Dear Friends

Life has been a bit hectic since my return from holiday in Scotland. A time away which which we were fortunate to take, it was our last as a family unit before both children leave this coming weekend to Uni, whereby Helen and I officially become empty nesters!  Since then, as well as the usual picking up of correspondence and planning of work both here and down in Cambridge, there has been the fact finding and purchasing to set up the youngest on his journey across to Leeds as he starts his course there. If I’m honest, with the juggling of so many things he break already seems a bit of a distant memory, but I am glad nevertheless that I was able to take it. 

Last Sunday when revisiting our church mission statement, Judith led us through the account of Mary and Martha who were offering up their home to Jesus and his entourage. One was taken up with busyness of getting things ready, the other content to spend time simply in the presence of Jesus. We reflected together on the fact that as a church, we have many different types of folk who are led to express their love for Jesus in different ways, both activists and contemplatives alike. Indeed our church should be one where all sorts of different folk can as expressed in the words of our Mission statement;
"We must be the place where all can grow into wholeness in Christ”

However I’ve also been wondering how as individuals rather than church alone,  we can incorporate a healthy mix of activity and prayerful contemplation which might help us in the art of finding in life balance rather than endless juggling. Whilst on holiday, Helen and I came across a pebbly bay (shown above)  which was adorned by those who had been engaged with stone balancing; patiently stacking up rock and pebbles of different sizes. I had a go later myself and as you can see below, had some limited success. It was a satisfying time which involved both quiet concentration, and activity too - in this case both at the same time.

Dear Friends

I’m recently back from my latest visit to HMP Strangeways, spending time with the Jo the chaplain there, together with the current  set of Westcott students up in Salford/Manchester. It remains a hard place, and with workshops, education units and well-being programmes all on hold as a result of Covid, inmates find themselves incarcerated in their cells for unto 20 out of 24 hours a day. Jo spoke movingly of the occasional stories of hope which occur amidst profound suffering. (quick question - when were we last moved to pray for those both working and residing in our nation's prisons?)

The theme of hope amidst suffering also featured in our church service last Sunday. A day of celebration, welcoming Kay’s daughter Kiera-Leigh into God’s family at her baptism, we looked at Paul’s letter to the Romans where in chapter 8 he references both us and all creation ”groaning” and looking forward to the prospect of something better. Using appropriately enough the image of groaning throughout of childbirth, we were encouraged that there is indeed hope that can be present throughout suffering. Indeed we and all creation, can look forward to (as well as appreciate now in part) the new life that God has for his world and inhabitants. 

We are in the midst of a quieter period of church life (this will be the last ‘musings’ for a while), before we gear up again in September for increased activity. Pray for all of us, and particularly those involved in the usually busy times of our daytime ministry,  that we may find some rest and relaxation. And please hold in prayer (either if you are joining us on Sunday morning or find yourself elsewhere) Jess and family, as they say farewell to us in the morning service. If with us, do bring some food with you so we can share fellowship outside, and make the most once again of our wonderful church outdoor church space.

So once again,
 
Keep safe
Keep in touch
Keep the faith.
​
Simon

Hello again to all my lovely friends,

I just wanted to share with you what I was doing whilst at the funfair in Alexandra Park on 10th August. We went for a fun day at the funfair which ended up being a life lesson for me. Jeremiah and Joshua were very excited to go to the funfair. As soon as they had their wristbands on, the boys quickly run for the rides. After three or four rides Jeremiah saw the fish table. That’s it. They wanted to have fish with a big tank, and quickly go back home. Now I am thinking me and Shahbaz (husband) need to sort out lots of other things and why do the kids need to add a fish tank as well? Why God why? Well, we said OKAY. Then a choice needed to be made. The boys were directing the fish lady regarding which fish they wanted. After all those choices they managed to choose two different goldfish. One each. And they gave the fishes names. Now we are home, the fish became special.

​Now I remembered the days when I wasn’t belonging to Christ and then He chose me by name and now I am His. In Isaiah 43:1, “Fear not, for I have Redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine”. Now, these fishes belong to the boys therefore, they call them by their names, and they are with them. Every time our life is full of struggles and responsibilities that we don’t want to take more of. But when we have no choice left and we have to say yes. Trust me and be encouraged that God will strengthen you because He said, “Fear not, for I have Redeemed you. I have called you by name; you are mine”

So lovely friends, you are not an ordinary person you are someone special. Chosen and redeemed by God, just as we paid for the fishes likewise God paid the price for all of us and that price is His one and only begotten son, our saviour Lord Jesus Christ.

Have a blessed summer holiday.

Jesus loves you more than you love yourself.   

Rev Kathreen Shabaz

Hi Everyone

As you may have guessed things have got away from me a little bit this week. Life is a little busy at the moment and spinning plates is an apt picture for what life looks like in the Davis household right now. Inevitably when we've got a lot on, a "plate" gets dropped. I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I have a habit of mentally beating myself up during these times. It's not a helpful response; probably a more helpful response is to gain a little perspective.

As I was going through my usual routine of berating myself for being forgetful I was reminded of the story of Mary and Martha - for those who are less familiar with the story you can read it here.

Martha is busy, she and her sister are unexpectedly hosting Jesus (and no doubt his followers too). I imagine there is a lot to do to keep everyone fed and watered and Mary is not exactly being helpful. I really relate to Martha in this situation. I would would be really hacked off with Mary not helping out. I can well imagine that the appeal to Jesus only came after a fair few hints to Mary and some noisy clanging in the kitchen in an effort to motivate Mary to help.

Interestingly, we're not told how Martha responded to Jesus when he didn't send Mary off to help her sister. I think my response to Jesus might have been something like this: "Mary may well have chosen 'the better part' but I suggest she get's in here and helps me if you want there to be anything to eat at any point today!" Maybe Martha was better than me, maybe she joined her sister sitting at feet. I'm not sure I could have switched gears that quickly.

That's the point though, isn't it. When we are busy and have a lot of demands it can be difficult to prioritise. We often end up attending to the things and the people that shout the loudest. In my experience Jesus never shouts for my attention which means that he's always in danger of being pushed out by the ever growing task list. The task list is important; it's important that I get on with work, that I get on with things that need doing around the house and that I take care of my family. We can't ignore those demands but somehow, amongst it all we need to take time to "choose the better part". 

When I did first aid training a few years ago we were taught to prioritise a major incident. Basically, the rule of thumb is not to go straight to the people who are screaming but to go to the one who is making no noise. The reason being that they are likely to be in greater need of help. 

Perhaps the lesson in all of this is to plan in a bit of time with the one who never shouts and screams for our attention and then plan all of the other things around that. Inevitably we won't get everything done and some things will have to wait but perhaps, like Mary, we too will have chosen the better part.

With love

Jess

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