the Hall were examined.  The Hall and the land on which it stands were obtained in three separate stages.  The documents emphasise that the reason for the Hall was for Church activities and to assist in spreading the doctrine of the Church of England.

The Hall has been missed whilst it has been closed and, although it may take a long time to achieve, the Church would like to provide something to fill the gap.  Reopening the Hall is beyond the Church’s means, but it is hoped that its sale may enable the Church building itself to be altered to meet needs for community space.

St. John’s Parochial Church Council.

REFLECTION

CHANGING PLEASURES – Hebrews 13: 1 - 6

'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.' (v.8)

Pleasure and Christian joy cannot be equated because pleasure depends on circumstances and Christian joy does not. Another difference is this: pleasures come and go. Look back over your life for a moment and think of the different things that have given you pleasure over the years.

Perhaps, when you were a child, it was a toy that brought you pleasure. Then, when you entered your teens, it was something else, a relationship, perhaps, or a sport. In later years the things that gave you pleasure changed again. The theatre, books, an armchair ...the things that give us pleasure change over the years. But the joy of God is constant.

Yet another difference between pleasure and joy is this: pleasure satiates. It is easy to have too much. And when that point is passed a sense of revulsion can set in. The things for which we once craved become repulsive to us.

Joy, however, never satiates.

A Christian says, 'We have enough, yet not too much to long for more:

One more difference between pleasure and joy is that pleasure is often superficial and, as we have said, depends on circumstances. The joy that is the fruit of the Spirit, however, remains with us constantly -even in times of sorrow, as Paul could testify (2 Cor. 6:10). We may not immediately sense it or feel it but it is there supporting and holding us and will eventually break through.

PRAYER: Gracious Father, fill me with this joy as I go out to face the world today. Help me to radiate Your joy wherever I go. In Jesus' name. Amen.

MOTHER’S UNION

We had a very happy Coffee Morning in August, when we raised just over £200, half of which was given to the Church Tower Repair Fund.  The rest will be divided between some of the MU projects – the Holiday Scheme for needy families:  the Worldwide Fund:  and the Diocesan Fund.

As I write, the October meeting has yet to come, a report will follow in the December issue. Along with dates for events in December.

The meeting in November will be at 19 Blackfordby Lane, Moira.  Will members please bring something towards light refreshments, drinks will be provided. 

Remembrance Sunday: November 13th Our Service of Remembrance will take place starting at 10am in church. Then Advent Sunday this year falls on 27th November. Our 11am service will include Advent hymns and will set us on our way through Advent and our preparation for the coming of Christ.