Pastor’s Pen
People in Community
Dear Friends,
Do you remember the day that you joined the church by profession of faith? Although various traditions may use different formats, there is one unifying factor that unites us all in the Christian churches, that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior, He is above all and reigns overall, regardless of political and national affiliation.
This week, I am delighted to welcome four new members into our church family, Bob, Ellen, Samantha and Keith. Of all the churches, they have chosen ours to which they wish to belong.
For most of us, a powerful attraction can be felt, and a sense of belonging begins with the impression we get even before we walk through the door for the first time. What have we been told about this place? Have we read something on the website or seen a flier? When passing by, does the building look in good repair and in use and are the lights on? Are there cars in the car park and do you see other people going?
And then, when you do come in through the door, were you welcomed? Was there an atmosphere of welcome, and did it flow in and through your worship experience?
And then, there is the personal perspective that each new and existing member brings with them. This is an often-overlooked aspect of our faith experience. We must never underestimate the power of our attitude and our mindset. Jesus has the power to transform us all, regardless of our starting point. As we come to Jesus, whether we are new or old, let us all keep open minds, ready to be helped and healed, transformed and reshaped.
“When you see beauty anywhere, it’s a reflection of yourself” Shakti Gawain
Pastor Cliff
A Stronger Relationship with Jesus
Dear Friends,
I was chatting on homework issues with a parent at school pick up on day and we agreed that it can be a traumatic and sometimes stressful event in the afternoon or evening for students and parents alike. The right atmosphere in the room, and approach from the parent can make all the difference. Is there calming music? Is it fun rather than tedious or difficult?
Most students are hungry when they get off the school bus, so we try to remember to have a snack ready. Then, it’s down to business. The other day, I was helping one child with his arithmetic problems. And to make it fun, we counted pieces of Lego. Sometimes, we’ll use pennies or grapes or chocolate buttons. We soon get tired, and things end up in tears.
Sometimes, I’ll refer to a passage when I’m preaching and suggest that you can read around it or some other text as homework. However, if this is another thing added to your busy schedule, it might be difficult to manage. Perhaps, it could be regarded as interesting or even essential for our faith to get to know Jesus better. Ultimately, that is our goal. Helping each other towards a stronger relationship with the Lord Jesus, so that we might be more effective disciples and faithful church members is our aim.
If you like quizzes, perhaps we could organize a bible quiz night, or a bible treasure hunt. There are many ways to work together on the path of discipleship.
I am keen to begin a new bible study group and will be gathering anyone interested. Friday October 4th at 1.00pm, bring your bag lunch and your love for God’s living Word to our gathering in the in the church library. Call, text or email me if you have any questions or ideas for how we can make it interesting for you.
Pastor Cliff
Love is Kind
Dear Friends,
In Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth (1 Corinthians 13:4-13) we find a description of Christian love.
“ Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
When described in this way, we are treated to a practical example of love in action, otherwise, we are in danger of sentimentalizing the subject until it loses it potential to be a powerful influence in our lives and in the world.
Love can also empower us to ask for help for those who need it most. Our gospel reading on Sunday, (Mark 7:24-37) tells the story of a mother who pleads to Jesus for healing for her daughter. And when the mother returned home, the girl was healed.
The power of mothers and fathers to fight for their children is one of the most powerful forces in nature. So, I am surprised when the pleas of the parents of Sandy Hook victims or from any school shooting tragedy are ignored by the powers at large. Just this week in Georgia, another shooting atrocity has happened in a school, killing two students and two staff. It is not enough to ask for thoughts and prayers, or to blame the situation on mental health. Lethal weapons, especially AR15 assault rifles and other automatic weapons should be restricted and hard to acquire unless we work in law enforcement. They are not necessary for personal protection or hunting. This seems like common sense to most people.
So, when a mother or father comes on our screens again, asking for an effective response to gun atrocities, perhaps we should take them more seriously with the kind of love that is tired of being patient with thoughts and prayers and instead will get things done.
Pastor Cliff