Dear Friends 

Well the Olympic games are now in full swing and it’s not taken too long for the banner headliners to christen last Monday’s GB medal haul as “Magic Monday” (is it really 9 years ago since the events on the track at London which led to "Super Saturday”?). I wonder what further alliterative couplets will be used for further successful days in the future, which might add to the ones which have been used over the years to accompany Midweek Musings: Thursday Thoughts, Friday Felicitations and Saturday Salutations?  

Of course it’s good to celebrate the success of those who have been so dedicated in their training, particularly through the rigours of Covid lockdown, and have now emerged triumphant, and won the ultimate prize. The ultimate prize…..? Well in a number of the epistles in the New Testament, written to early followers of Jesus, illustrations of training are used. The author of the letter to the Hebrews encourages them to
“run with endurance the race that is set before us” Hebrews 12:1 
And the apostle Paul, speaking of what he sees as the ultimate prize, says: "So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above" Philippians 3:14.

Sadly, not everyone who comes away from the Olympics will have the honour of bringing back a gold medal. However, as friends of Jesus, I believe we are all winners; all possessing the ultimate prize of a life with God now, and throughout eternity. A prize we can claim today, making it a delightful day, wonderful week, and marvellous month!  
 
Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith

Simon

Hi Everyone,

What a week! A heatwave and a change in Covid restrictions (again!). I don't know about you, but I've been pretty out of sorts this week. Sleep has been pretty much impossible and being tired and irritable is almost a constant state. It takes effort to be kind, to give people the benefit of the doubt and to be patient with those around me – particularly with those who think differently to me. And yet that is what is needed right now.

On Sunday Kathreen spoke about getting our minds right and focussing on Christ (based on Colossians 3:1-2). She explained that when our mind has the right focus then right actions will naturally follow on. 

It's a challenging time at the moment, we've been given a bit more freedom to decide what we think is the right way to live in this phase of the pandemic but we don't all agree on how we should use those freedoms. The temptation is to villainise those we disagree with or to dismiss them as stupid. I believe that we are called to a better way. 

Later in the bible passage that we read on Sunday, it says that we should bear with one another in love (Colossians 3:13-14). That isn't about always agreeing with each other but it is about choosing to have a mindset that views others through the eyes of a God who loves them. If we can have that as our fixed mindset then our actions and attitudes towards each other will become more loving and more Christlike.

Hopefully you've all seen the email from Simon this morning about our own Covid response here in church. We're taking a moderate and measured approach for the time being. I know that this will disappoint some people who were hoping for a more dramatic change and others will think that the measures aren't strict enough but we hope that you will bear with us in love as we seek to do the same with each of you.

With love

Jess

Praise the Lord, I am very happy to be at Christ Church in Brunswick to serve the Lord with all of you. My husband Shahbaz Masih and two gorgeous and blessed boys Jeremiah and Joshua are all very happy to be here. This is my first Musing letter so, I thought I would introduce myself to all of you and wanted to say a huge thanks to Simon, Jess, and everyone for all your help and support. I really loved the welcome card; it was very lovely to read all of your prayers and support. As you all know that I have completed my study in Theology, Ministry and Mission at St Mellitus College in Liverpool which is associated with Durham University. We currently live in Oldham and are looking forward to moving very soon to Manchester. My ordination happened on 4th of July and was great. It was made extra special by seeing you all here at church.

We appreciate your prayers in this special and strange time where alongside everything else we will be thinking to move to a new home in a new town. I would like to request if you can all please pray for Jeremiah and Joshua as they are moving school and house. However, the boys feel more relaxed after seeing you all being so welcoming.

I just want to share one parting thought and prayer for you all.

Here I am Lord, Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go Lord if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.
(Hymn: I, The Lord of sea and sky)

So, I am here to hold you all in my heart and we all will together hold others in our heart to make a difference in this broken world and bring God’s love to others with the help of God. Amen.

Together we will make a difference.

Have a blessed week,

Jesus loves you all.
 
lots of Love
​
Kathreen Shahbaz

Dear Friends 

What a week it’s been (and we’re only half way through it!)

After the excitement and encouragement of our Great Big Green Weekender (photos here and here), the moving ordination of our new curate Kathreen together with 24 other contemporaries including Matthew Brinicombe at the Cathedral, and finally the arrival in Salford of the first cohort of Westcott students in almost 18 months that I tutor, I find myself both energised and exhausted. At the same time, my “Four Parks Jog” that I mentioned a while ago, has appeared beyond me due to my back giving me trouble once again. However, in the midst of feeling sorry for myself, I’m glad I listened to my better half Helen, who suggested I might swallow my pride, and rather than attempt to run the route, join her in walking it. 

And so…, getting up quite a bit earlier than usual, I have been doing just that - and what a transformative experience it’s been. Rather than rushing around, mindful of interior pains and strains, instead, walking at a leisurely pace, I have been taken by the exterior beauty of all that surrounds me. It’s good to do things slowly!

The gospels remind us that Jesus, in the midst of business, would get up early in the morning to spend time with his Father. Please be encouraged to find times of nourishment that our heavenly Father wants for each one of us, and remember; take it slowly!!  

Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith.

Simon