The annual church meeting is a really important moment in the church year to review and give thanks for all that God has been doing in the life of our church community over the last year. It is also a chance to share the hope we have for all God will continue to do in the year ahead.If you click on the link you will be able to read all the reports that have been compiled for the meeting.https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A6stlyyVY5PNkJV24uGFcSdKCrs1gmAd/view?usp=drive_linkI am also sharing a link to the Agenda for the meeting:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aESOzd6tZFI9TRQ-jhmtL5jSaifb9BCL4KI1rQwPh80/edit?usp=sharingFinally, Here are the minutes from the APCM meeting last year:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V4e0FFr-CV0q4FjuNhsnpRWsnZfizoMj/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=102947240699047795644&rtpof=true&sd=trueIf you have any other business you would like be considered during the meeting then please let me know before Sunday. Also, if you are unable to attend but wish to send your apologies then again please let me know before Sunday. Thank you.
Fast Facts: I’m currently reading: “Black Liturgies” by Cole Arthur Riley and “We Solve Murders” by Richard OsmanWhilst writing this I am listening to: “Dona Nobis Pacem” by TaizeFun Fact of the week: On Beltane (1st May) it was believed that washing your face in the morning dew on Beltane (or drinking it) would bring beauty, youthfulness, and vitality. (If you missed it yesterday morning then there is always next year!)In the 1989 film “Field of Dreams” Kevin Costner’s character says, “If you build it they will come”. I’ve never seen the film and am not a big fan of KC but I often use this line, slightly tongue-in-cheek, to motivate me towards action and innovation. I am sure we were taught something different at theological college (The Parable of the Talents, perhaps?) Anyway, I realised this week how much I disagree with the whole sentiment!I was reflecting on our evolving youth club at St. James. Everyone who comes does so because of relationships. Of course, it is necessary to have the church open and activities made available, but young people only come through the door if they are invited, made welcome, and relationships are nurtured. Writing this I realise that it is true for all aspects of church life. It is not enough to simply build it and sit back waiting for the people to come. It is necessary to nurture belonging and connection with one another; the church becoming an embodiment of Christ’s love and compassion for all people.This should come as no surprise to me as the Christian faith is based on a relationship with God, made known to us as the Source of All Being, Christ, and Holy Spirit. This centrality of ‘relationship’ within Christianity is made clear in a verse from our Gospel this coming Sunday, “Jesus said “I am the way, the truth and the life”” (John 14:6). Jesus is not saying (although he does elsewhere) “I know the way, follow me” or “I know the way, let me give you the map”. He is saying that the way is who he is. To discover this way is to enter into a relationship with Christ and to seek ever closer union with Christ. To follow Christ means to seek a mutual indwelling with God and one another.For Field of Dreams 2 ( Heaven forbid!) I suggest they change the line to “If you open your heart to God and to your neighbour then they will come”. Not quite so punchy or of the zeitgeist but a better reflection of your faith?As always, if you would like me to pray for, or have a conversation about anything then do get in touch. I am available to listen and share in whatever might be arising for you at this time."Nothing can separate us from the love of God revealed to us in Christ Jesus" Rom 8:38-39With peace and blessings,Rev Steve07503164309vicar@stjamesandchristchurch.ukMy day of rest this week is Monday.
I’m currently reading: “The Impossible Fortune” by Richard Osman, and “Being Muslim Today” by Saib Iqbal Qureshi.Whilst writing this I am listening to: “Ghosteen” by Nick Cave and The Bad SeedsFun Fact of the week: In a group of 23 people, there is a 50% chance that two individuals will share the same birthday. This is known as the “birthday paradox.”Yesterday I did something I had never done before; I did something I never thought I would do; and something I should probably never do again. Yes, I did some crochet! The results can be seen in the attached photo. I never quite got the hang of making a ‘donut’ and so my crochet became one long chain that I creatively transformed into a ‘friendship’ bracelet. There are some things we are called to in life and some things we are not. I think you understand where crochet falls within that dichotomy.Yesterday, I also visited our church primary school to take an assembly. Afterwards, I thought I’d stay on and play some football with the children during lunchtime. From my many years in secondary school playgrounds I know there are two simple rules for playing football with children: Firstly, don’t hit the ball too hard in case it hits someone in the face and secondly, don’t head the ball with glasses on. Anyway, needless to say, I got carried away and promptly had to sub myself off as I comforted the poor chap who I’d kicked a ball at and fixed my glasses that buckled when I headed the ball. Even the things we are called to do need to be done with wisdom and in moderation.Writing this I am a bit nervous because tomorrow I will have my first general anaesthetic in order to undergo some minor heart surgery in Oxford. It should all be routine and I could be at home by night time. But, one never knows for sure. Life teaches us to hold lightly to the things of this world but to root ourselves in God’s love; a love that creates, sustains, and connects us. So, in all our planning and dreaming of things to come we are reminded of the words of Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will but yours be done”. We seek to let go and allow God to guide us along the right paths that lead to a fullness of life, whatever that might look like.As always, if you would like me to pray for, or have a conversation about anything then do get in touch. I am available to listen and share in whatever might be arising for you at this time."Nothing can separate us from the love of God revealed to us in Christ Jesus" Rom 8:38-39With peace and blessings,Rev Steve07503164309vicar@stjamesandchristchurch.ukMy day of rest this week is Monday.
I’m currently reading: “Between Living and Dying: Reflections from the edge of experience” by Ruth Scott, & “The Missing Peace” by Chris Whittington.Whilst writing this I am listening to: Easter Lily EP by U2Fun Fact of the week: In Switzerland, it is illegal to own only one guinea pig because they are social animals and need a companion.[I wonder whether a similar law might work for humans?]You might, although it is highly unlikely, be wondering what happened to Episode #22 of my weekly newsletters? Well, I was on holiday in the Isle of Wight with my extended family last week and so thought I would take a break from the weekly communications. So, episode #22 will forever be the missing document that historians of the future will fruitlessly search for. It was a good time away and I particularly enjoyed getting in the sea each day (with a wetsuit on). I enjoy bobbing around in the vast waters. When praying I sometimes use an image of sinking through endlessly deep waters to let go and rest in the God who holds me, surrounds me, and contains unimaginable depth and mystery. What some people find pretty scary then I find strangely comforting. I wonder what image of God brings you peace?The Easter celebrations at St. James from Maundy Thursday through Good Friday, Easter Saturday, culminating on Easter morning were very special times of worship together. I am always very aware that the events of Easter Sunday only make sense when we journey with Christ through the preceding days. Resurrection is a gift that bears, but ultimately brings glorifies and transfigures, the scars of betrayal and loss.The celebration of Holy Communion on Easter morning is my favourite moment of the church year. Not just because I get to sing in Latin a few times (although that is a large part of it!) but there is such a glorious relief in coming home to our Creator and Redeemer and discovering the light that never dies, the Christ who walks with us, the love of God that remains steadfast throughout all the struggles of the year past.We light our Easter Candle every Sunday throughout the Easter Season (until Pentecost on May 24th) to remind us of these resurrection truths, that we have a God who is risen from the dead, and continues to bring the hope and joy of this resurrection into our world today.There is a lot happening in the week ahead so do check out the “What’s On” part of my communications today.As always, if you would like me to pray for, or have a conversation about anything then do get in touch. I am available to listen and share in whatever might be arising for you at this time."Nothing can separate us from the love of God revealed to us in Christ Jesus" Rom 8:38-39With peace and blessings,Rev Steve07503164309vicar@stjamesandchristchurch.ukMy day of rest this week is Monday.
