It has been an amazing summer of sport; with the England ladies’ football team winning the European Championship, and the fantastic events of the Commonwealth Games. If you have been following all of this, then you will recognise the sense of joy and elation the various successes have given us. Being aware of the nation urging on the Lionesses and kicking every ball, swimming every stroke with Adam Peaty probably in the whole of Uttoxeter and beyond, we realise it is a collective feeling that we are joining in. There is no other euphoria quite like that of winning, of fulfilling what was set out to be achieved, whether that is on a personal level, as a group, or vicariously through others with whom we associate. When I was studying for a basic managerial certificate many years ago, we were looking at beliefs, and the tutor asked what we believe in. One student said, “I believe in Sport for All” (which was quite the jingle back in the 90’s). Unfortunately, I am not an actively sporting person; I am not built for sport – basically I do not have the physical flexibility for such games as cricket (ask anyone who has seen me try to bowl), or golf, or tennis, or any field sports. At a majestic ‘five foot five and a half’ I stand no chance in the air competing for a football. So, I am a supporter. But even as such, success and winning can be very thin. My football team is from the lower divisions (Tranmere Rovers), and they seem to spend more time being average to poor than lifting the silverware! Disappointment, failure, lack of success can all be very disheartening; and not just in sporting terms, this is keenly felt in all aspects of life – including church, and our own personal journey of faith. In Hebrews, Saint Paul speaks of running the race with perseverance, of fixing our eyes on Jesus. Instant success in any endeavour is never guaranteed, but we live in a society that places great store on achieving such as celebrity status through X-factor, The Apprentice, and the like. Euro-millions, the postcode lottery, and gambling adverts draw the unwary into thinking life-changing amounts are there for the taking, at the spin of a wheel. As people of faith, are we too being drawn into thinking there is a formula for instant success, of filling our churches overnight? Ultimately, our faith is not a spectator sport, we are called to be active participants in growing the kingdom. Sometimes this can seem most daunting, that is why Paul’s words of encouragement are so heartening. “Persevere”, he says. We persevere by focussing on Jesus, setting aside the disappointments and inabilities that we may experience on the road, rather gaining momentum through what we can do. And for many of us, I imagine, it may not be the big things that will make a difference. Jesus engaged with people by walking alongside them, by having time for them. During interviews reflecting on the legacy of the Games in Birmingham, a recurring theme was that of welcome, inclusivity, and friendliness. Not so much the Bull in Centenary Square, the new stadium, the opening and closing events, but the warmth and love people experienced. The most basic of human needs is to feel loved and special, to be a part of something larger (perhaps even indefinable), something which speaks to our inner being. Giving of our time for others, no matter how much it seems to intrude on the business of our lives, is a beautiful way to offer this hospitality to all those we meet, and it can be one of the greatest expressions of God’s love. What was my answer to the question “what do you believe in?” – that Jesus Christ is alive and at work in the world today. Every Blessing, John.Rev John Lander, self-supporting minister, Uttoxeter Area of Parishes (Bramshall)
I don’t know what you associate August with. For me it’s usually a month of relaxation, anticipation, hope and anxiety. Plans often come to fruition in August, with a holiday and household jobs on the to-do list and the simple pleasure of enjoying the carefully planned and nurtured fruit and vegetables from the garden. However, already some of that is not as expected- one particularly kamikaze bird has got under netting to strip the redcurrants off the bush! For those awaiting exam results it’s a time of anxiety and hope, dreaded and wanted in equal measure. A time when the future might head in the anticipated direction or be jumped onto a different path. For parents and grandparents, the school summer holidays are here - inspiration, energy, and patience may be the order of the day. When things go as we expect, the day goes well and life is easy. However, not every day and every task turn out as expected. Even if we’ve willingly said “yes” to undertaking something we may not find it is how we anticipated it. At these point, turning to God for support and trusting in a plan unseen for all of us is not usually our first line of thinking – mine is usually panic and stress first and prayer later, if I’m honest! But I am trying hard to change this. I’ve spent two years on a steep learning curve on the Reader training course with a group of nine others from across Lichfield Diocese. Our backgrounds and churches are very mixed, but we’ve really got on well and learnt much from one another’s approaches to challenge. We have all stepped out of our comfort zones knowing we felt God calling us to this vocation but often feeling at sea in the reality of the things we were being faced with. Like those leaving school or jobs, we’ve needed to trust our instincts and the advice of others. This has guided us through taking each task gradually, climbing step by step. Hope remained at each frustrating point of confusion although anxiety often clouded the way forwards. Fittingly, one of last assignments had us investigating Joseph (singing the musical through was not enough unfortunately!). His story is in Genesis chapters 37-50 and is remarkably modern in its themes and relationship problems. The basic Andrew Lloyd-Weber storyline holds up well. Joseph’s life sees highs and lows as he is favoured by his father, left for dead in a well by his brothers, sold into slavery, found to be a brilliant dream interpreter and ultimately (with a few more twists) ends up vizier of Egypt. Surely, he could not have anticipated any of this. Life must have been full of anxiety; plans made and shattered; hope bubbling up at times as he tried to find a way out of his situation to live as he wanted; and then unexpected success. God had a plan. Joseph complied by trusting and doing his best even though initially he does not seem to have acknowledged God there with him. God has the big picture but trusting we have a place in it, and he has a plan for us, is hard. Perhaps next time you feel you’re being taken out of your comfort zone, trust your instincts and other’s perceptions of you and have a go. Life is full of new beginnings and unexpected challenges, but you can be sure who you face them with. Have a good August. Stephanie Goodwin Reader-in-training, Uttoxeter Area of Parishes
Dear friends, As I write this letter the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations are drawing to a close and I hope that you all have been enjoying the festivities. We have given thanks for the Queen’s unswerving loyalty to a servant role, which she never envisaged in her early life, her example of faith, the undoubted good she has done in strengthening links with other countries as Head of the Commonwealth, through visits abroad and in receiving guests from overseas. As the ancient Israelites rejoiced in their Year of Jubilee, when debtors were released from all that they owed and so given a fresh start, let us rejoice in the fact that we live in a democratic monarchy, where our Queen is not there to rule by “divine right”, but to serve her people as a symbol of tolerance, freedom of expression and integrity. Giving thanks for our inspiring Queen is an opportunity to thank God for all that is so good in our lives. Our news is so dominated by the injustices and sadness of the world – violence, disaster, war, terrorism - that it is so easy to be blind to the many joys and acts of goodness and love that are there in everyday life – the dedication of the caring professions, the work of countless charities, good neighbourliness, family love. God made the world “and it was very good!” says the first chapter of Genesis. And so it is! How often our prayers are dominated by requests for help! Perhaps this month we could vow to give God praise, not only for this wonderful created world, but also for the continued acts of love which we witness in lives through whom he works and makes his presence known to us. Talking of “Inspiration”, I am looking forward to visiting the cathedral with Year 4 from Hutchinson Memorial School later this month as they take part in the “Inspire” event there. This will be an opportunity for pupils to spend an interactive and educational day to learn about core Christian belief, its uniqueness and its ability to encourage us to use our lives in the service of others. Going to such a large centre of worship is bound to be a good experience for the children and they will have an opportunity to reflect on faith and learn new things in a different environment. I’m sure that our Queen would approve of this! Love and peace, Irene Rev Irene Smith, OLM in the Uttoxeter Area of Parishes and Minister at Checkley.
Spring has sprung! What a difference a few days make with warm weather! Everywhere new shoots of trees and shrubs are bursting out with that wonderful lime green colour. Blossom has decorated our gardens, streets and fields and now it feels we are at an amazing wedding with confetti all around. Sheep and lambs dance around the fields and cows are gallivanting around so pleased to be outside after a long winter inside. It really makes you feel good to be alive! We are woken in the morning by the chorus of birdsong as they make their preparations for new birth. As an artist I love this time of year as everywhere is so full of colour and everything feels washed and new. With the colours so brilliant and clean. It really is a good time of year! Psalm 23, the Lord is my shepherd, is one of the psalms that really feels appropriate for this time of year. What a wonderful song it is, David certainly knew how to put words together to show his love and confidence in God. And no wonder this psalm is used both for weddings and funerals as it touches our hearts in so many different ways. To express our confidence in the love and care that God will show us no matter where we are in our lives, in sadness and in joy. I think it is also most appropriate for the one big thing we will all be celebrating this June – The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee! The Queen as head of the church has a very strong faith and I’m sure that she too finds this psalm one that she loves. Knowing that her Lord is with her always no matter what life has thrown at her. I hope that whatever you are doing to celebrate the 70 years our Queen has reigned, will be a time of fun and laughter and joy as we all get together in many different ways across the area of churches. Nick Fawcett is a writer whom I admire very much, has written some lovely prayers that speak so easily in words that I and you might use everyday. So I finish with this prayer. Higher than my highest thoughts yet always close by my side, greater than I could ever imagine, yet made known to me in Christ, more powerful than words can express yet having a special concern for everyone. Though I wander far from you, always you seek me out. Though you sometimes seem distant, always you are near. Though you reign over all, you are here by my side, your hand reaching out to bless. Whatever I face, wherever I am, you are there, always at work, your love sure, your goodness constant, whether I see it or not. Loving Lord, we worship you. Amen Maggie Maggie Hatchard, Licenced reader UAP.
