AREA LETTER – July, 2024

Dear Friends,

Most of us can’t help but notice that there are some momentous events taking place this month, of either national political or sporting importance, both in this country and a little further afield; the General Election in the UK, the Football Euros Championship in Germany and the Olympic Games in Paris and the Tour de France, just to name but a few. It may be for some that both sorts of events are a ‘turn off’, but for most I expect, depending on the progress of individuals or ‘teams’, then interest is sparked and grows. Whatever your interest, I hope that we all wish the participants well as they seek success.

In each of the events we will see emblems or logos, be it the overarching symbol of the event or of individual parties or nations. The Euro logo has the trophy surrounded by an oval of colours, representing the national colours of the participating nations. However, for me, the most striking and enduring logo is the five interlinked circles of the Olympic Games, representing the five continents of the world, and of the motto, which originally was Faster – Higher – Stronger, but since 2021 has added to it -Together. The logo and motto express the aspirations of the Olympic Movement and of its participants.

These logos represent a unity of purpose at a national and individual level and whilst individuals will shine, they cannot succeed without being part of a team. Winning is a little hollow if you’re the only person, team or party participating. We see the results of this played out throughout our troubled world. Yes, in competition there will be winners and losers, but that’s all part of being together. I’m reminded of the acronym TEAM, which stands for ‘Together everyone achieves more’ and I believe we can and do this if we are together.

It is ‘togetherness’ that is for me the most important aspect of our Christian faith. Jesus had a team of twelve around him, each person different and with different aspirations, but they had a closeness and bond together and Jesus gave them the impetus to go out into the world to preach the good news of the gospel. It is as a result of their efforts that we are here in our time to carry on that work of spreading the good news in our part of God’s wonderful creation. We do that here as the Benefice of the Uttoxeter Area of Churches – Together (this word added like it’s been added to the Olympic motto!). It can seem daunting and at times like treading through treacle, but we are all together on this journey of hope, yes, each of with our individual gifts of the Holy Spirit; but we can’t achieve much on our own - we are part of a team and we need to participate, listen, care, love, build that closeness and bond to grow together to achieve more.

In the story of creation in the Holy Bible, we can come to understand that God’s intent was that we should be together in community, in communion with one another, symbolized in the co-existence of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, which we celebrate throughout the church’s long season of Trinity, but which existed together right at the beginning of time.

All this is set in another logo of unity and purpose as well as individuality and togetherness.....

Best Wishes and Blessings

Revd. Charles Dale (PTO)