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Rosey's Letter - February 2009 Dear Friends,
We live in gloomy times – both the season of the year, and the state of the economy – yet as I write this, there is a hint of hope in the air, a tentative wondering if change might be possible, that all the turmoil could result in a world that has in some small way begun to learn from its mistakes. Barack Obama has been sworn in as 44th President of the United States; fulfilling what once would have seemed an impossible dream as the first black American ever to hold that office. The weight of expectation that rests upon him must feel unbearably heavy. Yet he approaches the task ahead of him with both confidence and humility, aware of the huge problems that have to be faced, but buoyed up with hope for the future. I was struck especially by one phrase of his inaugural speech: 'God calls us to shape an uncertain destiny', with the sense that this conveyed of both potential, and a willingness to embrace change, with God leading, but also giving people the responsibility for shaping their own lives, and the world.
In his book 'The Audacity of Hope', Barack Obama wrote of the need to have 'the audacity to believe, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that we could restore a sense of community to a nation torn by conflict; the gall to believe that, despite personal setbacks – the loss of a job, or an illness in the family, or a childhood mired in poverty, that we do have some control and therefore responsibility, over our own fate.' The hopes invested in Obama are no doubt far too extravagant. But the fact that this man was not handed success and privilege on a plate, but had to work at his future and make something of his modest upbringing, indicates that this new world leader is not someone who is out of touch with the reality of ordinary people's lives. He also wrote of how hope comes about 'not through fame or spectacular deeds, but through small, daily, ordinary acts.' There's a message in those words for everyone.
Hope is about the way we live, rather than about superficial cheery optimism or about a political creed: And for those who try to live as Christians, hope is an integral component of life - though you wouldn't always think that were the case. Tom Wright (Bishop of Durham) in his book 'Surprised by Hope' comments that 'most people – including many Christians – don't expect Christians to have much to say about hope within the present world. Most people don't imagine that these two could have anything to do with each other.' But the story told in the Bible, and in the lives of countless people – great and unheard of - over the centuries, is about God gradually, and sometimes in very small ways, putting all things right, completing the work of the new creation. He does this through men and women who have a vision of that new creation, and making it begin to happen, in whatever ways they are able to, in the corner of the world they live in, making hope a reality.
'Hope', wrote the Brazilian philosopher Rubem Alves, 'is hearing the melody of the future; faith is to dance it.' Let us all pray for Barack Obama as he dances that melody on the stage of the world's battle-grounds; and let us listen for the melody ourselves, and begin to move to its rhythm. Our faith demands nothing less.
With love, Rosey
An Invitation to married couples to rekindle the flame! We'd like to invite you to All Saints' Church, Wraxall on Sunday 15th February (the day after Valentine's Day!) at 3pm to reaffirm your marriage vows. Marriage can be hard work in these challenging times and we would like to congratulate, encourage and support couples who are endeavouring to keep faithfully the promises they made to one another. You may have your own particular reasons for giving thanks for the blessings of married life as you recall the joys and sorrows you have shared together. Whether you were married recently or many years ago we warmly invite you to come to this special service which we hope will keep the spark of love shining ever more brightly. Light refreshments will be served after the service
RSVP to the Parish Office Tel.857086 or to The Rectory, 8 School View, Wraxall, BS48 1HG
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TIME TO THINK IN LENT A warm invitation is extended to anyone who would be interested – whether you've been to something like this before or not – to come and discuss ideas based on the little but thought-provoking book 'Lent-wise' by Paula Gooder, who is a distinguished Bible scholar with a refreshingly different approach. The first meeting will be at the Rectory on Wednesday 4th March, 7.30 – 9.00. All are welcome. It is hoped that there may be a similar afternoon group, drawn from a number of churches in Nailsea, also taking place, on Wednesday afternoons. For further details please phone Rev. Rosey 857086
A YEAR OF CELEBRATION: BW1100 has been launched! A good number from our parish were in Bath Abbey on Saturday 10th June for the launch of the celebrations of the 1100th anniversary of the Dioceses of Bath & Wells. The Abbey was packed for an inspiring Eucharist, at which Bishop Peter Price was the preacher, and Bishop Peter Maurice the celebrant. Bishop Peter Price will be visiting our parish on Monday May 11th, on his walk around the perimeter of the whole diocese – he will be our guest at our Parish Lunch Club at Failand Village Hall (please note change of usual date). A coach will be arranged to take us to the special celebrations at Glastonbury Abbey on Saturday 4th July, leaving mid-morning and early evening – book the date!
We'd love the pleasure of your company.......... at our PARISH WEEKEND, which will take place at Llangasty, near Abergavenny,in the Brecon Beacons, from 22rd-24th May. (Please note change of date – we hope for warmer, sunnier weather at this time of year.) This is a beautiful place to spend a weekend – overlooking a lake, in which the Beacons are mirrored; nearby is Brecon itself, with a Cathedral and interesting shops, and there are wonderful walks. The mood of the weekend is relaxed and sociable, though there are quiet times too, and the chance to enjoy company or spend some time reflecting. To stimulate our thinking, we have the promise of an excellent speaker. Food is good, and we take our own bar! This is the opportunity to get to know one another better, in lovely surroundings, to rest and be looked after, and to spend some time thinking and reflecting on our faith. Please see Julia Norton (857151) for further details You can log on to the Llangasty website and see for yourself what a special place this is: www.Llangasty.co.uk What more could you ask for? |