Well, a third of a day off anyway!
Before the world starts the, "You have to take your day off," tirade, I had to square away some of the funerals in terms of getting the CDs burnt, the service paperwork done, a regimental flag found (ended up buying one from ebay), and other arrangements made. The next seven days have as many funerals (and there's none on the weekend) so it's a bit of a marathon. In fact with nineteen, which was not only the average age of the US soldier in Vietnam, is now but the high water mark of my monthly funeral service tally. A new record - can't be bad can it?
The day started with the usual daily Office (usually done between 04:30 and 06:00 depending on what's ahead - the busier I am, the earlier it gets done) and soon found itself taken up by funeral stuff. By 07:30 I'd had a brew and was well into the first set of stuff.
It's odd but I have come to realise that the world at large assumes that service just happen. If only this were true, but the reality is that to get liturgy and content in the right place, to do the right stuff about people, get names right, make sure the tensions in the service (any service, every service) are created and resolved: This takes work. Thankfully there are colleagues who work at providing quite poor liturgy as a spur for me to keep in working at it!
So notes written up, myriad numbers of telephone calls made (seems I spoke to one FD nine times during the course of the morning), service and other related sheets put together, printed and put in their relevant envelopes - I found myself done such that lunch and a film became ours a little before half one. A great day thus far, and for that, time with the other half was my reward and joy for the second part of the day.
We went to the wrinkly film club. It so unlike my earlieat film club experiences where I'd buy a ticket (3p) and head to the toilet to let my mates in through the fire exit before we sang the rousing 'We are the boys and girls well known as, the minors of the ABC . . . '.
Today's extravaganza coat £3 and came with a brew (Tea, the nectar of the gods - unless it's the stuff most churches dish up after the service). The film was 'I, Daniel Blake' and it didn't take long to see why they'd checked for concealed weapons before we entered, after all the Job Centre is only across the road from the cinema! This is a must see for people and I think it's a film we need to show to Church sometime. The film is about a man and his dealings with the benefits and employment related processes in the U.K. It made me angry, reduced me to tears and brought back so many memories of when I worked in that sector. Church was seen in it as perhaps one of the only true moments of hope.
Film finished, we left ready to have a fight - the adrenaline was flowing - with the shops as I purchased more comestibles to feed my heavy administrative appetite before heading home. Got home and then (without a brew) went and did a food shop and saw no one I knew; which is so very odd it made me stop and think for a moment. A trip out without encountering a single soul:; had the apocalypse begun?
Home again (without any sense of a bit of 'jiddedy jig' or a fat pig in eveidence) a bit more funeral admin before an episode of 'The Undertaker' (I kid you not) - my TV of choice at the moment and then a snuggle in the settee with a good wife (left the book elsewhere) and a chick flick on Netflix. Bliss.
Early to bed tonight (before midnight) and now all is quiet in the house and the breathing next to me is regular as a little hushed it's time to reflect on where me and God have been today. It's now that I realise how many opportunities for engagement I've had today thanks to the telephone - something we clergy (and the world) seem to have forgotten as we text and email our way through the day.
Lord, for the opportunities to enter the homes of others through a bit of copper I can but thank You. For the difference a call has made - the making of a virtual incarnacy theirs - I give You praise. Not as good as a simple touch and a real presence, but today I will give You thanks because as I was in one place, You, and another person were standing with me in the work of being Church as they visited someone in hospital.
Lord, help me to raise up born again believers who give without counting the cost. Help me to walk I Your footsteps and experience the security and life-changing reality that this brings and may others walk in those footsteps behind me - for aren't we called 'leaders' as well as followers.
Father for the daily bread, the forgiveness of my sins, the fact that today I do not think I have out You to the test but walked as friends in partnership as family: I love You so very much. Bless all I am and do tomorrow - may my encounters speak of You and my life show Your love and the work of Your hand.
Let's do this again tomorrow, eh?
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grace. Show all posts
Wednesday, 22 March 2017
Sunday, 19 March 2017
Journal: Men's breakfast, A party and more
Had a go at a men's breakfast today - good turn out and great fun. Really weird when I find myself about to stand up and still not sure what I'm supposed to say. But it went and I was reminded of so much that God has done in my life. Memories of blind seeing and other amazing things were dropped in front of me as I played the cards before me.
It's odd but when I think of the various phases of my life and the opportunities I have been given, and how easily we forget them as time moves on, I realise how blessed I am. And have been - for so many years as a Christian.
Phase two of the day was taken up with funeral visits and related stuff - also encouraging and fun before we hit the last phase in which we had a birthday party and filled the church building. Talked to many new people and had a really energised evening.
Kept coming back to the 'is there a man amongst you who'd offer his son a stone if he asked for bread or a snake is he asked for fish? If we, being awful can give our kids good things, how much more will God, who is good, give his kids?
Sunday looks 'interesting' with fives services in two different locations - nine of them home - some of the natives looked restless when they found I wasn't going to be with them. Needs so Prayer, wisdom and stuff I reckon.
For today's bread - the forgiveness I have been shown (and shown), the trust rather than test that has been today's walk and the ability to touch people with You love.
Lord accept the praises and thanks of a simple man.
It's odd but when I think of the various phases of my life and the opportunities I have been given, and how easily we forget them as time moves on, I realise how blessed I am. And have been - for so many years as a Christian.
Phase two of the day was taken up with funeral visits and related stuff - also encouraging and fun before we hit the last phase in which we had a birthday party and filled the church building. Talked to many new people and had a really energised evening.
Kept coming back to the 'is there a man amongst you who'd offer his son a stone if he asked for bread or a snake is he asked for fish? If we, being awful can give our kids good things, how much more will God, who is good, give his kids?
Sunday looks 'interesting' with fives services in two different locations - nine of them home - some of the natives looked restless when they found I wasn't going to be with them. Needs so Prayer, wisdom and stuff I reckon.
For today's bread - the forgiveness I have been shown (and shown), the trust rather than test that has been today's walk and the ability to touch people with You love.
Lord accept the praises and thanks of a simple man.
Monday, 9 January 2017
Sunday is a fun day
The day began with an 'early' Communion and ended with a Taizé Communion and, sandwiched in between them, was another Communion and an Epiphany service - and as a result the day just flew past in the blink of an eye. Looking at the clock, day aone, I realised that it had been, almost the toe minute, twelve hours from beginning to end and yet it didn't feel like it at all.
I was grabbed by a member of the parish a few weeks back and given a ticking off about how it wasn't hard work but long hours that killed us. But the problem is that each of us has a different idea of what constitutes 'long' I guess.
Today was about Christ becoming known to the world as the Magi come knocking with their gifts but unless we, the Church, are out there telling the world about Him, how will they hear or have that 'scales falling from the eyes' moment? We have a task before us indeed - and I wonder if we are doing it as well as we should?
Lord, this has been a great day; one in which I have been privileged to open the Scriptures and celebrate the risen Christ, and I thank you for it. But it has been a funny day. An unsettled day too as each of the Communion services were slightly out of kilter: the service sheets were wrong in one (Praise the Lord I had a set from elsewhere in the car), the means by which the candles could be lit were non-existent (must learn to carry a lighter), the order sheets had totally vanished in another service (rushed and printed a new set!!), a page was missing from another service (but the memory had the words on the internal paperwork), one of the people leading was missing, and ... well you get the picture I'm sure.
In former days I would have regarded the bumps in the road as 'attack' whereas now I just regard it as mere organisational tremors. But as I reflect in a most excellent day I am pondering whether these bumps might not still be attack. OK! We managed to pretty seamlessly deal with all but the candles, but these things which take my eyes off of the important and cause me to break step, who does it work for? This has made me realise how lax I have become at praying before, and for, a service and lulled me into a sense of false reliance upon others - and the more weak links we introduce, the more likely it is that something will break down.
Lord, help me find the balance between collegial and shared and abrogation. Help me to rejoice in the joy of having so many people involved in the service (we had eight different voices making our main service run yesterday - and it was brilliant) but not forget my duty to ensure that it flows well. Help me to train, equip, release and inspire those around me - and also not forget that sometimes it's the bumps that help us to climb. A shiny polished slope is destined to keep us in the shallows rather than take us to the heights!
One of the joys today was found in small numbers - for in one place with our 'special' service on offer we barely filled a quarter of the building and yet, talking to people afterwards, I realised that what we had done was immensely valuable as it made Church accessible for those who came to a place where it might not have been expected to be.
Church in unusual places - sounds like the New Testament times, doesn't it?
Lord for the needs, the pain, the confusion and the bumps - I thank You.
For the joy of working with others - I give you praise.
Give me patience, grace and love for the day ahead - be with me every step of the way, just as You were today :-)
I was grabbed by a member of the parish a few weeks back and given a ticking off about how it wasn't hard work but long hours that killed us. But the problem is that each of us has a different idea of what constitutes 'long' I guess.
Today was about Christ becoming known to the world as the Magi come knocking with their gifts but unless we, the Church, are out there telling the world about Him, how will they hear or have that 'scales falling from the eyes' moment? We have a task before us indeed - and I wonder if we are doing it as well as we should?
Lord, this has been a great day; one in which I have been privileged to open the Scriptures and celebrate the risen Christ, and I thank you for it. But it has been a funny day. An unsettled day too as each of the Communion services were slightly out of kilter: the service sheets were wrong in one (Praise the Lord I had a set from elsewhere in the car), the means by which the candles could be lit were non-existent (must learn to carry a lighter), the order sheets had totally vanished in another service (rushed and printed a new set!!), a page was missing from another service (but the memory had the words on the internal paperwork), one of the people leading was missing, and ... well you get the picture I'm sure.
In former days I would have regarded the bumps in the road as 'attack' whereas now I just regard it as mere organisational tremors. But as I reflect in a most excellent day I am pondering whether these bumps might not still be attack. OK! We managed to pretty seamlessly deal with all but the candles, but these things which take my eyes off of the important and cause me to break step, who does it work for? This has made me realise how lax I have become at praying before, and for, a service and lulled me into a sense of false reliance upon others - and the more weak links we introduce, the more likely it is that something will break down.
Lord, help me find the balance between collegial and shared and abrogation. Help me to rejoice in the joy of having so many people involved in the service (we had eight different voices making our main service run yesterday - and it was brilliant) but not forget my duty to ensure that it flows well. Help me to train, equip, release and inspire those around me - and also not forget that sometimes it's the bumps that help us to climb. A shiny polished slope is destined to keep us in the shallows rather than take us to the heights!
One of the joys today was found in small numbers - for in one place with our 'special' service on offer we barely filled a quarter of the building and yet, talking to people afterwards, I realised that what we had done was immensely valuable as it made Church accessible for those who came to a place where it might not have been expected to be.
Church in unusual places - sounds like the New Testament times, doesn't it?
Lord for the needs, the pain, the confusion and the bumps - I thank You.
For the joy of working with others - I give you praise.
Give me patience, grace and love for the day ahead - be with me every step of the way, just as You were today :-)
Friday, 16 December 2016
Living in a broken world
Today has been one of those days when the objective lens on the microscope of life has been clicked on a notch and what it has revealed as the focus was adjusted is a bit unsettling. I reflect upon my introduction into the world of histology, the times when you stick a slide under the lens as gasp at the thing before you; awe-filled at the wonder of creation. The immensity of things that exist at a microscopic level.
There are times in life where the self-same response is brought forth in life as the magnification is clicked up and the view, for a number of reasons, stops you in your tracks and causes a sharp intake of breathe. This is one of them!
The pastoral role, the being a shephed for the sheep, is one of the most privileged, challenging and humbling roles anyone can aspire to assume. There are times when the sheep kick out and bring you home bleeding and limping. There are the times when you need to go out and find them and, having done some, plonk them around you neck (smelly and muck covered though they be) and bring them home. Worst of all are the times when th wolf is at the door, often a door that they've opened for a number of reasons, and the contest is on.
we are called to be 'one who comes alongside' - a Paraclete - to be the one who rushes into the burning buildings of life and contend with those who might devour those who stand before them. To give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf; to set the prisoners free and to preach 'good news' to the poor. In a day of death, Christingle, confusion and the promise of salvation the subtle tones and the rigid lines take on more meaning, and show themselves to be much more, as the focus knob is turned and all becomes clear and understanding, clarity and knowledge are added to.
The day has been a day of three halves - a sandwich in which the filling was the joy that meeting new people brings coupled with real 'family time' (which I need more of) - the bread being the things my life as a changed human being (the ontological reality that is 'priest').
Lord, for the broken people I seek to serve, give me clarity of vision and sharpness in my thinking, and action, that I might be their protector and guide. Give me wisdom in my dealings with those things against which they contend and gentleness in my execution of all before me. Help me to hear Your voice and to move to your prompting, to take each step prayerfully and never to startle the sheep or cause the wolves to strike. Gentle as doves and cunning as a serpent - now that's an image to contend with innit?
in a classroom of children, glow sticks, oranges and the excitement of Christmas before me, I experienced such joy as the privilege of engagement was mine.
In the joy of seeing the bricks were laid and relationships developed in the promise of changed lives as situations - the opportunity to extend the family that is more than being a congregation.
In the pain, anger and frustration that is mental health and the wounded and broken individuals, and the resonance in those around them with their bitter self-recriminations and destructive mea culpas - I look for you and your healing and redeeming love.
Lord, we bring who we are and what we have to the party, help us to accept and engage with those in the room the way we want to to be accepted and engaged with. Help us never to pass by on the other side when the need is obvious and apparent. May the wind in our ears never stop us hearing the voice in our hearts and, even though we might limp,may we never stop running the race until the line is crossed and our journey is done.
Thank you for a mixed day and for the challenges and joys - let's do this again tomorrow - but let's do it a bit better eh?
Friday, 9 December 2016
The fool has said . . .
. . . In his heart, "There is no God!"
Yet today in the encounters this was clearly untrue for God, like many other things, is to be found should one have the eyes to see Him.
Many years ago whilst walking with a friend in the country I realised that they we seeing so many things I wasn't - or to put it another way - I was not seeing what they saw. I asked them how It was that they saw so much when I saw so little and was told that I had never learnt to look!
Isn't this the problem with our 'post. hristian' world today? In days past, accepting the concept and presuming the reality of God, people would have eyes which saw Him and His works. Today we have become blind to the things around us, choosing not to see (or perhaps they are merely unable) what is around them.
Today began, as ever with the daily Office and after some forlorn shuffling of paper saw an early Communion service. How is it that some fail to get excited by the psalms such that we are slowly seeing them exit from our worship? The very first thing we say in our midweek service is the Psalm - and some days we gasp and other days we dance, but we are never left unmoved. The temptation to cry, "Hallelujah," is immense and compelling in the extreme.
The creation of tosh as an outworking of our own desires and attitudes is so great. Never is this statement so true than when it comes to matters of belief for here we find the logically doubtful rubbing shoulder with the awe-inspiringly glorious!
Do I do that?
Are there irrational assumptions made alongside the Christian speaking esoterica which confuses and counfounds?
Recalling the essay thrown back because it was 'too theological' and my protests that theology was what it was only to be met with a rebuff which led me to realise that for my theology to be real I needed it to be done in less theological tones such that it could be read by the non-theological. A fellow student protested that it was 'dumbing down' and yet, although the theological terms allow one word where many would be needed, they also, in that one word, alienate and confuse.
So Lord help me to be an apologist (sorry, I meant 'give an answer for the hope that I have in Jesus, the Christ') and to engage with those who are both near and far off. Help me to explain the deepest truths simple, and the simple truths deeply. To make the difficult things of God simple and the simple commonplace.
Help me to visit friends and minister that same Grace that sets me free and makes us one; to never see a client but a brother or sister; to never hide behind the answerphone or the email but to engage as Christ engaged, and engages still.
Funerals and the visits, the legwork, the paperwork, are to be found in abundance and the grim spectre of those not laid to rest before the Bethlehem bit arrives is before us. The chairs, empty around festive tables, will shout of loss. O death where is your sting: O grave, where is your victory?
Nativities and Christingle, carols and mulled wine are racing towards us. Not my busy time, just my more visible time. And who will they see? Those who tell me they are busy rarely are! Those who are never seen are rarely seen working! Which is the truth for me (for many I know can take care of their own attitudes and rarely welcome question or observation from others) and how do I make it Your truth?
Lord, for the encounters had today - may those around me have find the Christ in some measure.
For the decisions and suggestions made today, may Your wisdom and life have been present..
Create in me a pure heart and an honesty that speaks in the silence.
May the Grace of God abound and the light of Christ be obvious in all that I do. Thank you for the meetings made, the Communion (and glow sticks) given and the good cups of tea received. Bring it on today and help me as I lay loved ones to rest I pray.
And may I touch the hearts of the foolish :-)
Yet today in the encounters this was clearly untrue for God, like many other things, is to be found should one have the eyes to see Him.
Many years ago whilst walking with a friend in the country I realised that they we seeing so many things I wasn't - or to put it another way - I was not seeing what they saw. I asked them how It was that they saw so much when I saw so little and was told that I had never learnt to look!
Isn't this the problem with our 'post. hristian' world today? In days past, accepting the concept and presuming the reality of God, people would have eyes which saw Him and His works. Today we have become blind to the things around us, choosing not to see (or perhaps they are merely unable) what is around them.
Today began, as ever with the daily Office and after some forlorn shuffling of paper saw an early Communion service. How is it that some fail to get excited by the psalms such that we are slowly seeing them exit from our worship? The very first thing we say in our midweek service is the Psalm - and some days we gasp and other days we dance, but we are never left unmoved. The temptation to cry, "Hallelujah," is immense and compelling in the extreme.
The creation of tosh as an outworking of our own desires and attitudes is so great. Never is this statement so true than when it comes to matters of belief for here we find the logically doubtful rubbing shoulder with the awe-inspiringly glorious!
Do I do that?
Are there irrational assumptions made alongside the Christian speaking esoterica which confuses and counfounds?
Recalling the essay thrown back because it was 'too theological' and my protests that theology was what it was only to be met with a rebuff which led me to realise that for my theology to be real I needed it to be done in less theological tones such that it could be read by the non-theological. A fellow student protested that it was 'dumbing down' and yet, although the theological terms allow one word where many would be needed, they also, in that one word, alienate and confuse.
So Lord help me to be an apologist (sorry, I meant 'give an answer for the hope that I have in Jesus, the Christ') and to engage with those who are both near and far off. Help me to explain the deepest truths simple, and the simple truths deeply. To make the difficult things of God simple and the simple commonplace.
Help me to visit friends and minister that same Grace that sets me free and makes us one; to never see a client but a brother or sister; to never hide behind the answerphone or the email but to engage as Christ engaged, and engages still.
Funerals and the visits, the legwork, the paperwork, are to be found in abundance and the grim spectre of those not laid to rest before the Bethlehem bit arrives is before us. The chairs, empty around festive tables, will shout of loss. O death where is your sting: O grave, where is your victory?
Nativities and Christingle, carols and mulled wine are racing towards us. Not my busy time, just my more visible time. And who will they see? Those who tell me they are busy rarely are! Those who are never seen are rarely seen working! Which is the truth for me (for many I know can take care of their own attitudes and rarely welcome question or observation from others) and how do I make it Your truth?
Lord, for the encounters had today - may those around me have find the Christ in some measure.
For the decisions and suggestions made today, may Your wisdom and life have been present..
Create in me a pure heart and an honesty that speaks in the silence.
May the Grace of God abound and the light of Christ be obvious in all that I do. Thank you for the meetings made, the Communion (and glow sticks) given and the good cups of tea received. Bring it on today and help me as I lay loved ones to rest I pray.
And may I touch the hearts of the foolish :-)
Sunday, 4 December 2016
Saturday? Isn't that your day off?
Of course the answer is 'No!' When I served my Curacy it was made very clear that unless Saturday was my official day off, it was a working day. It can be a lighter day than the weekdays, but it most certainly isn't a day off.
I know that I struggle with the concept of days off some weeks as the pastoral needs tend to encroach and amazingly condense my 'off' time but the problems are many and varied in that I don't have a job, I have a calling. Not only that but what I do with a dogcollar I would happily have done without one as a Christian had I ended up working in the City until retirement.
'My church' is mine because I belong to it rather than own it! This is a lesson some I encounter, ordained and lay, need to learn.
Today I have engaged in some subversive Christianity and made Jesus, the Christ, known in some unusual (for Church) settings and in some amazingly God-filled settings. I have found myself greeted and acknowledged by children and adults alike and I like it. Not because I'm a celebrity (although I'll sign copies of the diocesan magazine if you want me to :-). ) but because I am part of a community - and that is the key.
Looking to see what God is doing in the lives around me; getting in step with His mission (the misseo dei is never to be missed) and reaching out to people with no visible need (always and often the neediest) my job is to make 'Christ Known'
As I reflect on the day I ask myself so many questions:
Where did I make Christ known today?
Did I do it well or did I make Christ look wrong and foolish?
Was I a 'fool for Christ' or just a fool who happens to be a believer?
Who did I bless by my presence and who would have been more blessed without it?
What has today taught me and was I willing to learn it; and willing to apply it tomorrow?
Today I took the opportunities I took, but know I could have perhaps taken more. God grant me the wisdom to see the lines I can, and should cross, and those where I need merely to pour you healing presence and step back. Help me to reach out and touch the broken with your love - to listen more - to rest in you and enjoy the scenery just a little.
I love You Lord - you float my boat and rock my socks off - you tell me that all might come near and how nothing separates Your creation from You. I just need to make Church understand that now :-)
Time for Zzzzzzzzzs - bring on tomorrow and make it a little more challenging still, I'm far too comfortable!!
I know that I struggle with the concept of days off some weeks as the pastoral needs tend to encroach and amazingly condense my 'off' time but the problems are many and varied in that I don't have a job, I have a calling. Not only that but what I do with a dogcollar I would happily have done without one as a Christian had I ended up working in the City until retirement.
'My church' is mine because I belong to it rather than own it! This is a lesson some I encounter, ordained and lay, need to learn.
Today I have engaged in some subversive Christianity and made Jesus, the Christ, known in some unusual (for Church) settings and in some amazingly God-filled settings. I have found myself greeted and acknowledged by children and adults alike and I like it. Not because I'm a celebrity (although I'll sign copies of the diocesan magazine if you want me to :-). ) but because I am part of a community - and that is the key.
Looking to see what God is doing in the lives around me; getting in step with His mission (the misseo dei is never to be missed) and reaching out to people with no visible need (always and often the neediest) my job is to make 'Christ Known'
As I reflect on the day I ask myself so many questions:
Where did I make Christ known today?
Did I do it well or did I make Christ look wrong and foolish?
Was I a 'fool for Christ' or just a fool who happens to be a believer?
Who did I bless by my presence and who would have been more blessed without it?
What has today taught me and was I willing to learn it; and willing to apply it tomorrow?
Today I took the opportunities I took, but know I could have perhaps taken more. God grant me the wisdom to see the lines I can, and should cross, and those where I need merely to pour you healing presence and step back. Help me to reach out and touch the broken with your love - to listen more - to rest in you and enjoy the scenery just a little.
I love You Lord - you float my boat and rock my socks off - you tell me that all might come near and how nothing separates Your creation from You. I just need to make Church understand that now :-)
Time for Zzzzzzzzzs - bring on tomorrow and make it a little more challenging still, I'm far too comfortable!!
Wednesday, 2 November 2016
Wear your poppy with pride
Today is 'All Souls Day', the day we remember and give thanks for the lives of all who have 'gone before' and as we do we commend them to God (may they rest in peace) and look towards the return of Jesus, the Christ - reaffirming our hope in the resurrection.
As you think of those whom you know, or know of perhaps if they left this life some time ago, can I encourage you to think ahead for just a moment to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday (the 11th and 13th of November in preparation of those two days add a poppy avatar to your social media presence?
There are a number on the Vic the Vicar blog - all you need do is go to a search engine and search for:
Vic the Vicar poppy avatar + the name of the cap badge, branch or organisation
(REME, Signals, Int' Corps, RAF, etc.)
If you, or a loved one, served in a branch of the forces or have an affiliation with the cadet organisations and the like - take a look you'll find a poppy there - there's even one for RTTW.
And if you don't find the poppy you need - add a comment and it will be there ASAP.
Let us remember those we love before God and comment them to His sure keeping trusting in the resurrection and the unending love of God.
As requested - one fire chaplain poppy - one Catering Corps - two ATC poppies
(other requests most welcome):
As requested - one fire chaplain poppy - one Catering Corps - two ATC poppies
(other requests most welcome):
Thursday, 25 September 2014
Presenting to God that which has cost me nothing.
I met someone this week who asked me about the free tea, coffee and cake sessions we put on in the church building on Monday and Thursday morning. They were confused by the word 'free' because this didn't make sense to them unless of course it meant payment was in kind rather than coins and they were assuming that the kind looked like them coming to our church.
"No, you don't have to come to our church to come in and have a cup of tea or coffee and some biscuits or cake," I said, "We do it because Jesus came to serve and we, wanting to be like Him, are merely doing the same." Their response was, "But I sometimes go to nnnnnn church, so doesn't that mean I have to pay?" Back came the standard response, "No, it's free, we do it because it provide people with the potential for community and makes a lonely existence less lonely. Regardless of whether you come to this church or not, there is no charge!"
The conversation moved on to another well worn track regarding the joint difficulty people have in receiving stuff for nothing and the Church has in providing the stuff without sticking out its begging bowl. The former being known as 'Grace' and the latter servanthood and ministry - very important concepts that we need to engender and exhibit within our church congregations and deliver to all we meet.
Far too often we worry about making ends meet for the services we provide and attempt to address the shortfall by asking those who avail themselves of them to 'pay up'. I Recently took part in an occasional office (baptism, wedding or funeral) where, at the conclusion of the service, those leaving the building faced something that was, to be quite brutal, only a few degrees short of a mugging! To cap it all, walking into the vestry after the service, I found the two 'muggers' counting their spoil and, as they did, they complained abut the paucity of cash on the plate.
I tried to explain how the money to pay for the services we offer (generally) came from the members of that church. I say 'generally" because some time back I provided something visually appealing and value-added on the understanding that the group we were doing the service for would pay for the means of enhancing it and all I can say is that I'm glad I never held my breath - so there are exceptions to the rule (aren't there always?). The response to this was amazing, seems some people in Church can get energised and passionate after all - just a pity it isn't about the Gospel!
The reason we (the Church) exists is to reconcile us (that's you and me and them who aren't us) and God by means of the Cross of Jesus, the Christ. We seek to live as signposts to the love of God (again as shown through Christ) and the all-embracing and all-encompassing acceptance that is the Gospel (of love and Grace). This is a freewill act of offering ourselves as servants, sacrificially at times (just like Jesus and His giving of Himself), to change the lives of those around us and to demonstrate (words can be used, but perhaps a little more sparingly (YAWN) than is usual) the reality of finding faith in, and peace through, Jesus.
So here's a ticklist for those who lead and are led and a challenge for those who do nothing (but that's not you I'm sure):
1. Are we meeting the needs of those around us (we do know what they need don't we?)?
2. Are we exciting people around us to get involved, opening our doors and getting out there (leaving the doors open for those who come (and they will - not immediately - but they will)?
3. Are we doing stuff because it's who we are rather than as a bait to entice people into the trap?
4. Are we doing whatever it is we are doing whilst looking to others to pay? If we are then perhaps one of the many readings (in this case it's 2 Sam 24) on giving to God that which we own (and have therefore paid for) needs some consideration:
'That day Gad came to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” So David went up to do what the LORD had commanded him. When Araunah saw the king and his men coming toward him, he came and bowed before the king with his face to the ground. “Why have you come, my lord the king?”
Araunah asked. David replied, “I have come to buy your threshing floor and to build an altar to the LORD there, so that he will stop the plague.”
“Take it, my lord the king, and use it as you wish,” Araunah said to David. “Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and you can use the threshing boards and ox yokes for wood to build a fire on the altar. I will give it all to you, Your Majesty, and may the LORD your God accept your sacrifice.”
But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the LORD my God that have cost me nothing.” So David paid him fifty pieces of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen. David built an altar there to the LORD and sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. And the LORD answered his prayer for the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.'
Simples innit?
"No, you don't have to come to our church to come in and have a cup of tea or coffee and some biscuits or cake," I said, "We do it because Jesus came to serve and we, wanting to be like Him, are merely doing the same." Their response was, "But I sometimes go to nnnnnn church, so doesn't that mean I have to pay?" Back came the standard response, "No, it's free, we do it because it provide people with the potential for community and makes a lonely existence less lonely. Regardless of whether you come to this church or not, there is no charge!"
The conversation moved on to another well worn track regarding the joint difficulty people have in receiving stuff for nothing and the Church has in providing the stuff without sticking out its begging bowl. The former being known as 'Grace' and the latter servanthood and ministry - very important concepts that we need to engender and exhibit within our church congregations and deliver to all we meet.
Far too often we worry about making ends meet for the services we provide and attempt to address the shortfall by asking those who avail themselves of them to 'pay up'. I Recently took part in an occasional office (baptism, wedding or funeral) where, at the conclusion of the service, those leaving the building faced something that was, to be quite brutal, only a few degrees short of a mugging! To cap it all, walking into the vestry after the service, I found the two 'muggers' counting their spoil and, as they did, they complained abut the paucity of cash on the plate.
I tried to explain how the money to pay for the services we offer (generally) came from the members of that church. I say 'generally" because some time back I provided something visually appealing and value-added on the understanding that the group we were doing the service for would pay for the means of enhancing it and all I can say is that I'm glad I never held my breath - so there are exceptions to the rule (aren't there always?). The response to this was amazing, seems some people in Church can get energised and passionate after all - just a pity it isn't about the Gospel!
The reason we (the Church) exists is to reconcile us (that's you and me and them who aren't us) and God by means of the Cross of Jesus, the Christ. We seek to live as signposts to the love of God (again as shown through Christ) and the all-embracing and all-encompassing acceptance that is the Gospel (of love and Grace). This is a freewill act of offering ourselves as servants, sacrificially at times (just like Jesus and His giving of Himself), to change the lives of those around us and to demonstrate (words can be used, but perhaps a little more sparingly (YAWN) than is usual) the reality of finding faith in, and peace through, Jesus.
So here's a ticklist for those who lead and are led and a challenge for those who do nothing (but that's not you I'm sure):
1. Are we meeting the needs of those around us (we do know what they need don't we?)?
2. Are we exciting people around us to get involved, opening our doors and getting out there (leaving the doors open for those who come (and they will - not immediately - but they will)?
3. Are we doing stuff because it's who we are rather than as a bait to entice people into the trap?
4. Are we doing whatever it is we are doing whilst looking to others to pay? If we are then perhaps one of the many readings (in this case it's 2 Sam 24) on giving to God that which we own (and have therefore paid for) needs some consideration:
'That day Gad came to David and said to him, “Go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” So David went up to do what the LORD had commanded him. When Araunah saw the king and his men coming toward him, he came and bowed before the king with his face to the ground. “Why have you come, my lord the king?”
Araunah asked. David replied, “I have come to buy your threshing floor and to build an altar to the LORD there, so that he will stop the plague.”
“Take it, my lord the king, and use it as you wish,” Araunah said to David. “Here are oxen for the burnt offering, and you can use the threshing boards and ox yokes for wood to build a fire on the altar. I will give it all to you, Your Majesty, and may the LORD your God accept your sacrifice.”
But the king replied to Araunah, “No, I insist on buying it, for I will not present burnt offerings to the LORD my God that have cost me nothing.” So David paid him fifty pieces of silver for the threshing floor and the oxen. David built an altar there to the LORD and sacrificed burnt offerings and peace offerings. And the LORD answered his prayer for the land, and the plague on Israel was stopped.'
Simples innit?
Monday, 18 August 2014
PSA - An introduction to Christus Victor
As I am reading I am also looking for little snippets to add to the knowledgebase of those whom I seek to pastor (and those I seek to stimulate into study - who should be one and the same).
Here's a short animation that gets the ball rolling and adds just a little more with a little less than Tom Wright's excellent opening shot on this subject. (pity about the animated voice though in this animation - think I'll 'fix' that at some stage).
Enjoy:
Here's a short animation that gets the ball rolling and adds just a little more with a little less than Tom Wright's excellent opening shot on this subject. (pity about the animated voice though in this animation - think I'll 'fix' that at some stage).
Enjoy:
Thursday, 5 June 2014
Church is family - a place of fun not rigid ritual!
Many years ago, when the earth was young, I was a member of a church that gathered on a Sunday evening for an informal service. It was absolutely great but:
It wasn't because of the clergy (although we always have a sneaky feeling it is, don't we?)
It wasn't because of the liturgy (which being back in ASB time had its challenges)
It wasn't because of the choir or the settings (there wasn't one and there weren't any!)
But it was all about the people who went and the joy, love and relationships that existed in the group and between one another. When things went wrong, we laughed. When things went right, we laughed. When needs were present we prayed for each other and still found time to love, laugh and be family.
One Sunday evening we'd been going through a fairly standard evening service when we came to a song about the wedding banquet. A song we'd sung many, many times (along with 'Tell out my soul as a permanent Magnificat variant) but on this fateful evening the person leading got their 'mords wuddled' such that the correct version:
I cannot come. I cannot come to the banquet, don’t trouble me now.
I have married a wife, I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum,
Pray, hold me excused, I cannot come.
Was transposed into:
I cannot come. I cannot come to the banquet, don’t trouble me now.
I have bought me a wife, I have married a cow!
I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum,
Pray, hold me excused, I cannot come.
The place erupted and the laughter brought the service to a glorious close as people fought for breath and tears streamed down faces. This is what Church is about - not being bound up in the strictures of a starched shirt and Brycreemed faith that put me off when I was a child - being willing to laugh at ourselves and taking Jesus seriously.
Oddly, today, with this thought in my mind the 09:30 communion pulled away from the station and onto a journey where wrong readings, misplaced bit and general chaos were all viewed through the carriage windows. And we laughed and we enjoyed it all and God was honoured and the joyous full-colour faith that is Christianity (as opposed to the joyless black and white existence of some) was met.
We had a family party and each, and all, brought what they could to it and took from the table the elements of unity, Grace and joy in the communion.
Now That's What I call Church :-)
It wasn't because of the clergy (although we always have a sneaky feeling it is, don't we?)
It wasn't because of the liturgy (which being back in ASB time had its challenges)
It wasn't because of the choir or the settings (there wasn't one and there weren't any!)
But it was all about the people who went and the joy, love and relationships that existed in the group and between one another. When things went wrong, we laughed. When things went right, we laughed. When needs were present we prayed for each other and still found time to love, laugh and be family.
One Sunday evening we'd been going through a fairly standard evening service when we came to a song about the wedding banquet. A song we'd sung many, many times (along with 'Tell out my soul as a permanent Magnificat variant) but on this fateful evening the person leading got their 'mords wuddled' such that the correct version:
I cannot come. I cannot come to the banquet, don’t trouble me now.
I have married a wife, I have bought me a cow.
I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum,
Pray, hold me excused, I cannot come.
Was transposed into:
I cannot come. I cannot come to the banquet, don’t trouble me now.
I have bought me a wife, I have married a cow!
I have fields and commitments that cost a pretty sum,
Pray, hold me excused, I cannot come.
The place erupted and the laughter brought the service to a glorious close as people fought for breath and tears streamed down faces. This is what Church is about - not being bound up in the strictures of a starched shirt and Brycreemed faith that put me off when I was a child - being willing to laugh at ourselves and taking Jesus seriously.
Oddly, today, with this thought in my mind the 09:30 communion pulled away from the station and onto a journey where wrong readings, misplaced bit and general chaos were all viewed through the carriage windows. And we laughed and we enjoyed it all and God was honoured and the joyous full-colour faith that is Christianity (as opposed to the joyless black and white existence of some) was met.
We had a family party and each, and all, brought what they could to it and took from the table the elements of unity, Grace and joy in the communion.
Now That's What I call Church :-)
Saturday, 26 April 2014
Grace - Cheap, Costly and Hyper
This represents the opening section of something that I think might become a bit of a magnum opus (or at least a Feast) because Grace, for me at least, one of the issues of Christianity. (note: in my nomenclature - Capital G Grace is God's to us)
Grace is, as I understand it, my not getting what I deserve because of the love of a God that caused him to take flesh (incarnate meaning what it says on the tin) and humbling Himself, die upon the cross to reconcile me to God, the Father. Jesus getting what He did not deserve so that I didn't get that which I did deserve! Or to use Wesley's words: 'Amazing love, how can it be, that thou my God should die for me? '
In his book 'the cost of discipleship', Dietrich Bonhoeffer contributes much on the subject of grace and the call to die to self and take up our own cross is clear. Grace,
according to Bonhoeffer, can be 'cheap' in that it can be found in a grace without discipleship, the cross, the Christ (truly man and resurrected). We find forgiveness without repentance preached - it's yours for the taking, free.
Now, I'm not denying that Grace is free, but the danger is that we treat is as something of little value because of the price tag attached to it for us - for it comes at an inestimable price. But let Bonhoeffer help set the scene:
'.Grace is represented as the Church's inexhaustible treasury, from which she showers blessings with generous hands, without asking questions or fixing limits. Grace without price; grace without cost! The essence of grace, we suppose, is that the account has been paid in advance; and, because it has been paid, everything can be had for nothing.' (Cost of discipleship. P. 45)
The tragedy of such a grace is that having told us sin is defeated and proclaiming that we are therefore no longer sinful, it is too small a step to find ourselves caught up in sin! After all, costly Grace is taken up with admonishing and correcting and adhering to law, but the cheap side of the market often takes Paul's words regarding the condemnation and impotence of the law to heart and seeks to reside wholly in Grace. A popular and appealing position from where I, struggling to put the old man to death, am sitting.
For me the reality is somewhere in the middle, law having the power to condemn whilst Grace speaks of my innocence (justification).
With Paul's challenge to me (Romans 6) is ringing in my ears: 'What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?' I fear this (perhaps cruelly labelled, 'hypergrace' position might just be leading us into error. But since so many who occupy this position like to work from Paul's words, perhaps it is best that he speaks up (ibid):
'By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.'
Grace costs us nothing and demands everything! We are dead to sin. New creations who walk 'in newness of life' - this is the walk of discipleship, or no longer being 'under the law' but living within it so that those who are might see how we live and consider their own walk. Because we are 'under Grace' we are enabled, by the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit, to live godly and Christlike lives.
Grace demands discipleship. a discipleship that looks to keeping the commandments and possessing the circumcision of the heart that marks us out as true believers.It confers blessing and screams forgiveness (justification) but to reside in that mercy, under the blood of the Lamb, requires more than us just being willing to receive it - and yet it is not a reward for works either lest we might boast. The cost of Grace is, for me, found in the conviction of sin and the desire to see more of Jesus, the Christ, and less of me each day made more obvious by the shadow of the cross.
And so my journey to dialogue with, challenge and understand this, for me, new and emerging group begins. This is but the first step of, I fear, many and though some may disagree and even doubt my own faith - that's where Grace comes in, isn't it?
Suggested reading
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1959, The Cost of Discipleship, Second edition, London, SCM Press Ltd (1963 reprint - Macmillan Paperbacks Edition)
Romans
Grace is, as I understand it, my not getting what I deserve because of the love of a God that caused him to take flesh (incarnate meaning what it says on the tin) and humbling Himself, die upon the cross to reconcile me to God, the Father. Jesus getting what He did not deserve so that I didn't get that which I did deserve! Or to use Wesley's words: 'Amazing love, how can it be, that thou my God should die for me? '
In his book 'the cost of discipleship', Dietrich Bonhoeffer contributes much on the subject of grace and the call to die to self and take up our own cross is clear. Grace,
according to Bonhoeffer, can be 'cheap' in that it can be found in a grace without discipleship, the cross, the Christ (truly man and resurrected). We find forgiveness without repentance preached - it's yours for the taking, free.
Now, I'm not denying that Grace is free, but the danger is that we treat is as something of little value because of the price tag attached to it for us - for it comes at an inestimable price. But let Bonhoeffer help set the scene:
'.Grace is represented as the Church's inexhaustible treasury, from which she showers blessings with generous hands, without asking questions or fixing limits. Grace without price; grace without cost! The essence of grace, we suppose, is that the account has been paid in advance; and, because it has been paid, everything can be had for nothing.' (Cost of discipleship. P. 45)
The tragedy of such a grace is that having told us sin is defeated and proclaiming that we are therefore no longer sinful, it is too small a step to find ourselves caught up in sin! After all, costly Grace is taken up with admonishing and correcting and adhering to law, but the cheap side of the market often takes Paul's words regarding the condemnation and impotence of the law to heart and seeks to reside wholly in Grace. A popular and appealing position from where I, struggling to put the old man to death, am sitting.
For me the reality is somewhere in the middle, law having the power to condemn whilst Grace speaks of my innocence (justification).
With Paul's challenge to me (Romans 6) is ringing in my ears: 'What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?' I fear this (perhaps cruelly labelled, 'hypergrace' position might just be leading us into error. But since so many who occupy this position like to work from Paul's words, perhaps it is best that he speaks up (ibid):
'By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.'
Grace costs us nothing and demands everything! We are dead to sin. New creations who walk 'in newness of life' - this is the walk of discipleship, or no longer being 'under the law' but living within it so that those who are might see how we live and consider their own walk. Because we are 'under Grace' we are enabled, by the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit, to live godly and Christlike lives.
Grace demands discipleship. a discipleship that looks to keeping the commandments and possessing the circumcision of the heart that marks us out as true believers.It confers blessing and screams forgiveness (justification) but to reside in that mercy, under the blood of the Lamb, requires more than us just being willing to receive it - and yet it is not a reward for works either lest we might boast. The cost of Grace is, for me, found in the conviction of sin and the desire to see more of Jesus, the Christ, and less of me each day made more obvious by the shadow of the cross.
And so my journey to dialogue with, challenge and understand this, for me, new and emerging group begins. This is but the first step of, I fear, many and though some may disagree and even doubt my own faith - that's where Grace comes in, isn't it?
Suggested reading
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, 1959, The Cost of Discipleship, Second edition, London, SCM Press Ltd (1963 reprint - Macmillan Paperbacks Edition)
Romans
Tuesday, 5 November 2013
Evangelism - it's just telling people they're sinners!
I have had the most entertaining email from someone (who will remain anonymous) who wanted to 'put me straight' on the 'twaddle' (their word) I have written recently (something I always welcome) on the issue of evangelism.
Apparently (and I quote) the lifestyle evangelism methods (servant and friendship evangelism) form 'part of the pathway to hell' and by my sponsorship of them I am merely making people believe they are Christians and 'setting them on the path to hell!' The reasons for this thinking finds its roots in the belief that: 'The only true evangelism is that which tells people that they're sinners and bound for hell... It is this that brings people into the kingdom, for it is the righteous fear that the Bible speaks of!'
I have to be honest and say that whilst I understand the writer's concerns I do think that they are just a little misguided for I know of people who have become Christians because of relationships with Christians that caused them to stop and rethink their attitudes. They were in the company of people who spoke about Jesus, prayed in His name and sought to live in the way the Bible commanded.
The very best person to tell someone that they are caught up in sinful thoughts and acts is that person themselves. Prompted by the example of others and the move of the Holy Spirit, this is the self-discovery that leads to the discovery of a new self in Christ.
But this is, as my correspondent tells me, not the way to 'save souls'. What is needed is to, 'Get them so petrified at the thought of damnation and hellfire that they come running to Jesus and a place of safety.' Whilst I do believe that we need to warn people of the effects of their living outside of that which God calls them to be, I find the idea of getting people to come to Christ as a life raft rather unappealing. After all, I want them to come to Jesus as a Saviour and friend - not a means to a better end.
I have often struggled, as I have said before, at those who come to Christ because of the benefits that such a decision brings. There are places around the world where the profession of faith brings housing, jobs, schooling, health care and the like; bit there are places in the world where becoming a Christian spells the very opposite and invites oppression, persecution and death too!
I don't want people to come to Christ because of fear: Not fear of God - Not fear from God - Nor fear for eternity and hell.
Jesus brings a perfect love and this love, we are told (1 Jn 4.18) 'Casts out fear!'
I don't want to stand out there on the streets telling people that they are doomed and destined for hell (and why is it that the person who wrote to me, like those who often push this view, used the KJV?). I want to stand out there on the streets and tell people about how they are loved. Loved so much that they were considered worth dying for - what a thought, Jesus thinks that each of us (individually) is truly 'to die for!' - and this makes Him worth living for.
Evangelism is (in the words of Charlie Spurgeon) merely 'One beggar telling another beggar where there is bread!'. It takes the words of Galatians 6.1:
'Fellow Believers, suppose you find someone who is caught doing something wrong. You who have God's Spirit should set them right, but in a spirit of humility, keeping an eye on yourselves so that you won't be tempted to use righteous anger, condemnation or pride. For after all we all sins and can compound the sins around us by joining in and treating others wrongly'
Evangelism - it's done and dusted with that statement and the subsequent reading:
It really doesn't get any simpler than that does it?
Apparently (and I quote) the lifestyle evangelism methods (servant and friendship evangelism) form 'part of the pathway to hell' and by my sponsorship of them I am merely making people believe they are Christians and 'setting them on the path to hell!' The reasons for this thinking finds its roots in the belief that: 'The only true evangelism is that which tells people that they're sinners and bound for hell... It is this that brings people into the kingdom, for it is the righteous fear that the Bible speaks of!'
I have to be honest and say that whilst I understand the writer's concerns I do think that they are just a little misguided for I know of people who have become Christians because of relationships with Christians that caused them to stop and rethink their attitudes. They were in the company of people who spoke about Jesus, prayed in His name and sought to live in the way the Bible commanded.
The very best person to tell someone that they are caught up in sinful thoughts and acts is that person themselves. Prompted by the example of others and the move of the Holy Spirit, this is the self-discovery that leads to the discovery of a new self in Christ.
But this is, as my correspondent tells me, not the way to 'save souls'. What is needed is to, 'Get them so petrified at the thought of damnation and hellfire that they come running to Jesus and a place of safety.' Whilst I do believe that we need to warn people of the effects of their living outside of that which God calls them to be, I find the idea of getting people to come to Christ as a life raft rather unappealing. After all, I want them to come to Jesus as a Saviour and friend - not a means to a better end.
I have often struggled, as I have said before, at those who come to Christ because of the benefits that such a decision brings. There are places around the world where the profession of faith brings housing, jobs, schooling, health care and the like; bit there are places in the world where becoming a Christian spells the very opposite and invites oppression, persecution and death too!
I don't want people to come to Christ because of fear: Not fear of God - Not fear from God - Nor fear for eternity and hell.
Jesus brings a perfect love and this love, we are told (1 Jn 4.18) 'Casts out fear!'
I don't want to stand out there on the streets telling people that they are doomed and destined for hell (and why is it that the person who wrote to me, like those who often push this view, used the KJV?). I want to stand out there on the streets and tell people about how they are loved. Loved so much that they were considered worth dying for - what a thought, Jesus thinks that each of us (individually) is truly 'to die for!' - and this makes Him worth living for.
Evangelism is (in the words of Charlie Spurgeon) merely 'One beggar telling another beggar where there is bread!'. It takes the words of Galatians 6.1:
'Fellow Believers, suppose you find someone who is caught doing something wrong. You who have God's Spirit should set them right, but in a spirit of humility, keeping an eye on yourselves so that you won't be tempted to use righteous anger, condemnation or pride. For after all we all sins and can compound the sins around us by joining in and treating others wrongly'
Evangelism - it's done and dusted with that statement and the subsequent reading:
Evangelism = love, example, humility, acceptance (to them and from Him)
It really doesn't get any simpler than that does it?
Sunday, 10 March 2013
What's in a name: Mothering Sunday?
Over the past few days I have seen the price of flowers rise, the shops are filled with cheap DVDs, twee little figurines, overpriced cards and chocolates. My friends, and children, are wondering what gift they should buy to make real the reality that they too are caught up in the act of worship before them. Sadly though I'm not speaking about Mums but about shopping!
'Mother's Day is a chance to buy something that says 'I love you!' So says a sign in a shop window and yet, of course, this wasn't always the way it was for once it was about belonging, gratitude, love and, yes you've probably guessed, Church.
Mothering Sunday was one of THE events of the year, especially if you were in service for it, along with Boxing Day, was a day that was generally given as a day off from the daily toil. This was a day when people returned to the church where they had been baptised to give thanks for their baptism and, as it was their home church, it also meant a family gathering afterwards.
As they made their way home to family and feast the children would pick some of the emerging flowers and this is where the tradition of giving flowers on Mothering Sunday began. At the home there would be a special (Simnel) cake to go with the meal - usually decorated with twelve marzipan balls. It was a time for families coming together and celebrating that they were one and this is why we met last week; for we are one family despite the different names and denominations.
My prayer is that we would celebrate being made one through the love of God as shown by Jesus, the Christ (and Easter's coming to remind us of this), as Church and that we would value our earthly families and cherish Mother (and Father and brother and sister and children and . . .) and work to live in love and peace with them and all people in the coming year.
Don't wait for Mothering Sunday - every day is an opportunity to go 'a mothering' and to celebrate our Mothers too.
My prayer is that we would celebrate being made one through the love of God as shown by Jesus, the Christ (and Easter's coming to remind us of this), as Church and that we would value our earthly families and cherish Mother (and Father and brother and sister and children and . . .) and work to live in love and peace with them and all people in the coming year.
Don't wait for Mothering Sunday - every day is an opportunity to go 'a mothering' and to celebrate our Mothers too.
So may you have a blessed and joyous Mothering Sunday and may you give thanks for those who gave you life, taught you how to live, nurture (or perhaps nurtured) you and surrounds you with love - as as you stop to think of them remember that both apply equally to earthly Mother and spiritual Mother Church.
Pax
Pax
Monday, 5 December 2011
'H' - the defining Christian sin!
Yes, I've come to the conclusion that the 'H Word' is indeed the worst, perhaps being THE defining, Christian sin that there is!
It is to be found at the root of schism and self-serving thinking.
It is the reason that there is so much grief in the Church.
It is the principle reason that the world judges the Church badly.
It is something that we need to deal with NOW, decisively and at all levels (beginning with me and you - we can deal with the others later!).
I am surrounded with various theologies and am faced with so much sound evangelical teaching on sexual issues and just as much more, but in an opposite direction, from our liberal-minded brethren (and sistren too!). So what are we going to to with the 'H Word'? How are we going to legislate such that those who embrace it are forced to recant of are expelled from our congregations because of their thinking and the resultant actions?
Yes indeedy folks, it is time to make a stand. So let's decide that we are going to stamp out 'Hardheartedness' in our own life, the life of our church and across the whole Church once and for all.
And then we can start with the world hoping that they will like what they see and rush to emulate us!
Pax
It is to be found at the root of schism and self-serving thinking.
It is the reason that there is so much grief in the Church.
It is the principle reason that the world judges the Church badly.
It is something that we need to deal with NOW, decisively and at all levels (beginning with me and you - we can deal with the others later!).
I am surrounded with various theologies and am faced with so much sound evangelical teaching on sexual issues and just as much more, but in an opposite direction, from our liberal-minded brethren (and sistren too!). So what are we going to to with the 'H Word'? How are we going to legislate such that those who embrace it are forced to recant of are expelled from our congregations because of their thinking and the resultant actions?
Yes indeedy folks, it is time to make a stand. So let's decide that we are going to stamp out 'Hardheartedness' in our own life, the life of our church and across the whole Church once and for all.
And then we can start with the world hoping that they will like what they see and rush to emulate us!
Pax
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Amazing (or selective) Grace
An American psychologist tried an experiment which saw him standing in a prominent place handing out money as a proclaimed 'free gift'. As people passed by they were offered a crisp new banknote with the message that it was free. Interestingly, few took the proffered offering!
Now whilst some were surprised by the response and the low take up of the money, I have to say that I wasn't and for a number of reasons:
1. Distrust - our natural cynicism leads us to doubt things on the grounds that it 'looks too good to be true'.
2. Distrust - who would offer something of value for free?
3. Distrust - who is this person giving out money? An unknown person with unknown motives - sounds like an invitation to a time share presentation or a starring role on 'Candid Camera'.
4. Distrust - if I grab the money it will make a statement about me. It will say I am needy, or greedy, or one of a number of things that present me in a negative light.
Although I could go on I'll stop at just four reasons, although of course there are many more, and parallel this with salvation and grace.
I am repeatedly on the end of a discussion which ends up with me being told that how it is so very wrong that anyone could have a God, especially a 'God of love', who would deliberately create everyone knowing in advance that more than half of us would end up in eternal punishment.
To this point I would like to respond by taking the example of the psychologist with which we began as a parallel with this salvation issue. The money was offered to all and yet only some chose to take it. The reasons for not taking the offer differed but the results fell into a number of distinct groups, the two main classifications being:
a. They accepted the gift, and
b. They rejected the gift.
There were subsets, those who wanted to see if it was still on offer the next day or wanted to think about it, some wanted to see what happened to others who took the banknote and perhaps dialogue with them to see what they had and why they had it.
The parallels are obvious and so I will let you dialogue internally (and hopefully externally too) on this concept of amazing grace and selective acceptance and leave you with some questions to ponder;
Where are you with this - is the gift yours?
Where are those you love - accepted or caught in distrust or lost in self?
What about those in your workplace, on the bus, train or tube?
The offer of the gift will last but being finite we won't!
Pax
Now whilst some were surprised by the response and the low take up of the money, I have to say that I wasn't and for a number of reasons:
1. Distrust - our natural cynicism leads us to doubt things on the grounds that it 'looks too good to be true'.
2. Distrust - who would offer something of value for free?
3. Distrust - who is this person giving out money? An unknown person with unknown motives - sounds like an invitation to a time share presentation or a starring role on 'Candid Camera'.
4. Distrust - if I grab the money it will make a statement about me. It will say I am needy, or greedy, or one of a number of things that present me in a negative light.
Although I could go on I'll stop at just four reasons, although of course there are many more, and parallel this with salvation and grace.
I am repeatedly on the end of a discussion which ends up with me being told that how it is so very wrong that anyone could have a God, especially a 'God of love', who would deliberately create everyone knowing in advance that more than half of us would end up in eternal punishment.
To this point I would like to respond by taking the example of the psychologist with which we began as a parallel with this salvation issue. The money was offered to all and yet only some chose to take it. The reasons for not taking the offer differed but the results fell into a number of distinct groups, the two main classifications being:
a. They accepted the gift, and
b. They rejected the gift.
There were subsets, those who wanted to see if it was still on offer the next day or wanted to think about it, some wanted to see what happened to others who took the banknote and perhaps dialogue with them to see what they had and why they had it.
The parallels are obvious and so I will let you dialogue internally (and hopefully externally too) on this concept of amazing grace and selective acceptance and leave you with some questions to ponder;
Where are you with this - is the gift yours?
Where are those you love - accepted or caught in distrust or lost in self?
What about those in your workplace, on the bus, train or tube?
The offer of the gift will last but being finite we won't!
Pax
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Living (and working) to rule
No, I'm not trying to organise industrial action, I'm trying to get people to realise that they need a rule of life and once they have one, to live by it!
When one is ordained there are a number of facets on the gem that is Christian ministry, namely:
We accept the Holy Scriptures as being the source of everything we need to know about eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
This means that the Bible is not a second thought and puts paid to all the universalist tosh that gets peddled. We preach Christ, and Him crucified, risen and alive and teach obedience to the word of God (written and living, logos and Logos!).
We will be active and consistent regarding prayer and in reading, and studying, the Bible and other stuff that will deepen our faith and help us to be witnesses to the truth of the gospel.
If we can't, won't or don't do this then we should never have taken the shilling. Without this we are not 'fit for role' and should remove ourselves from ministry. We are all called 'to stir up' the gift of God that makes us the living witnesses spoken of later - living in holiness and grace.
Believing the doctrine of the Christian faith as received (and practised) by the Church of England and teaching it.
Amazing how many people (many with dog-collars and some in purple) struggle with this.
Being a living witness, a type of Christ in the place you find yourself, living through teaching and example to make Christ's love and life known.
Amazingly, there are many who fall down on this one too!
Caring and serving those 'in the household of God' in the same way Christ came, as a servant, not the dog-collar whom must be served and have status.
Caring and serving, living in and running our own families as an example and as a discipline.
An old Vicar once told me that if you couldn't run your own life and the life of your family, you had no chance with a church!
Working together for the building of the whole Church, making disciples and displaying the unity of the Church across denominations and groupings.
We need to seek where we can share and be united rather than look for the things that separate us for being Church. Too many people taken up with their piddling little gatherings at the sake of a wider, and more effective, Church unity (which if present builds ALL the churches by making disciples and setting the conditions for growth).
Submit to those in authority.
This is a key point and makes sense of the fact that we need to be careful whom we entrust leadership (at all levels) to. Some of those who disregard all the above elements make themselves extremely difficult to obey or respect, for some are (sadly) barely Christian! Yet, there is still the question of rightly placed authority to be considered then!
There we are - everything that the ordinal (the ordaining rule book) requires from Christians not just for ordination but for those who truly wish to live their baptismal calling too!
Pax
When one is ordained there are a number of facets on the gem that is Christian ministry, namely:
We accept the Holy Scriptures as being the source of everything we need to know about eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
This means that the Bible is not a second thought and puts paid to all the universalist tosh that gets peddled. We preach Christ, and Him crucified, risen and alive and teach obedience to the word of God (written and living, logos and Logos!).
We will be active and consistent regarding prayer and in reading, and studying, the Bible and other stuff that will deepen our faith and help us to be witnesses to the truth of the gospel.
If we can't, won't or don't do this then we should never have taken the shilling. Without this we are not 'fit for role' and should remove ourselves from ministry. We are all called 'to stir up' the gift of God that makes us the living witnesses spoken of later - living in holiness and grace.
Believing the doctrine of the Christian faith as received (and practised) by the Church of England and teaching it.
Amazing how many people (many with dog-collars and some in purple) struggle with this.
Being a living witness, a type of Christ in the place you find yourself, living through teaching and example to make Christ's love and life known.
Amazingly, there are many who fall down on this one too!
Caring and serving those 'in the household of God' in the same way Christ came, as a servant, not the dog-collar whom must be served and have status.
Caring and serving, living in and running our own families as an example and as a discipline.
An old Vicar once told me that if you couldn't run your own life and the life of your family, you had no chance with a church!
Working together for the building of the whole Church, making disciples and displaying the unity of the Church across denominations and groupings.
We need to seek where we can share and be united rather than look for the things that separate us for being Church. Too many people taken up with their piddling little gatherings at the sake of a wider, and more effective, Church unity (which if present builds ALL the churches by making disciples and setting the conditions for growth).
Submit to those in authority.
This is a key point and makes sense of the fact that we need to be careful whom we entrust leadership (at all levels) to. Some of those who disregard all the above elements make themselves extremely difficult to obey or respect, for some are (sadly) barely Christian! Yet, there is still the question of rightly placed authority to be considered then!
There we are - everything that the ordinal (the ordaining rule book) requires from Christians not just for ordination but for those who truly wish to live their baptismal calling too!
Pax
Thursday, 12 May 2011
Dinner Graces
I am in the most privileged position of being invited to a number of dinners, albeit to do 'the grace', and as a result have to endure some of the most awful graces before the meal commences. It seems to me that all too often we are subjected to the most awful doggerel and smug self-satisfied tosh masquerading as 'the grace'.
The last few I have been present at were attempts at being funny coupled with the words of two or three humour-filled graces, which were made into one. This was followed by the person giving the grace looking around (ooh, aren't I clever, witting or stupid?) for laughter, applause or some other sign of approval.
The problem is that being assigned 'the grace' is not an opportunity for the speaker to shine, but rather a privilege, and quite solemn duty, in that they are leading those gathered in communication with God (as He is perceived or otherwise)!
The last grace I had to endure consisted of an introduction to the evening (which the president had done at the greeting), followed by a cute rhyming ditty in honour of the evening, the speaker, and the evening followed by what I recognised as two humorous graces lumped together to make us all laugh even more. Having completed the task, the person 'praying' (I use the word advisedly) looked around for signs of approval, before sitting down. This wasn't 'Grace' - it was someone being the cabaret!
Thing to remember when doing 'the grace':
1. This is not the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in the creation of rhyming doggerel,
2. It is not an opportunity to poke fun at colleagues or make 'in' comments about whatever it is that you and your mates find funny in your own little world outside of the dinner,
3. It is not an opportunity or perform some hideous kowtowing or other ingratiating homage to the guest of honour,
4. It is not an open mike session in the 'puerile prune' stand-up comedy club.
What 'the grace' is:
1. It is an opportunity for the person saying 'Grace' to lead those present into a place of thanks and reflection for the fare that is being placed before them,
2. It is an opportunity to give thanks for the fellowship about to be had, and for those with whom it will be had,
3. It is an opportunity, especially in a military or veterans setting, to remember those who are serving: A place to remember those who have served and to give thanks for service and commitment, and
4. At the right time, and in the right place, it is an opportunity to give people the space to remember those who would once have been at table with you but are no longer here. It's a space for reflection - not eulogies. Do this wrong and you can destroy the whole evening!!
The grace can be delivered with humour and also be topical, but it in not the light entertainment before the meal, that is the place of the Jester, not the person saying grace.
Some graces are awful and need shooting (along with those who so enjoy reciting them?).
An example of this probably being:
"May we not be like porridge, cold and stodgy, but like Cornflakes, crisp and ready to serve! "
And of course there's that wonderful grace so loved by Air Force types:
"God of goodness, bless our food, keep us in a pleasant mood.
Bless the chef and all who serve us, and from indigestion, Lord, preserve us. Amen."
Or perhaps the classics (used often in so many places:) ):
"For well-filled plate and brimming cup, and freedom from the washing up.
We thank you, Lord. Amen."
"For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful!"
There are a few good sources of graces. It is helpful to remember that in a service setting, collects and other prayers are also useful and fitting, to this end I have listed below a few sources of graces, collects and prayers such that you should never need to descend into the "For what we are about to receive fall back. "
Air Force Chaplain's Graces
Army Collects and other prayers
Naval Graces
I'd be more than happy to receive your best, and worst, examples of a dinner grace as those for whom this post is aimed could do with all the help they can get. I'm always happy to help people who need a grace and can't find one - just add a comment or email me (St Francis' link will lead you to me).
I've been asked to add a couple of less 'full on graces' for Christmas meals, so here they are:
Love brought Jesus to the stable and love brings us around this table,
As we share Christmas meal, may each and everyone here feel,
The Christmas presence that makes this, and God's blessing, ours today. Amen.
We're here to eat and we're not messing as we share this Christmas blessing,
So let's all drink and be merry not worrying about our expanding bellies
For that is ours another day, so God bless and spare us all we pray! Amen.
Enjoy the privilege - take the role seriously - bon appetit!
Pax
The last few I have been present at were attempts at being funny coupled with the words of two or three humour-filled graces, which were made into one. This was followed by the person giving the grace looking around (ooh, aren't I clever, witting or stupid?) for laughter, applause or some other sign of approval.
The problem is that being assigned 'the grace' is not an opportunity for the speaker to shine, but rather a privilege, and quite solemn duty, in that they are leading those gathered in communication with God (as He is perceived or otherwise)!
The last grace I had to endure consisted of an introduction to the evening (which the president had done at the greeting), followed by a cute rhyming ditty in honour of the evening, the speaker, and the evening followed by what I recognised as two humorous graces lumped together to make us all laugh even more. Having completed the task, the person 'praying' (I use the word advisedly) looked around for signs of approval, before sitting down. This wasn't 'Grace' - it was someone being the cabaret!
Thing to remember when doing 'the grace':
1. This is not the opportunity to demonstrate your skills in the creation of rhyming doggerel,
2. It is not an opportunity to poke fun at colleagues or make 'in' comments about whatever it is that you and your mates find funny in your own little world outside of the dinner,
3. It is not an opportunity or perform some hideous kowtowing or other ingratiating homage to the guest of honour,
4. It is not an open mike session in the 'puerile prune' stand-up comedy club.
What 'the grace' is:
1. It is an opportunity for the person saying 'Grace' to lead those present into a place of thanks and reflection for the fare that is being placed before them,
2. It is an opportunity to give thanks for the fellowship about to be had, and for those with whom it will be had,
3. It is an opportunity, especially in a military or veterans setting, to remember those who are serving: A place to remember those who have served and to give thanks for service and commitment, and
4. At the right time, and in the right place, it is an opportunity to give people the space to remember those who would once have been at table with you but are no longer here. It's a space for reflection - not eulogies. Do this wrong and you can destroy the whole evening!!
The grace can be delivered with humour and also be topical, but it in not the light entertainment before the meal, that is the place of the Jester, not the person saying grace.
Some graces are awful and need shooting (along with those who so enjoy reciting them?).
An example of this probably being:
"May we not be like porridge, cold and stodgy, but like Cornflakes, crisp and ready to serve! "
And of course there's that wonderful grace so loved by Air Force types:
"God of goodness, bless our food, keep us in a pleasant mood.
Bless the chef and all who serve us, and from indigestion, Lord, preserve us. Amen."
Or perhaps the classics (used often in so many places:) ):
"For well-filled plate and brimming cup, and freedom from the washing up.
We thank you, Lord. Amen."
"For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful!"
There are a few good sources of graces. It is helpful to remember that in a service setting, collects and other prayers are also useful and fitting, to this end I have listed below a few sources of graces, collects and prayers such that you should never need to descend into the "For what we are about to receive fall back. "
Air Force Chaplain's Graces
Army Collects and other prayers
Naval Graces
I'd be more than happy to receive your best, and worst, examples of a dinner grace as those for whom this post is aimed could do with all the help they can get. I'm always happy to help people who need a grace and can't find one - just add a comment or email me (St Francis' link will lead you to me).
I've been asked to add a couple of less 'full on graces' for Christmas meals, so here they are:
Love brought Jesus to the stable and love brings us around this table,
As we share Christmas meal, may each and everyone here feel,
The Christmas presence that makes this, and God's blessing, ours today. Amen.
We're here to eat and we're not messing as we share this Christmas blessing,
So let's all drink and be merry not worrying about our expanding bellies
For that is ours another day, so God bless and spare us all we pray! Amen.
Enjoy the privilege - take the role seriously - bon appetit!
Pax
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
Amazing Grace
Not the song (or my God Daughter) but Grace, that gift from God, which is truly amazing.
With the question a couple of entries back still aforethought I have to say that there is an incredible difference between the baptism of an infant and communicating an elderly person and yet there is also none. The 'none' being that element which is 'Grace'. The mechanisms are different and yet both are an invitation to 'be with'. Baptism being the entrance (or the recognition of having entered in the case of those who come themselves and also for those who stand for the child) and communion being the means by which we continue.
Another common link here is the fact that both (infant baptism and elderly communion) are initiated, commissioned and supported by an adult who is in possession of their faculties, which leads me onto . .
One of those people I both dialogue with and respect asked what the thinking would be on people who were impaired and restricted by dementia. How do people in this situation ask for forgiveness, especially if they have no concept of wrong and resort to primal urges and living. Are they to be regarded in the same way as children who have yet to reach the age of cognisance?
My answer was that I seek seek out places where those with Alzheimers/dementia are to be found as often the communion services bring people back, or at least unlocks previously stored memories, and this is a source of blessing and sustaining release for them. They seem to surface for a brief moment and then are gone again but there is something touched by the service that defies psych explanations. The mind has gone but the soul continues to function.
The answer, as I see it, is that they don't need to physically (i.e. outwardly) 'ask' because God sees and knows what we cannot see and they cannot say and, being a God of compassion, I believe that for them God's grace far outweighs the legalism and conditions we set and pardons those so afflicted (and many others who are in the same boat for different reasons).
A thought - repentance is not only the initiator of relationship but also the response to it and sometimes even when understanding and repentance are hard to come by the love and relationship do not become diminished. God's grace is unchanging and constant - so I see them as continuing in a state of grace.
Pax
With the question a couple of entries back still aforethought I have to say that there is an incredible difference between the baptism of an infant and communicating an elderly person and yet there is also none. The 'none' being that element which is 'Grace'. The mechanisms are different and yet both are an invitation to 'be with'. Baptism being the entrance (or the recognition of having entered in the case of those who come themselves and also for those who stand for the child) and communion being the means by which we continue.
Another common link here is the fact that both (infant baptism and elderly communion) are initiated, commissioned and supported by an adult who is in possession of their faculties, which leads me onto . .
One of those people I both dialogue with and respect asked what the thinking would be on people who were impaired and restricted by dementia. How do people in this situation ask for forgiveness, especially if they have no concept of wrong and resort to primal urges and living. Are they to be regarded in the same way as children who have yet to reach the age of cognisance?
My answer was that I seek seek out places where those with Alzheimers/dementia are to be found as often the communion services bring people back, or at least unlocks previously stored memories, and this is a source of blessing and sustaining release for them. They seem to surface for a brief moment and then are gone again but there is something touched by the service that defies psych explanations. The mind has gone but the soul continues to function.
The answer, as I see it, is that they don't need to physically (i.e. outwardly) 'ask' because God sees and knows what we cannot see and they cannot say and, being a God of compassion, I believe that for them God's grace far outweighs the legalism and conditions we set and pardons those so afflicted (and many others who are in the same boat for different reasons).
A thought - repentance is not only the initiator of relationship but also the response to it and sometimes even when understanding and repentance are hard to come by the love and relationship do not become diminished. God's grace is unchanging and constant - so I see them as continuing in a state of grace.
Pax
Monday, 22 March 2010
Communion - Understanding and unworthiness
One area of concern coming out of my earlier experiences was that if people didn't understand, was I right in communicating them? One of those with whom I correspond has offered this thought:
"If they do not understand what they are doing, they can not understand that it is wrong, so there is no condemnation,"
Now whilst this sorts out the communicant, where does this leave the person communicating?
Having looked at remembrance, I wonder how many people see the Tardis that I see when doing communion? How many will see in the bread and wine the 'real presence'? How many will see this as merely something that we do as a memorial to Jesus?
There are so many thinking and unthinking states present in an average communion service. A few days a go I was speaking with a member of a church in the area, they'd been singing in the choir and been confirmed and taking communion for ages. As we talked they suddenly stopped me and asked what they needed to do to become a 'Christian'. I went through the basics and they replied that they'd need to go and think about that because they hadn't realised that there were so many things to believe! No one would have refused this person communion because they had the choir robes and the confirmation certificate but they were, in terms of faith issues, totally ignorant and unknowing.
Now, if by our not knowing we, "Eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner (we) will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord." Not my words, but the words of Paul in 1 Cor 11: 27. According to Paul, participating in an 'unworthy manner' brings judgment, does not knowing fit this category?
I met a man whose churchwardens/greeters asked people whether they have been confirmed so they can be given a blessing or communicated! We can get silly over this topic, after all, my understanding might be different to yours and you might know more about what communion is and how it operates than the next person, who merely sees it as part of the service, and they might be better placed than the next who thinks its about being family and nothing else! But what if all the parts of the jigsaw make a picture that is right? Should we issue a test to check whether or not you can be communicated? Could you imaging the scene if you turned up next Sunday and you were given three questions:
1. What do you understand by the Atonement?
2. With regard to the communion, what does this signify?
3. What happens to the bread and wine upon consecration and how does this fit in with Acquinas' concept of transubstantiation.?
How many of us would be taking communion? John 6 (53-56) tells us:
"I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him"
Surely then the unworthy manner relates to the attitude in which it is taken not the knowledge or understanding although these do influence the manner in which it is taken. This surely means that all of us, in our varying stages of knowing, are welcomed at the table. That said, I do try to check in case, as was the case in one place I was asked to visit, some of those present (who could not communicate their intent or desire) were actually rampant atheists during their earlier days and it was fair to assume remained so. Mind you, what if they'd recanted and wanted it in their latter years? Still - better to try and be sure that you didn't impose communion upon people either!
Regarding this thread, some have told me that I should merely ensure that the people I was to communicate had been confirmed, this was all that was required. That said, the BCP tells me that baptism is a 'full and sufficient' sacrament by which all other sacraments are made available to us - so there's another area of difference and consideration in the pot!
Another consideration. If by giving communion we are giving another the means of grace, would we in any other setting withhold blessing from our children, from those who through impaired or limited understanding or old age could not fully understand? In everything outside of communion I'm sure most of us would gasp and say, "Of course not!" So why do we do this with communion, withholding blessing because of a piece of paper or our own sensibilities.
I think therefore we come to God and ask that through the communion we are bringing, that He would bless and pour out His grace and that we should perhaps think on the words of proverbs 3:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"
Looking good so far . . .
"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."
Let us make this our prayer and reality and let us seek to bring blessing where it is needed.
"If they do not understand what they are doing, they can not understand that it is wrong, so there is no condemnation,"
Now whilst this sorts out the communicant, where does this leave the person communicating?
Having looked at remembrance, I wonder how many people see the Tardis that I see when doing communion? How many will see in the bread and wine the 'real presence'? How many will see this as merely something that we do as a memorial to Jesus?
There are so many thinking and unthinking states present in an average communion service. A few days a go I was speaking with a member of a church in the area, they'd been singing in the choir and been confirmed and taking communion for ages. As we talked they suddenly stopped me and asked what they needed to do to become a 'Christian'. I went through the basics and they replied that they'd need to go and think about that because they hadn't realised that there were so many things to believe! No one would have refused this person communion because they had the choir robes and the confirmation certificate but they were, in terms of faith issues, totally ignorant and unknowing.
Now, if by our not knowing we, "Eat the bread or drink the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner (we) will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord." Not my words, but the words of Paul in 1 Cor 11: 27. According to Paul, participating in an 'unworthy manner' brings judgment, does not knowing fit this category?
I met a man whose churchwardens/greeters asked people whether they have been confirmed so they can be given a blessing or communicated! We can get silly over this topic, after all, my understanding might be different to yours and you might know more about what communion is and how it operates than the next person, who merely sees it as part of the service, and they might be better placed than the next who thinks its about being family and nothing else! But what if all the parts of the jigsaw make a picture that is right? Should we issue a test to check whether or not you can be communicated? Could you imaging the scene if you turned up next Sunday and you were given three questions:
1. What do you understand by the Atonement?
2. With regard to the communion, what does this signify?
3. What happens to the bread and wine upon consecration and how does this fit in with Acquinas' concept of transubstantiation.?
How many of us would be taking communion? John 6 (53-56) tells us:
"I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him"
Surely then the unworthy manner relates to the attitude in which it is taken not the knowledge or understanding although these do influence the manner in which it is taken. This surely means that all of us, in our varying stages of knowing, are welcomed at the table. That said, I do try to check in case, as was the case in one place I was asked to visit, some of those present (who could not communicate their intent or desire) were actually rampant atheists during their earlier days and it was fair to assume remained so. Mind you, what if they'd recanted and wanted it in their latter years? Still - better to try and be sure that you didn't impose communion upon people either!
Regarding this thread, some have told me that I should merely ensure that the people I was to communicate had been confirmed, this was all that was required. That said, the BCP tells me that baptism is a 'full and sufficient' sacrament by which all other sacraments are made available to us - so there's another area of difference and consideration in the pot!
Another consideration. If by giving communion we are giving another the means of grace, would we in any other setting withhold blessing from our children, from those who through impaired or limited understanding or old age could not fully understand? In everything outside of communion I'm sure most of us would gasp and say, "Of course not!" So why do we do this with communion, withholding blessing because of a piece of paper or our own sensibilities.
I think therefore we come to God and ask that through the communion we are bringing, that He would bless and pour out His grace and that we should perhaps think on the words of proverbs 3:
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;"
Looking good so far . . .
"In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."
Let us make this our prayer and reality and let us seek to bring blessing where it is needed.
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