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Scripture readings for Sunday
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When something terrible happens, whether it is to one individual or to thousands as in the recent atrocities in the United States, one of the first questions raised is how God can let human beings do such dreadful things to each other. It was not long after the towers of the World Trade Centre collapsed before someone was on my doorstep asking that very question, and I am sure that for every person who asks it there are many more who think it, or even think, "... so there can't be a God, then!"
There are answers to these difficult questions, but they are not quick answers, and when ordinary people ask simple questions they do not expect a university essay for an answer, but not much less can satisfy our craving for the truth. Distilled as far I can make it, the argument goes that in order to reach the goal of his creative enterprise, God has to make creatures who are capable of giving the same kind of love as God gives himself - the love he demonstrates in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Such love must be freely given (which is why even Jesus had to be open to temptation), and so such creatures have to be free to love or not to love. In reality, of course, all of humanity falls somewhere upon a continuum of love for God, with Jesus as the perfection for which we aim and the rest of us falling somewhere short of that perfection.
Now God could intervene to stop the worst of makind's hatred, but he cannot make us love, and it is love he is after. In the whole sweep of creative activity throughout the universe from the Big Bang, God is seeking our love, and he is doing it by establishing physical conditions such that we may grow and by revealing enough of himself and his love for us to love him if we will. If he does anything at all to force our behaviour, then he loses the real love for which all of this work has been done. Thus, if we are to be free to love, then we shall also be free to hate, and some few will use that freedom and will hurt their fellow creatures and the God who loves us all.
Evil can never win, however, for the worse the suffering the greater is the opportunity for the expression of love: the heroism of the firemen and policemen in New York, the thousands of individual touches and words which have brought some comfort to the injured and the bereaved, and the amazing sense of unity between nations which have been the result of America's tragedy. These can never cancel the pain, but they are a symbol that the Light goes on shining in the darkness and the darkness can never master it.
There cannot be many readers of Priory News who haven't yet heard about the Alpha Course, either through local or national publicity campaigns, or through David Frost's Sunday evening ITV programmes "Alpha: Will it Change their Lives?". Even if you have managed to avoid all this publicity, you should have received a letter from Mark inviting you and your friends to an Alpha Supper in the Church Hall on 30th September.
So what is it all about? Well, one of the ideas which came out of the recent Parish Conference was to organise some sort of collective spiritual development activity. Alpha Courses have been fulfilling this role for people at all stages of religious belief (from committed Christians to agnostics) for many years and so the PCC decided that we should organise a course of our own. Mark and I have researched Alpha with Holy Trinity, Brompton, the Anglican parish church in central London which developed the course and we are now ready to launch Alpha in Deeping St James.
The Alpha Supper on 30th September will be an opportunity for you to decide whether or not you wish to join the course. If you cannot come to the Supper, or the date has already passed by the time you read this, don't worry! Simply contact either Mark or me to find out more or to let us know that you are interested in joining the course.
There are no "rules" about the course! You don't need to be a believer, you don't need to be a churchgoer; you don't need to commit to joining the whole course, you can come or go as you wish! All we ask you to bring with you is an open and enquiring mind. Neither Mark nor I have "done" the course before so we shall all be learning together.
We have not yet finally fixed the dates and venue of the course itself because it will depend to some extent on how many people want to join. However, we shall probably use the Vicarage and the most likely time is Wednesday evenings, plus the possibility of a daytime course if enough people are interested.
I look forward to seeing many of you on the 30th at the Alpha Supper – or if you can't make it, on the course itself.
I never cease to be amazed at how God answers our prayers. I had been seeking guidance as to the way forward for some time. Quite unexpectedly, I was shown how I could offer Christian witness in a most unusual way. That was how I found myself in a beautiful United Reform church in Manchester one drizzly Thursday in August. Neil, the minister, was very welcoming.
I joined in the hymn singing. I led worship using a prayer I had written for our intercessions. I felt at ease and in fellowship with those around me. I was very glad that Dave, my husband, was with me. What made this a unique experience was that the proceedings were being filmed for a television programme. This segment was about Christianity and Naturism. So, of course, I was naked.
I was then interviewed, and asked how I reconcile my Christian beliefs with Naturism. I had prayed hard that if I was meant to be part of this recording, I would be inspired to speak with honesty and conviction. The words came to me. I know the Holy Spirit was with me.
Afterwards I turned to the minister. He said it was obvious that I had spoken from the heart. Dave too was encouraging. I knew all was well. I know when all the editing has been done the programme will probably show only a few minutes of our worship in church. Hopefully, that will be enough to give a flavour of a very special afternoon. The programme should be screened in the spring.
I know some readers will find the connection between Christianity and Naturism a difficult one to understand and accept. I'd be happy to discuss this with anyone, whatever your views. Do feel free to speak to me after a service, or, if you prefer, to phone or e-mail. For me, this was an inspiring, spiritual day and a unique chance to stand up and be counted for my faith.
Reviewing conditions at Belgaum Leprosy Hospital (Priory News September Issue page 10) it is obvious that, while everything possible is being done by the dedicated team of doctors, nurses and local carers, there is still a great deal to do to bring standards of patient care to anything approaching that we are privileged to enjoy in this country.
In what ways can standards be raised? The hospital has four particular areas of work: hospital care (and this covers both medical care and standards of comfort and safety), after care of patients (including social and educational demonstrations), out-patients work (covering a variety of conditions), and heath education projects over a wide area.
There are many ways in which help can be given. Smaller projects would have an immediate effect on patient care. Larger projects in general would have long term effects extending the range of work undertaken at Belgaum. Here are a few specific examples:-
If there is a particular project you feel moved to sponsor please let Bernard Babb (343956) know and our mission committee will consider your suggestions.Medical Care:
- Anaesthesia Trolley £462
- Resuscitation Set £462
- Acrylic Steriliser £46
Personal and Patient Care:
- Mesh for Ward Windows £231
- Basins for Physio Dept £31
- Two Hot Water Geysers £92
- Five Fire Extinguishers £215
- Ten Sponge Mattresses £230
- Eight Concrete Benches £308
- New Kitchen Utensils £154
- Back-up Power Supply for Computer £123
- Clothes Washing Shed £154
Larger Projects:
- Eye Care Facilities (75 cases) £2560
- Leprosy Control Work (1000 people) £6255
- Hospital Farm £4590
- Separate Female Block £3077
- Heavy Duty Washing Machine £1538
- 400 pairs Protective Shoes £1450
- Washing/Toilet Facilities for
- Mercy patients £1154
- Compound Wall £4615
- Projection Facilities £923
Ever since the inauguration of the annual conference a number of us from our congregation have enjoyed taking part and benefited from the fellowship of joining representatives from many living in the Diocese. Why not add to that number by coming with us? This year it is to be held at Holy Cross Church Hall, Boultham, Lincoln 10am - 4pm on Saturday 13th October 2001. The principle speaker being Rev. Dr. Margaret Whipp, cost £4, drinks provided, please bring a packed lunch. For organising the sharing of cars able to go please speak to Sonia, Mark or myself.
Bernard Babb
We are continuing to practise on Friday Nights and ringing for Sunday services. We have also rung for several weddings and blessings. There were also two important events in our calendar: The first being the Bellrmgers annual barbecue which was held on the 18th August when 24 ringers and their guests enjoyed a delightful evening in quite good weather conditions. The night was drawing in before any sign of rain appeared when we moved under cover.
The second event was the Southern branch of the Lincolnshire Bellringers Guild held an open evening of ringing at the Priory Church on the 25 August. Some 25 ringers from around the Guild area attended and enjoyed the opportunity to ring our lovely bells.
The members of the choir, pathfinders, congregation are giving a concert on the 6th October at 7.30pm. in church. The purpose of the concert is to raise funds for the organ as well as having a social evening together. There will be no charge for the concert but the audience is asked to make donations to the organ fund. As we are not making a charge for the concert we may claim Gift-Aid if the donor fills out the simple declaration which will be available on the night.
Come along, bring a friend or six, enjoy the music, have a drink, I assure you that there is something for everyone.
David Green (Organgrinder)
Please book your place on the list on the noticeboard
For the next couple of months the recipes will have a vegetarian theme (well, at least they have vegetable ingredients)
Preheat the oven 190°C/375°F/Gas 5. Melt the butter in a flameproof casserole or saucepan and fry the sliced leeks for 2-3 minutes until they are softened. Stir in the flour and then gradually add the milk and water. Bring to the boil, add the broccoli and simmer, half-covered, over a low heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the cheese, season with salt and pepper and pour into a medium-size oven proof dish.
To make the topping, mix the flour with the basil and salt. Rub in the butter and then stir in the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over the broccoli and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
We commend to God's keeping:
A memorial service was held on 14th August for John Leslie Smalley (49) whose funeral had been held in Switzerland
We congratulate:
This is only an extract from some of our magazine. Residents of Deeping St James can subscribe to the printed version.
Copyright © 2001 Deeping St James PCC
Created by WebEdit, 8 October 2001