As we all begin a brand new year and decade, and ask God prayerfully for ‘2020 vision’ to help us make the most of life’s opportunities and choices in this New Year, I offer you this insightful and entertaining story to help you sort out what’s most important to you….“When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar…and the coffee…A professor stood before his class with some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with good-sized rocks. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They all agreed that it was.The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the rocks. He asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured the contents into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up the space between all of the rocks and pebbles. He asked once more whether the students thought the jar as full. This time, they responded unanimously with a resounding ‘YES!’ The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the remaining space in the sand. The students laughed.As the laughter subsided, the professor said, ‘Now, I want you to recognise that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the truly important things – your faith, your family, your health, your friends, and your favourite passions – things that, if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter….your job, your house, your possessions.The sand is everything else…the ‘small stuff.’ Now notice that, if you put the sand in the jar first, there is no room for the rocks or the pebbles. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you.Pay attention to the things that are critical to your fulfilment and happiness as a human being – especially your relationship with God, and quality time with your family and friends, cherishing all that you share together. In other words, take care of the ‘rocks’ first, the things that really matter – set your priorities. The rest is just sand.’One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. ‘I’m glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend!’”With every blessing for a rich, full and fulfilling New Year to all ! Vicar John
As summer holidays finish and everyone who attends school will soon begin a brand new year of exploration, learning and personal growth, it’s important to remember that each of us as human beings are meant to be ‘life-long learners’ - increasing our understanding, exploring possibilities, developing gifts and skills, trying things which are new for us, and learning with and from those around us! This autumn, our Benefice churches offer a variety of opportunities to help you grow and flourish as a life-long learner, including…… Opportunities to explore ‘questions of life’ and discover how Christian faith and discipleship give us unique resources for living life ‘to the full’. ALPHA (based in Alrewas) and Pilgrim (based in Fradley) are available for anyone hungry for ‘food for thought’ (and other refreshments too!).The Monday Afternoon Drop-in in Alrewas (2 to 4 pm at the Methodist Church, except Bank Holidays), and the Wednesday Welcome in St. Stephen’s Church Fradley (2 to 4 pm each Wednesday) offer everyone a warm welcome, tasty refreshments, and great opportunities to make new friends and learn from each other. Special interest groups are available in the benefice if you’d like to ‘have a go’ at handcrafts, singing in a choir, bell ringing (both hand bells and ‘big bells’ are available), participating in a Youth Fellowship………..and, of course, all three of our churches in Alrewas, Fradley and Wychnor offer regular opportunities to continue growing in faith, hope and love through a wide variety of worship services. You are most warmly welcome and invited to join in any opportunities we offer. If you need more information about any church events or groups, feel free to contact the Vicar (John Allan) or Associate Minister (Elizabeth Wall)
Refresh, Renew, Refocus……. Jesus gave of himself fully when he was on earth as God’s Son, bringing healing, liberation, strength and hope to vast numbers of people in his daily ministry, but he also knew the value – indeed, the necessity – of taking ‘time out’ for refreshment and recharging of one’s batteries, in order to be able to return to our daily ministries in work, home and community with renewed focus, energy and joy!In Mark’s Gospel (Chapter 6, vs. 30-32), after a particularly busy and exhausting time of serving others with his disciples, “Jesus said, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.’ So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.’” So, what ‘floats your boat’, so to speak? What provides you with a genuine break from your usual stresses and strains? Some might find it in time with yourself reading a good book, having a long walk in a beautiful location, or even having a good long sleep! <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Others might find it in activities shared with family or friends, perhaps going away on holiday, having a BBQ or shared meal, or enjoying a new adventure together.</span>During August, I hope you and yours will take the opportunity to experience that much needed refreshment and renewal - you might even discover it in our churches in Alrewas, Fradley and Wychnor during our varied Sunday services, but also throughout the week, as each church building is open in August, with opportunities to find peace and quiet, refreshing coolness when temperatures soar, and a warm welcome for everyone!With every blessing, Vicar John
