Author: Worth Parish

The Curate Writes…

Pewsheets

Over a year since we arrived as a family in Worth Parish (I know, how time flies!) it is probably a good time to rest and reflect on ‘What kind of priest am I or will I become?

Jeremiah’s reading this morning offers a sobering warning about shepherds (or priests) that get things wrong, who scatter rather than unite (as the Ephesians reading calls us to do) God’s people. I pray that I might be one of the latter shepherds that God will raise up for his people, that will keep the branch of David – Jesus Christ as the cornerstone of theirs’ and the people’s under their care, lives. I know I won’t be able to do this under my own strength and as my Home Group this week discussed I will need the guidance, gifts and power of the Holy Spirit to help. What does that actually mean?

These are all grand words but how do I live a life connected to God through the Holy Spirit? How do I discern what is God’s will and what is just my will? How do I know when not to pander to people’s desire in order to ‘people please’ and when to disciple with integrity and authenticity to the Gospel with words that might be come from love but might be uncomfortable and difficult to hear. I think that the answer might lie at the heart of all our responses to God.

To be a Christian I have to be willing to open my heart to the Holy Spirit and equally willing to let go of the worldly things I hold tightly onto in order to be transformed, spend time reflecting on the teachings of Jesus from the Bible, to spend time in prayer both talking and listening to God, to regularly rest and to know that I am loved for who I am not what I do. Then, and only then, might I be used by God to be a priest that unites people in Christ rather than scatters.

Steve

Pewsheet for 12th July 2015

Pewsheets

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The Associate Vicar writes…

Clergy

Scheming, intrigues, unscrupulous, maybe feisty characters: today’s gospel reading has it all.  Mark presents us with the power games of first century Palestine; power games which are not unlike the kind we enjoy watching in TV dramas or plays. Shakespeare made a living of telling these stories.  We enjoy watching these because they amplify what we see and hear in real life.  Over the past weeks we have seen the power play between Europe and Greece as the latter’s debts unfold.  We are not expecting any of the grisly consequences John or Amos faced for calling out the powerful for their sinfulness but experience time and again how power tries to silence truth.

We are faced with a choice.  Mark presents us with two models of kingdom and power. Our own which sets out a dichotomy between winning and losing and God’s by which we win everything by losing everything to be free to love and serve unselfishly.  It’s our choice which one we want to follow.  Its effects are wholly of this world.

Only yesterday we celebrated St Benedict of Nursia who inadvertently set up the first monastic community: A community which still exists today and which has also shaped our own parish with its Benedictine community at Worth Abbey.  Benedict fled the intrigues of his time to live a life that eschewed the power games of this world to fully submit to God’s kingdom.  As it continues to shape our world we hopefully can follow as pioneers of God’s kingdom drawing others with us as we welcome all as beloved children of God.

James

The Curate Writes…

Clergy

In the past few weeks the headlines have been dominated by two terrible acts of violence – a white supremacist gunman entered a Church Bible Study and shot dead 8 people and then an Islamic terrorist murdered 38 tourists on a beach (30 of which were British).  And this coming week will mark the 10th anniversary of the 7/7 London Bombings. At 8.49am three bombs were detonated on three tube trains and almost an hour later a fourth bomb was set off on a bus in Russell Square, 56 people lost their lives.

As a serving police officer at the time, the events of 7/7 and its subsequent investigation changed me forever. It was from the amazing privilege of leading a body recovery team into the tube tunnels that in the darkest place I found the light of Christ dimly (I have to say) shining, but nonetheless shining.  It was this recognition of God’s presence in the darkest places that convinced me to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.  Yes, it is always shocking the capacity of cruelty that a human being can show towards another human being, but I firmly believe that our capacity to love one another (as Jesus taught us) will always outstrip our capacity to harm each other.

The stories of hope and a defiance to carry on that have emerged (and which we remember this Tuesday at Morning Prayer 8.30am at St Barnabas’) from 7/7 should inspire us to love more rather than retaliate in hatred, as will, I pray, similar stories from Charleston and Tunisia in years to come. The pain is too sore right now and the time is to grieve. It is often in this pain that God uses our weakness (as Paul writes) to make us strong if we place our trust and hope in God.

Steve

The Rector Writes…

Clergy

The profile of the parish has certainly been raised this week. Last Sunday we welcomed around 120 of the Refugee Tales pilgrims on the final leg of the walk from Canterbury to Crawley. As noted in the pew sheet there are some wonderful photographs of them arriving and enjoying refreshments in the churchyard. Several people have written to thank us for the hospitality.

On Monday, Steve played in the quarter finals of the Church Times’ Inter-Diocesan Cricket Cup. Chichester clinched victory against Lichfield (last year’s champions) off the last ball as Steve caught out one of their bishops (adding to his previous wickets). The match report is in the Church Times.

Then on Thursday came the news that a photograph from our Facebook page (of the inaugural Messy Church service in Maidenbower) had been chosen as the Church of England’s “photo of the week”.

And on Saturday, the Music for a Summer Evening concert enchanted a packed St Nicholas’. Some of these are more prominent / public than others (just as in today’s gospel passage there is a contrast between Jesus’ public and private actions) but they all have an aspect of sharing our “present abundance” (in St Paul’s words).

Another way in which we share our present abundance in responding to the needs of others is through the ministry of our Pastoral Assistants. They are a group who have been commissioned (after training) to share in the pastoral care of parishioners (whether regular members of our congregations or not). Their work is sometimes public and sometimes private – if you or someone you know would like a visit at home or an invitation for fellowship at one of their monthly tea gatherings, please speak to one of the clergy.

Every blessing

Anthony

Programme for Music for a Summer’s Evening

Events, Special Services

Thank you to all those who have bought advanced tickets for our concert tomorrow night at St Nicholas’ Church, Worth, thus helping us work out the amounts for catering and drinks.

Feel free to still come along on the night though, as there will be something for everyone (musically and culinary !). Adult tickets are £8 including canapés and Pimms, children can come free (sweets and juice provided).  You can phone 07044 326819

Here is the Music for a Summer’s Evening Programme so you can see in advance what is being performed and print it for yourself (although copies are available free of charge on the door).

Refugee Tales – the photos

Pewsheets

The Refugee Tales was a unique walk, organised by Gatwick Detainee Welfare Group following the North Downs Way from Dover to Crawley via Canterbury along some of the paths that were taken by the Canterbury pilgrims many centuries ago.

Participants reflected on the many long and dangerous journeys that refugees make fleeing war and persecution, seeking a safe place to live. Walkers joined either for the whole 80 mile walk or part of it over a few days.

One of the stops along the way was our church, St Nicholas’, Worth where we provided welcome refreshment.

Photos by Chris Orange.