Rev Chris update

It has been an interesting, and controversial, week in the news for various reasons. I don’t intend to expand on that suffice to say that opinions differ and none of us are in possession of the full facts surrounding particular stories.
Having said that it is interesting to try to look at these things from a detached view and see changes in society from a sociological perspective as we think about what is influencing and shaping such changes and how different generations respond – and then, of course, how that plays out in a Christian context, essentially how the message of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ speaks into the world we live in.
Within all of this one thing that is for sure is that we all come to the table with our own stories and, indeed, our own fears and failings. To quote the apostle Paul from his letter to the Roman Church;
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” ROMANS 3:23, 24
Despite those fears and failings, the GOOD NEWS is that Jesus has got it covered – how wonderful is that? All the stuff that I cannot sort out about myself is dealt with, is being dealt with and will be dealt with – in the words of a famous hymn;
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fear relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.

Yes, when this heart and flesh shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall posses within the veil
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine,
But God, who called me here below,
Will be for ever mine.

This Sunday is Mothering Sunday and Fiona, and her team, will be presenting our service on Facebook at 10am. This takes me back to last year and the first ‘online’ service that we did which was on Mothering Sunday – how far we have come with that online presence and with the way we have been doing things and, indeed, living our lives.

As previously mentioned, we will mark one year on in lockdown with St Nicholas Church open during the week of 22nd March, for private reflection, and with the space developed to enable us to think about all that has happened. There will also be pictures presented on the screens of lockdown images and you are more than welcome to contribute by sending an image to stnicsparish@hotmail.com (these will automatically re-direct to the new email address). If you wish to come and take advantage of the space, please also bring a pebble/stone to lay at the foot of the cross where we will build a cairn of ‘letting go’ of the anxieties and concerns of lockdown.
St Andrew’s will also be open for private prayer on Tuesday 23rd March from 10am to 12.30pm, with a minute’s silence at midday in remembrance of lives lost.
On the services front, particularly for those not able to access the internet, there will be another Telephone Service on Wednesday 17th March and the number to call, and passcodes, are on the Services & Events page. That service will have the theme of Palm Sunday. I will give details next week of Holy Week and Easter services.
Finally, and with my administrative hat on, the St Nicholas Church Annual Meetings will take place on Monday 12th April, 7.30pm, on Zoom and the agenda is attached. The St Andrew’s Annual Meeting will take place on 10th May and further details will follow.
Blessings,
Rev Chris