The Benefice of Chebsey and Norton Bridge, Ellenhall, Ranton and Seighford with Creswell
THE ONLINE DOOR TO OUR VILLAGE CHURCHES
During Epiphany I am asking you to think about what kind of Church God is asking us to be through the message of Epiphany. Last week I suggested the story of the Magi from the East reminds us that we need to be a Church that welcomes people from every kind of background and tradition and perspective … just as the Holy family and Jesus himself welcomed all.
In the celebration of Epiphany the Messiah is revealed as the Saviour not only of the Jews but also of all the world. So I want you to think imaginatively about the story of the 3 Magi who came to worship Jesus this morning. And I want you to think about the kind of people they were and how that helps us to see what kind of Church Christ call us to be. A Church of inclusion and of welcome to all. Continue reading “Epiphany: Welcome and Inclusion”
We are moving towards the end of the Christian calendar and next week is the final week of the Christian year .. we are not very good at coming to end of things are we?? There can be a deep sense of loss or sadness when things come to an end.
In our readings we have an insight into one of the great themes of Jesus mission and message which was not apparent from the start. Continue reading “A time for tearing down .. Mark 13 v 1-8”
We have gathered this morning to remember. To remember the power of love, of sacrifice, to recall memories of courage shown and peace pursued. We all know the power of remembering. And perhaps this is why in the modern world one of our greatest fears is loss of memories!!
Never mind the anxieties we face around political upheaval or environmental damage or of terrorism or as we recall today the horror of war between nations. Never mind these fears, in my experience these are at least matched if not surpassed by the fear of losing our memory. And with the increasing impact of illnesses such as dementia and alzheimer’s in our communities this fear looms large. On a morning like this when we embrace the power of memories it is perhaps important to face our fears and ask what the Christian faith might say about such matters. Should we fear the fact that our lives, and lives such as those lost in wars might be forgotten?? Continue reading “Remembrance Day 2018”
The introduction to the Season of All Saints to Advent begins with the following reminder … no Christian is solitary. Through Baptism we become members one of another in Christ, members of a company of Saints whose mutual belonging transcends death. Charles Wesley wrote .. ‘One family we dwell in Him; One Church above, beneath; Though now divided by the stream, the narrow stream of death.’ At All Saints and All Souls we celebrate the eternal company of the Church which draws us back into this eternal belonging we have in God.
