It’s a great delight and privilege for me to be able to write another letter for Church and Circuit magazines around the District.
First of all, through this letter, I would like to bring greetings to you all in the name of Christ, and to say how much you are valued as members of the body of Christ, the Church.
During recent months I have become aware of the importance of affirming one another as members of the same body. This has been most especially true in the media hype that has surrounded the nomination of the Bishop of Reading, Canon Jeffery John. It seem to me that the important decision of our Methodist Conference this year along with the General Synod of the Church of England to embrace “An Anglican-Methodist Covenant” says something significant about being part of the one Body, the Church. With overwhelming support, both our churches have effectively said that we belong to each other and we cannot live without one another.
If this is so, then it follows that all members of the Church, the Body of Christ, should demonstrate by their lives that we need each other – whatever our gender, status, sexual orientation, ability, background may be. During the month of June, the Jeffery John “affair” brought these issues into the forefront of our mind, and it certainly exercised the thinking of many in the Church of England and beyond. Similarly, I think it is necessary for us all to examine our own approach to this radical inclusiveness of the Gospel, so that our churches are places of welcome and acceptance of all people, irrespective and because of our differences. After all “Name and sects and parties fall/Thou O Christ art all in all”.
These words of Charles Wesley, quoted above, give us cause to reflect upon the core messages of John Wesely, especially as we have been so busy celebrating his 300th birthday this year. I can think of no better way to honour the founder of our tradition than to seek to show forth to the world that we truly accept and welcome the whole rich tapestry of humanity- where differences are celebrated and everybody is equally valued and loved. This is a mark of the Body of Christ, the Church.
The more I think about this, the more significant it seems to become. As we consider the Iraq war and the following struggles surrounding the legality for WMD (weapons of mass destruction), I have to ask the question, “What does our Body theology tell us about people caught up in this impossible tangle?”
In our current Western culture of “spin” and media intrigue, there is a huge responsibility and opportunity for the Church not to collude with methods of communication, which are intent on destroying and demonising “others”. We have before us the opportunity to show to all who will see and listen that differences of culture, race, tradition, religion, are not causes for division, but a cause of celebration and joy.
Someone once suggested to me that the people gathered around the Lord’s Table at Holy Communion are a “Living parabale” of the Kingdom of God. As they meet around the table-often a rich mixture of humanity – they are living out in miniature that they are “in love and charity with their neighbours, intending to lead a new life”. It seems to me that this is a challenge of our discipleship in these days, as we consider our relationship with “others”, people very different from ourselves. Let us be encouraged to be a living parable in miniature, Christ’s body in the world, for everyone to see!
And now, as I write, we are racing to the start of yet another new Connexional Year. May you be strengthened and encouraged as you continue your journey of faith. May you find great joy in believing, and in showing faith to all the world that humanity can be transformed out of its self-obsession, spin and intrigue and scandal, into a vibrant community where differences are celebrated and enjoyed.
May God richly bless you in all things.
Yours sincerely,
Harvey Richardson
Did you know? The Affinity Bible was published in 1923. It derived its name from an error in its text which stated “A man may not marry his grandmother’s wife”!
With God all things are possible.
Walking down a country lane – He’s there Standing in a group of people, I feel Hiss presence
still Alone in my little flat – his comfort surround me No matter where I am, with what earthly care I live – he
is my inner peace
I said to myself, “she’s changed so much – so different. I can never like her again”. Then I remembered “charity endureth long. Love is not
love which alters when it alteration finds.
Friends are always there to help, comfort, to stand by – never shocked. So no need to email, Jesus is always there.
If only we knew that the smiles we see
Often hides the tears that would fain be free
Would we not more tender and loving be – if only we knew
If only we knew – as we onward go
The many things that here we can never know
Far more patient love we would often show
If only we knew
EASTER PEOPLE 2004
Easter people takes place on April 13-18 2004. There is a choice of three resorts:- Scarborough, Southport and Torquay. There is a action packed programme to suit all. Booking starts on the 30-9-2003 for further information ring Church office, Buckingham road, Methodist Church, Margate: 01843 232220.
Did God create Evil? This will make you think for a while. At a certain college, there was a professor with a reputation for being tough on Christians. AT the first class every semester, he asked if anyone was a Christian and proceeded to degrade tham and to mock their statement of faith.
One semester, he asked the question and a young man raised his hand when asked if anyone was a Christian. The professor asked, “Did God make everything, young man?” He replied, “Yes sir He did!” The professor responded, “If God made everything then he made evil. “The student didn’t have a response and professor was happy to have once again proved the Christian faith to be a myth.
Then another man raised his hand and asked, “May I ask you something, sir?”
“Yes, you may,” responded the professor. The young man stood up and said “Sir, is there such thing as cold?” “Of course there is, what kind of question is that? Haven’t you ever been cold?”
The young man replied, “Actually sir, cold doesn’t exist. What we consider to be cold is really an absence of heat. Absolute zero is when there is no heat, but cold does not really exist. We have only created that term to describe how we feel when heat is not there. “The young man continued, “Sir, is there such a thing as dark?”
Once again, the professor responded, “Of course there is.” And once again, the student replied “Actually, sir, darkness does not exist. Darkness is really only the absence of light. Darkness is only a term man developed to describe what happens when there is no light present.”
Finally, the young mas asked, “Sir, is there such thing as evil?”
The professor responded, “Of course. We have rapes, and murders and violence everywhere in the world, those things are evil.”
The student replied, “Actually, sir, evil does not exist. Evil is simply the absence of God. Evil is a term man developed to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. It isn’t like truth, or love, which exist as virtues like heat or light. Evil is simply the state where God is not present, like cole without heat or darkness without light.”
The professor had nothing to say…………..
Be full of Christ today, there is no room for anything else……
Remember if you love your neighbour as yourself, pass this on!
God bless!!
Methodism they say was born in song.
The words and music of our worship are the lifeblood of our faith, helping us to achieve a better grasp and a deeper understanding of our faith.
Words are important, because, however easy or hard we find it to form them, they give shape to our understanding of ourselves and our feelings; our own words at times may be inadequate, and we may struggle to find the right ones, and at such moments the words of the hymn-writer – “What oft was felt, but ne’er so well expressed” come to meet very deep needs within us. When such words are heard and understood properly they are the starting points for us to share…
Words are important, but music is important too. It can give shape and form to the things we cannot put clearly into words… It can help us perceive and understand our emotions, it can recall memories, and rekindle in us our hopes and dreams: The reactions it evokes may be sweet or bittersweet… but it is able to touch the depths of our being, and, in the right circumstances, can mean that a congregation can follow the same path of memory, of emotion of the thoughts we find difficult to put into words and get a better grasp of where God is calling them to be.
But words and music need to be set in the context of a pattern of worship which brings out the meaning of the words we say and sing, and help us hear and reflect properly on the Word of God, which is our purpose in being together. It is for this reason that courses like “Catching the Vision”- created for the Wesley 300 Anniversary, District Days like the one being planned for October 11th, and Worship Consolations in local churches are important. They help to give us an understanding of worship and music and its place in the Christian life, so that words and music go beyond giving us pleasure and satisfaction, and truly help help to “lead us into Life”.
Every blessing,
Harry
The world crowns success, God crowns faithfulness.
Listen to understand, Then speak with love.
No one can bypass Jesus and get to Heaven.
Thanks to all those who took part, sponsored or otherwise lent their suppot to this year Readathon. The very public but low-key presence appears to have been successful in many ways. The total raised so far is £1099 – an excellent figure well done.
Simon Pengelly
The Social committee would like to thank everyone who attended the recent garden party - which despite being primarily a social event, raised over £50 for church funds. Those attended would like to thanks Lyn and Brian for all the hard work and hospitality that went into it.
Simon Pengelly
Lyn and I would like to thank all the coffee morning helpers for their loyal support. Without them the coffee morning would not be possible, and it is a vital form of outreach. Their hard work added to their willingness and welcoming ways is a winning combination.
I would also like to remind everyone that the Macmillan coffee morning is approaching us again, and would ask for everyone’s support. This is a worthwhile charity and one we supported for a number of years. It will be held on Friday 26th September at the usual coffee morning time It is hope we can extend the coffee morning to include lunch.
And finally I would like to thank all of you who come every week and support us with your time, money and fellowship.
Rita Pengelly
Confide in a friend.
And things just don’t seem to be going ypur way.
When even your patient has come to an end.
When you’re tired and worn at the close of the day.
Try taking time out and confide in a friend.
Recently I spent a most enjoyable day at URC Junior Church District camp at Kearsney near Dover.
I would like to paid tribute to Sue Scott, who is a wonderful organiser and a tower of strength. Along with her willing helpers she made the camp a week to remember from the youngest Olivia 3 months to the oldest teenagers. The teenagers are a great bunch of people, good fun, polite and very helpful and a bright hope for the future.
Sue tells me that since she started the camp and looked after children. These childrenare now mothers and coming with their children!
Definitely a good recommendation.
Mona Paterson
It was with many-mixed feeling that we said goodbye to Philippa, Chelsea and Charlie on August 24th. They have all been so much a part of our church family over the last ten years. Philippa, helping in the Boy’s Brigade, the Parent/Carer & Toddlers group, the Junior Church, and as Cradle Roll secretary. Chelsea has grown up in Junior Church and been a member of Girls Brigade, Brownies and Guides. She has also been a member and star of the music group. She has helped with flower distribution on Sundays. Charlie has been a regular member of Junior Church and we shall always remember his willingness to help ministers during children’s address! He also loved to help with the Offertory. We wish them every happiness in their new life in New Zealand. We shall always be happy to hear and share their news.
JC
The Better Part
Sitting at the feet of Jesus
listening to His heavenly word
Ne’er before were words so
gracious ever heard.
Martha busy in her serving
Mary in that sweet retreat
Sitting there beside the Saviour
at His feet.
Listening to those words so
precious
Word of light, of life, and love
Words which He the Saviour
carried from above
Thus may we, each one, Lord Jesus.
Thus may we, each one, Lord
Jesus
Learn to sit at thy blest feet
Learn to hear Thy voice so
tender and so sweet.
A prayer of Love and Beauty
Love is so often misquoted,
misunderstood, desecrated, You
are love, Lord of all wonder, all
beauty, exquisite, consuming, perfect
Help us to learn from You, to
know what it is to be utterly
unselfless, in gentleness, in
kindness, in understanding, and
in giving. So that serenely and
with joy, whether it is easy or
whether it is difficult, we may
be an instrument of Your love.
Please God, will you tell me
What is the reason why?
Innocent people are disabled
Innocent people die
Rapists, terrorists and muggers
Stalk our streets day and night,
Yet they are in perfect health
Surely this can’t be right
Take the’ Yorkshire Ripper’
13 women he got out to slay
Yet he is still fit and well
To live another day.
Yet the men of Penlee lifeboat
How courageously they tried
To save the lives of others
Yet tragically they died
So dear Lord to you I pray
As I go to bed each night
That when I awake in the morning
Priorities will be right.
The women’s Fellowship will not be open on Wednesday afternoons until further notice.
Marion Stephens.
Can we make a difference?
As a fellowship we meet together every Tuesday evening, one week of the month is Bible study, one week is prayer meeting, the remaining weeks are a time of sharing fellowship with each other, growing together as children of God. We wanted to do something as a group, that would reach out to people in th e world, who are not bless with material things of life which we in this country are. We considered sponsoring a child, but wondered if that was fair to single out one child when so many live in poverty. We wrote off for some details of what would be entailed, the literature that we received back made it quite clear that by sponsoring one child we would benefit many others, improving one persons education means that they would in turn pass it on to others, friends, family, etc. We can send a small amount of money as a birthday or Christmas gift; this is used to buy an appropriate gift locally, thus benefiting the country economy. It is also possible to send money towards funding a project in a particular area, thus helping a complete village with employment and facilities.
After due consideration we decided to go ahead with the idea. We sent off the required details, and were allocated a little boy, “Samuel,” he is 7 years old and lives with his brother and mother in the city of Bogota in Columbia. We ask all that read this to include him and others like him in your prayers. With so much poverty in the world it is easy to think that we can never make a difference, but with Gods help all things are possible and we have start somewhere!
Garlinge Fellowship Group
The four readers from Garlinge who took part in the Sponsored Bible Reading wish to thank all those who sponsored them. Between them they raised £70 for the Bible Society.
NOT HAVING YOU
Jesus when I think of not having you
my very being seems to
be draining to some place
dark and dim.
This much clear, without You
to walk with me this is a very
sad and lonely place, without thee.
When I think of not having You
my heart turns blue,
My how it would shatter into a
thousand pieces, each splintering
my very being.
I could not stand a shattered heart
I could not stand to be apart
For Jesus, You alone own my
heart.
Isla Aitken a young student and former Head Girl from Ursuline College, is spending her gap year before University, in the Dominican Republic with a Methodist sponsored charity. Isla has had to raised £3,500 in sponsorship to enable her to go. This she manage to obtain, we are please to say, through, her school, her teachers and other good people. The Thanet Circuit raised £500 and the District donated £250. Isla flew out to the Dominican Republic on the 23rd August. Please pray that she settles well in her new role and gets on with the village people she is to work with. A big thank to all who help to make this possible.
May God blessing be with Isla on her venture?