October 2024

Dear Friends in the Uttoxeter Area

What’s red with big eyes, one leg and a blade ? No! Not a knife blade - a blade to run on! It’s the mascot for the 2024 Paris Paralympics.

Last week we had the opportunity to go to Paris and see some of the wheelchair tennis, part of the sports celebration and competition that is the Olympics and Paralympics. It was very impressive - lots of athletes, lots of spectators and lots of volunteer helpers all enjoying themselves and the sport. The dedication, the commitment, the enthusiasm, the sheer hard work which goes into training for the Olympics and Paras is amazing, humbling, and occasionally a bit shocking to see the physical challenges that some people are up against. Just the amount of kit they need – not only the massive racquet bag; but tennis players come onto court in one wheelchair; and then swap to the special wheelchair with stabilising wheels which prevent them from tipping up as they turn a tight corner.

There are lots of sporting metaphors in the Bible and the commitment of sportsmen and women has lots to teach us about the Christian life too. At one time those with physical or mental health difficulties would have been ostracised by society, but Jesus teaches us to value and celebrate all Gods people. It is good that some parts of the world are reflecting that, even if they don’t give all the credit to God and the Gospel message.

In our Christian life we too may be athletes, spectators or volunteers (and sometimes we can be all three at the same time), we have the challenge of living the message of the love of God and bringing it to those we meet.

In the Uttoxeter Area there are people with different skills and gifts and there are different types of services too. Some will find one style of worship more helpful, but people are always welcome- athletes, spectators and workers. I am mostly involved in leading the 6pm service at Uttoxeter which takes place on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays in the month, it is fairly informal and a bit different each week with the words to the hymns and songs on the screen. If you are a bit curious or find 6pm is a convenient time, please come along and join us, you will be very welcome.

Happy October! I hope to have a chat with many of you in the next few months.

With best wishes

Lucy

Lucy Toyn Reader in Uttoxeter Area