Dear All, Why do we call Good Friday good? It certainly wasn’t good for Jesus. In fact, he sweated blood the day before it, in anticipation of it. But that was nothing in comparison with the horrors of the day itself. This is how it unfolded: After midnight, on Friday morning he was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was betrayed by his friend Judas. The rest of the disciples ran away. Between 4am and 6am he was bound and taken to Annas and Caiaphas the High Priests. Peter followed close behind but denied that he ever knew Jesus when questioned. Between 6am and 8am he was tried by Pontius Pilate. He was mocked and scourged, and a crown of thorns was placed on his head. Barabbas the robber was released instead of him. At 9am he was crucified. The nails driven into his hands and feet made any movement excruciating. The charge over him read ‘The King of the Jews.’ Between 9am and 12 noon the soldiers cast lots for Jesus’ clothing while the passers by and religious leaders mocked him. He was also mocked by the criminals being crucified alongside him. At 3pm Jesus gave a last cry and died. A lance pierced his side to prove he was dead. The crowds left the scene beating their breasts at the misery of it all. The day was a victory for all who hated Jesus. If the story had ended there that day can only have been called Bad Friday. However, there was a sequel that no one expected which changed everything. That sequel was Easter. Because of Easter the bad things that happened on that day took on a new light. They could be seen as the lengths that God would go to for love. That was how that Friday became Good. Easter shows us the limits of betrayal, mocking, violence and death. They cannot exceed the extent of the love of God. They did their worst on Good Friday and could not prevail. The Resurrection of Jesus defeated them all. That means that there is nothing to fear on the days when Good Friday comes to us. The presence of Jesus will be with us. The light of the Resurrection will cast away our darkness. Lord, bring us through the darkness to the light of your Resurrection. Your friend and vicar, David.
Of Kindness and Compassion Jesus demonstrated compassion wherever he went. He taught that must care for the least among us (Matthew 25:40) The New testament church continued this by doing away with racism, ageism and classism, and sexism. There is neither Jew nor Greek or slave or free or male or female. For we are all one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3 : 28) To follow Christ means showing compassion to everyone whether you like them or not. You are called to practice compassion wherever you go. Jean Henri Dunant couldn't bear the sound of soldiers crying out in pain on the battlefield after being wounded. So, he dedicated his life to helping them in Jesus name. As a result, he set up the red cross in the 1860s. A Lutheran pastor in Germany called Theodore Fliedner taught a group of peasant women to nurse the sick. This led to the development of hospitals all over Europe and inspired Florence Nightingale to dedicate her life to tend the sick. Jesus said of every act of kindness shown towards someone, including those that don't deserve it "You did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Today we live in a multi-cultural society. Even in religion there are so many different faiths and religious leaders. It was the same in Jesus’ time. Jews, Romans and Greeks; Sadducees, Pharisees and Herodians. However, this does not mean we lose our identity or faith. If we persevere, believe and follow God's only begotten son our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, through his death and resurrection and by his grace, we are brought to salvation. Our Lord Jesus taught us to pray and we have much to pray for in our world today. For the poor and needy, those that are homeless and living on the streets in this really cold weather. For children and families living in poverty, for the sick and lonely and for the salvation of others. Father Help us to be better witnesses and Christians. Bless the work and service of the Mission as they lead many to our Lord Jesus Christ, bringing salvation to India. Bless the teachers of the bible schools and literacy classes as they teach children and adults the gospel, also the planters as they spread the gospel, opening new churches to the saving of souls in India. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen By June Davis
On 15th December Ryhope choir, based at St Paul’s church, were invited to perform in the chapel at the pit village in Beamish Open Air Museum. We sang a selection of carols in the chapel in three sets throughout the afternoon to an audience of passers- by, enthusiastic participants and Peter’s grandchildren - the latter joined in the songs and were invited up to sing alongside us such was their enthusiasm. The chapel filled up each time we sang with people walking past the usually almost empty chapel being attracted in by our voices like Sirens which was very encouraging. It was an emotional experience and felt quite special singing in such a venue at a magical and special time of year. We enjoyed exploring the museum in the breaks between sets, especially the elf village in the woods with elf homes and buildings scattered along the path surrounded by fairy lights and Christmas music. They had even recreated the Grand cinema which previously stood in Ryhope, but which was recently rebuilt in Beamish. Santa was there in a horse drawn carriage too delighting both small children and middle-aged women! The Christmas trees around the museum and stalls selling decorations and sweets and treats for Christmas stockings really added to our festive spirit. We all had an amazing time and we sincerely hope we are invited back to sing at Beamish in the years to come. Many thanks to Tony Bowler for leading the choir and organising such a wonderful experience for us all. By Elaine Shanks
On 6th December St Paul’s was happy to welcome back the NASUWT Riverside band for their Christmas concert. The eminent Professor Nicholas Childs returned as Principal conductor. The church was packed with hundreds of music lovers. The concert began with a rousing opening Ashwell Carol and continued into a piece called Christmas Fantasy which was a medley of popular Christmas songs. Several soloists bravely took to the stage including a tenor horn, cornet, flugel and a rarely used baritone solo by Joe Ridgeon who seemed very keen to have his well deserved time in the spotlight. A very moving piece called Shepherd’s Lullaby we were told evoked memories of those we have lost and who won’t be here at Christmas with us. This was especially moving for me as it played at the exact time a relative’s funeral was taking place thousands of miles away : it was particularly haunting. The first half rounded off with a new arrangement of A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square by the young composer, Matthew Hall, which mixed the original song with dramatic, chaotic music. After the interval the concert veered firmly into Christmas territory. The band started off with a instrumental song called Sleighride which had a band member playing a fascinating instrument consisting of two bits of wood which slapped together and led to some members of the audience dancing along enthusiastically. Marking the fortieth anniversary of the release of Do They Know It’s Christmas? the band performed a rearranged version which had Father David joining in by singing along impressively. There were also opportunities for official audience participation too with stomping renditions of O Come All Ye Faithful and Hark the Herald Angels Sing. The evening concluded with an arrangement of Little Drummer Boy which allowed all of the instruments in the band to get their own solos. Finally the percussionists who had spent the evening doing laps of the church back and forth between their various percussion instruments could have a rest. We all had a really enjoyable evening and the concert really got us into the mood for Christmas. We look forward to the NASUWT Riverside Band back to Ryhope again on 15th February to lift our spirits and lift the roof. By Elaine Shanks
