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Working Together (Newsletter June 2010) This time last month I was looking forward to the celebration of Pentecost and thinking about some aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit. Now, as I look back at the original day of Pentecost, I want to highlight another aspect of what followed, namely, "working together". This would appear to be a timely theme, as we have recently witnessed the working together of nations to protect the financial future of Greece and others. We have also seen the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats forming a coalition government with the aim of working together in the best interests of our own Nation. In sports, a united team who know how to work together, can sometimes overcome a more talented team of individuals, who have not learnt to do so. People from around the world were gathered in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost. They heard about Jesus and they witnessed the effect of the Holy Spirit upon His followers. Many became Christians. Sometimes referred to as the birthday of the Church, these were exciting times. Acts chapter 4 tells us that the believers 'were one in heart and mind'; they 'shared everything they had' so that no-one among them was needy; and with great power they continued to tell others about the Lord Jesus. In other words they worked together and thus experienced and demonstrated God's power and love. Today, the Church in Europe faces a challenging time in various ways but at the same time churches are rediscovering the benefits of working together and supporting one another. For example, Churches Together in Gravesend now oversees the work of Gravesend Street Pastors (every Friday night). Additionally, local Anglican churches in the Gravesend Deanery hope to work together more closely in future. Vince Short
P is for Pentecost (Newsletter May 2010) On Thursday 13th May, the Church will celebrate Ascension Day, remembering that Jesus ascended to be with God the Father on the 40th day after His Resurrection on Easter Day. On Sunday 23rd May, the Church will celebrate Pentecost, which literally means the 50th day after Easter Day, when we recall the first outpouring of God's Holy Spirit upon the early Church. But what does this mean in practice, today? On the Sunday after Easter, I was resting from my normal duties at St Barnabas Church and so my wife and I took the opportunity to visit a church in Dartford. In his sermon on John chapter 20, verses 19 to 23, the preacher used 4 headings, each beginning with the letter "P". These same headings, can explain some aspects of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of Christians today: 1) P is for Presence. In John 20, the Resurrected Jesus physically appeared among His disciples. Since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit has enabled Christians to experience the spiritual presence of Jesus with them. 2) P is for Peace. The death and Resurrection of Jesus opened up a way for us to find peace with God. The Holy Spirit gives the Christian the inner assurance of that peace. 3) P is for Purpose. The work of the Holy Spirit is not simply for our own benefit but actually relates to the purpose that God has for our lives, which is that Christians should continue what Jesus began in His teaching and ministry. 4) P is for Power. On the first day of Pentecost and ever since, the Holy Spirit has given Christians the strength and equipping that they need in order to love and serve God and humankind in the World. Vince Short e Proof of the Pudding (Newsletter April 2010) "The proof of the pudding is in the eating!" In other words, we need to try something in order to discover how good it is, just like they do on the food shows on TV. I am pleased to welcome Bob Hawkins, as our new editor. He has given us something to try out with our new A5 format. Bob already edits the newsletter for Gravesend Methodist Church, where he is a member, and we are grateful for his help while we continue to look for a local editor. Recently, one of our Lay Readers, Kevin Coveney, spoke on Isaiah 55 which begins with a generous invitation: "Come, all you who are thirsty; and you who have no money, come buy and eat!" (TNIV Bible). Kevin pointed out that this invitation refers to spiritual food offered to us by God. I believe that we each need regular spiritual food, just as we regularly eat physical food. Spiritual food can be found through meeting with other Christians and as we read our Bibles. Jesus once said "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (John 6:35 TNIV). This is a bold claim but the "proof of the pudding" for this and all His claims is that He physically rose from the dead, as foretold, on that first Easter Day. That fact was remarkably indisputable for His first followers who saw and touched Him after that great event .For us though, the "proof of the pudding" comes in believing and trusting in Jesus for the salvation that He won for us by His death and Resurrection. As we do so, He does indeed meet with us by His Spirit, as our Living Lord. Do join us in celebrating Easter at St Barnabas Church. Vince Short
The Complete Christmas (Newsletter December09/January 2010) I wonder what comes to mind when you think of The Complete Christmas? There are many possible ingredients. ln no particular order these might include: The turkey (or alternative) with all the trimmings and other festive food and drinks; the long-awaited break from school or work; gifts and cards; gatherings of family and friends; and possibly the right weather, whether that be unseasonably mild (thus saving on fuel bills) or a dressing of snow to make everything pretty! Before continuing with this theme, I have a couple of practical things to share in this shortened edition of our Newsletter. Firstly, we are currently looking for a Church member to take over as editor. We are very grateful to Ruth Coveney for all her work as editor over the last 2 and a bit years. lf there is a delay in filling the post, please do keep in touch with us by phone or our website (details at top of page) or better still by coming along to services and events! Secondly, our long a waited electrical work and suspended ceiling for the Large Hall are now due to be completed by Christmas. We hope that this work will not cause too much inconvenience to our hall users' and that the improved facility will be a blessing. Returning to our "Complete Christmas", we might hope that all the things listed in my opening Paragraph go well, especially our relationships and people's satisfaction with the presents they receive. I know that many of our readers will also hope to visit Church at sometime over the Christmas period in order to feel that their Issue Number 181 Christmas is complete. Predictably, this is where my thoughts are heading, since Christians might say that Christmas without Christ isn't Christmas at all. The wonder of God born among us is expressed in the line of a carol: "Thus to come from highest bliss down to such a world as this!". The thought of our response is expressed in another carol: "Yet what I can I give Him - give my heart". This year St Barnabas Church has contributed to a National Advertising Campaign at bus stops: "Christmas Starts with Christ". Do look out for the posters and any comment in the media. The posters depict what it might have been like if Jesus Christ had been born today. This speaks to me. Sometimes we are tempted to just think about Jesus who lived 2,000 years ago. However, because of Easter, when He not only died but rose again, He is alive today and it is possible to know that He is "God with us" in today's world. May God bless you at Christmas and in the New Year. Vince Short . Pause for Reflection (Newsletter November 09) When we celebrate a special birthday or anniversary there are various ways in which we pause for reflection. We can be thankful for all the good things that life has given us. We can remember any loved ones (past and present) who cannot be with us for the occasion. Often, we at least mention the seemingly rapid passing of the years! That in turn may cause us to reflect on our future. The Church year, which begins again on Sunday 29th November, provides us with a convenient annual cycle for reflection on the great events of the Christian faith. It begins with the Season of Advent, which means "Coming". At this time we think about the first "coming" of God among us in the person of Jesus Christ as a baby born in Bethlehem and the prospect of His Second Coming in power and glory to reign over all. When Jesus first came, His arrival followed a long period of silence in the things of God. Hundreds of years had passed since the last words of God through the Old Testament prophets, who foretold the coming of the Saviour. There was, therefore, a long pause for "silent" reflection. Silence is actually what I want to think about this month but I didn't disclose it in my title for fear of losing those of our readers who might find it a difficult thing. The value of silence was highlighted in the BBC TV Series The Monastery (first broadcast on BBC2 in May 2005). In the programmes five very modern men lived with the monks of Worth for forty days and forty nights with TV cameras following their progress. Periods of silence were a significant part of their experience. At first this was very difficult but later they came to appreciate the value, even voluntarily handing in their mobile phones. Silence does not necessarily mean the complete absence of sound, although that can be quite profound when we experience it. Recently, I enjoyed a walk around Bluewater Shopping Centre. I had a deep sense of inner silence and peace as I observed the passing people and shop fronts. At times, I drifted off into my own thoughts and prayers, surfacing just occasionally to wonder whether I had perhaps walked straight by a shop I hoped to visit! The ability to sit in silence with people in between our conversation is a mark of closeness, in that we do not feel that we have to fill the void. Similarly, I believe that we would each do well to find times to sit quietly with God. This could be in a special place in your home or as you enjoy the beauty of God's creation in your garden or in the lovely countryside that is more or less on our doorstep. As we reflect on the meaning of Advent this year, let's also hear and respond to the words of God found in Psalm 46, verse 10, "Be still and know that I am God". Vince Short Fruitful Harvest (Newsletter October 09) We're at that time of year when churches across the country offer Harvest Thanksgiving services. This gives the opportunity to thank God for His provision for our needs and for those who work hard to produce the harvest. This year, one aspect of the harvest is that there has been a heavy fruit crop. This results from good conditions occurring. The late cold of last winter lengthened the rest period of the trees, as well as killing diseases. In spring, the relative absence of frost and wind enabled growth without damage. In summer, the combination of sunshine for flavour and rain for size and juiciness led to a bumper harvest. In the Bible, Jesus once told a parable about the impact of conditions upon the Harvest (St Matthew's Gospel, chapter 13, verses 1-9 and 18-23). A parable is a simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. The idea is that the hearers readily identify with the initial story and then chew it over in their minds to draw out the deeper meaning. The parable of The Sower and the Seeds speaks initially of the conditions prevailing in that time and place that would prevent or enable a fruitful harvest (Matthew 13:1-9). The deeper meaning relates to the conditions in our lives that might prevent or enable a fruitful relationship with God (Matthew 13:18-23). Firstly, as a result of the traditional broadcast method of sowing, some seed fell along the path and birds came and ate it up. Jesus links this with failing to understand His message about God and thus having the opportunity snatched away. This could relate to those who grow up with no concept of God's relevance or to others who have bad experiences that put them off thinking about God. But if that is you or me, then we must not allow ourselves to be robbed of our opportunity. Secondly, there is seed that falls on rocky ground and springs up quickly but then dies in the scorching sun because it has no root. This signifies those of us who have a burst of joyful enthusiasm for God at some time in our lives but then lose it just as quickly when the Christian life becomes difficult in a world where our faith and values are often challenged. In this case, perhaps we could begin again with a commitment to greater perseverance. Thirdly, seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Today's thorns are the pleasures of life and the worries of life, which can drain away time and energy for God. However, it is possible to stop and reassess priorities in order to live in relationship with God and offer Him both our joys and our concerns. Finally, the seed that fell on good soil bore fruit and lots of it: thirty-fold, sixty-fold and one hundred-fold. Jesus simply describes these as people who hear and understand His message. This challenges the Christian that their faith should be put into fruitful practice as we introduce people to Jesus and as we play our part alongside others in seeking to make the world a better place for all. Vince Short . Getting from A to B (Newsletter September 09) Getting from A to B is an expression used of journeys and other aims that we might have in life. We begin from A and when we arrive at B our journey is complete or our aim achieved. As a new term begins let us remember in prayer those in the World for whom getting from A to B might simply be hoping to see another Christmas. The majority of us have the luxury of additional hopes and plans. Some will work hard towards a successful term at school or in their employment. Some are more focussed on the end of each working day and the next holiday! An increasing number are either retired or semi-retired and the planning of the diary (to be busy or leisurely) becomes the A to B for the use of God's gift of time. On Saturday 12th September, I hope to take part in the Friends of Kent Churches Bike Ride along with other cyclists from Istead Rise (including you, if you would like to join us!). This sponsored event aims to raise money for both the local church and the work of the FKC Charity in supporting historic Kent churches with the cost of maintenance and repairs of their buildings. For the event, cyclists (and walkers) plan to go from A to B! They visit as many churches as they can manage, some of which will be open to welcome them. In planning our route, our A to B will include coming home to Istead Rise at a midpoint in the day and at the end of the day. This should enable our cyclists to do a half day or full day without ending up miles from home! As we think of the importance of coming home, I recall that the expression has been used of discovering or reviving our relationship with God through repentance of sin or wrongdoing and faith in Jesus Christ. I believe that we all have a spiritual dimension to our lives even if it is currently suppressed or ignored. Therefore, getting to know God is like coming home, because it is what we were made for. In the Bible, Revelation chapter 3, verse 20, speaks of Jesus Christ knocking at the door of our lives and our opportunity to welcome Him in. Christians know that when we do so, He also welcomes us into relationship with Him. If we want to go from A to B in beginning or renewing our relationship with God, then one part of the journey is our regular worship in church alongside others who are seeking Him. St Barnabas Church welcomes newcomers and returners on any Sunday. This month also includes a special opportunity, as we celebrate "Back to Church Sunday" at our 10a.m. All Age Service on Sunday 27th September 2009. Do join us and please feel free to bring a friend. We look forward to seeing you. Vince Short Where do we go from here?(Newsletter June) The question "Where do we go from here?" is an evocative one. In other words it can really get us thinking in the face of some critical moment or situation. Perhaps the worriers amongst us might think of some difficult situation where progress needs to be made. However, the question applies equally following success. For example, someone reaches the top of their sport or profession and then wonders what else there can be to aim for other than more of the same. For some, they may then yearn to return to a "normal life" without the pressures of celebrity or work. For others, they may find new ways to continue to achieve, like the successful footballer who then strives to become a successful manager. For many businesses the question "Where do we go from here?" has been pressing as a result of the "Credit Crunch". Some have kept on employees by offering shorter hours or reduced pay. Sadly, others have had to resort to redundancies or even closure. Churches are also affected by the current financial pressures but in addition they have faced what might be described as the "Church Crunch". Over recent decades changes in the national culture in relation to church-going and charitable volunteering have presented a challenge to the Church. As a result, many churches have sought to change with the times in order to continue to present the unchanging Good News of Jesus Christ in culturally relevant ways, times and places. This time last month I wrote about Pentecost, sometimes referred to as "the birthday of the Church", when the first Christians were filled with joy and boldness as the Holy Spirit of God came upon them and enabled them to praise God in various languages that they had never learnt. Following that wonderful experience, they might have stopped to ask "Where do we go from here?" Actually, their response was spontaneous, as they left the building where they were meeting and went out amongst the crowds. People who understood those languages were amazed and asked what was going on. Then, the disciple Peter raised his voice and spoke to the crowd about all that God had done through Jesus Christ. In response, about three thousand people became Christians that very day. The book of Acts, chapter 2, in our Bibles gives an account of this event. I believe that the Book of Acts as a whole shows that the first Christians sought to be Open to God, Obedient to God and Outward-looking and as a result they continued to see life and growth in the Church even in the face of adversity. Perhaps, the same simple recipe is the answer to the question "Where do we go from here" for the Church today. Vince Short The Meaning of Pentecost (Newsletter May) This year, the Church will celebrate Pentecost on Sunday 31st May. But what is the meaning of this Christian festival? Firstly, the word Pentecost comes from a Greek word meaning fiftieth. This reflects the timing of the Day of Pentecost as the fiftieth day from Easter Sunday. Some diaries and calendars might alternatively use the term Whit Sunday or Whitsun, which means White Sunday and may be a reference to the white robes sometimes worn by those who are baptised at Pentecost. Pentecost can also be referred to as "the birthday of the Church" since it was the day on which God the Holy Spirit first filled all the believers and equipped them with joy and power to spread the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. As a result the Church was born and saw growth that has continued to this day, when viewed on a worldwide basis. We read about the birth of the Church in the book of Acts, chapter 2, in the Bible. The Bible and experience show us that the Holy Spirit's work in the life of the Christian takes place on a number of levels. Firstly, the Holy Spirit is involved in opening our eyes to the truth about Jesus and our need to respond to Him and all that He has done for us. Jesus Himself said that this would be the case in St John's Gospel, chapter 15, verse 26. Secondly, since the original Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit continues to equip, encourage and empower Christians with His gifts for their life and witness. St Paul goes into some detail about "the gifts of the Holy Spirit" in His letters in the Bible, most notably in the first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 12. Thirdly, although my list is not exhaustive, there is the very important work of the Holy Spirit in changing the Christian to be more like Jesus. This aspect must go hand in hand with the others if we are to be a credible witness that God is indeed at work in us and it can be referred to as "the fruit of the Spirit". St Paul speaks of this in his letter to the Galatians, chapter 5. Having detailed the less pleasing aspects of human nature that often mark our former lives, he lists the fruit that the Holy Spirit desires to bring as: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." When these three aspects of the Holy Spirit's work are truly in evidence, then Pentecost is indeed worth celebrating not only for the Church but also those who come into contact with her! Why not join us for the celebration? Vince Short Easter - the biggest bailout! (Newsletter April) In these days of "credit crunch" another term that has come to the fore is "bailout". This normally refers to helping or even saving someone in a financial sense. Sometimes we might be called upon to consider doing such a thing for a family member or a friend, if we have the necessary resources. On a wider scale governments around the world have recently bailed out some businesses for the sake of their economies and the financial system. The action of bailout could leave us with a sense of discomfort, because there is a cost. Additionally, we may have feelings that the bailout is undeserved, particularly if greed and carelessness appear to have led to the problem or we are unsure that those responsible are truly sorry. On the other hand there is a positive side wherever businesses and jobs can be saved. Thankfully, as Easter approaches, we have some Good News of great joy. News of what could be seen as the biggest bailout ever. On this occasion we are the ones who need to be bailed out and the Good News is that we have received an offer, even though we do not deserve it. The Easter "bailout" was foretold by God hundreds of years beforehand through the prophet Isaiah: "We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on Jesus the sinfulness of us all." (Isaiah chapter 53, verse 6, NIV, italics mine). The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world is a bailout because we cannot pay God the price for forgiveness of our own sins. No amount of good on our part can make up for our shortcomings and failings. Therefore, God Himself had to act in coming among us in the person of Jesus Christ and having lived a sin-free life, His sacrifice was sufficient to pay the price of our sins. This is a far-reaching bailout, since it is available to all people for all time and it is a fair one because it is only received by those who admit they have a problem and are willing to submit to Jesus Christ for the solution. In the words of an old hymn: "I owed a debt I could not pay; He paid a debt He did not owe." During recession, there comes a time when people speak about the first green shoots of recovery. Following His death on Good Friday, Jesus rose again from the dead on Easter Day. Green shoots indeed, both for Jesus and for the hope that He now holds out to us. I hope that you will want to celebrate God's "bailout " with us this Easter or perhaps if it doesn't yet make sense, you could still come and join us in the hope of understanding more clearly just what Christianity has to offer for such a time as this. With my best wishes for a meaningful Easter. Vince Short Vince Short. |
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Phillip Fowler, Web Verger, St Barnabas Church, Istead Rise, Kent. (Last updated for May 2010 )
