Reflections - Archive - 2002

These reflections are published most Sundays on the front page of our parish newsletter.

Current reflections may be found here.

15 December 2002

All Change

Christmas is full of family traditions. We all tend to do the same thing year after year. We treasure these memories.

Yet the birth of Jesus was the turning point of history. We celebrate this in the change from BC to AD - from before Christ to the year of the Lord.

We hear in the reading from Isaiah 61 that Jesus came to bring radical change. God sent Jesus to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the broken hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners - to give to those who mourn joy and gladness instead of grief. Jesus came to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth.

This year as we celebrate Jesus's birth, what changes do we long to see in ourselves, our family, our church, our community, our nation and our world? The birth of Jesus was like a seed sown secretly in the ground. It took time to grow and bear fruit. Is there something we can do, however small, that will bring about change? Let's make an investment for change this Christmas!

David

8 December 2002

Preparation?

Preparation for the coming of Christ is totally different in the Bible compared to the UK.

In the Bible preparation begins in the desert. All life has burned up and died. It is a place of loss and desperation. (Isaiah 40:1-11).

A voice cries out 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord... Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill made low... Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed.' The desert will blossom. Rivers will flow. The Lord comes to his people.

In our culture preparation begins in the shops crammed fall with every luxury. Advertisements promise fulfilment with every purchase. It is a place of gain.

A voice cries out, but it is lost in the relentless activity, drowned out by tinselled carols. The glory of the Lord is revealed just as we expect in the birth of a baby. Like watching fireworks, our attention is caught for a moment and then we forget. Everything quickly gets back to normal.

Lord help us to prepare for your coming.

David

1 December 2002

Then the Son of Man will appear, coming in the clouds - with great power and glory.
Mark 13:26

Over the past few weeks the lectionary readings have prepared us for the great theme of Advent - the Second Coming of Christ. Today that anticipation is heightened as we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent.

Perhaps the central symbol of the Advent season is the Advent wreath or ring. The circle of evergreen leaves reminds us of the evergreen love of God, with no beginning and no end. The lights remind us of the light of Christ, and each week we remember particular people who have shed that light for others - Abraham; the prophets; John the Baptist; Mary the mother of Jesus.

These, by their trust and obedience to God, prepared the way that we may know the light of Christ which we shall light symbolically with the centre candle on Christmas morning.

We give thanks for their lives and faith, but need to recognize our responsibility in carrying on their witness and showing the light of Christ in our lives, so that others may be drawn to him and be ready to greet him when he comes again.

We are not to know the day or hour of his coming, but when he comes shall we be ready?

Margaret Quayle

24 November 2002

The disciples had been following Jesus for several weeks. They had seen, with their own eyes, his ability to heal, cast out demons, and teach with great authority.

Despite all this, when they were caught in a wild raging storm, they seem to have forgotten all the things they had seen Jesus do. As the storm becomes more frightening, fear and doubt take over. The disciples wake Jesus with the question "Don't you care...?" What is his response to their desperate cry? A simple "Be still!" and the storm subsides. How terrified they must have been as they realized the immensity of what they had just witnessed. Jesus turns to them and says "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

These are questions we struggle with today in our relationship with Jesus. Each of us faces difficult, even terrifying situations, in our lives - ill health, loss of a loved one, financial problems, etc, and when we do we ask the same questions as the disciples. Jesus is aware of our fears, griefs, anxieties and doubts and his answer is still the same. He tells us to "Be still" so that we will know that he is God, and has the situation under control!

Stan Woods

17 November 2002

Teach us to number our days so that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. (Psalm 91:12)

Rarity increases value. Each day given to us is a unique gift, never to be repeated. When we number our days, we appreciate each one. We savour each moment. We offer our thanks to God.

The gift of each day, like the talents in Jesus's parable (Matthew 25:14-30) must be used wisely. The Psalmist recognizes that the more we number our days and appreciate each one, the more we will seek wisdom to use each moment well.

Jesus described the servants who used the talents well as trustworthy. He promised them great rewards.

Are we trustworthy in our use of our days and all God's good gifts to us?

David

10 November 2002

Remembrance

When we remember, we search out our memories to create again a whole picture. This bringing together of memories is often painful. We naturally select the ones that bring joy or a sense of achievement. Perhaps that is why we remember the summers as sunny in our childhood. But the picture will always remain incomplete unless the painful memories are also integrated. Our lives will feel empty. The buried memories will not go away. Instead they fill us with fears and dread.

Jesus can take the fears and pain from these memory. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). Just as he stands along side us today and will be with us in the future, so he was there in those dark events of our hidden memories. We can ask Jesus to show us his presence in these events. To know deep within that Jesus was there doesn’t change the memory, but his light drives away the darkness, He takes away the dread and fear. We can now remember freely. We can even talk about the events. We can know the assurance that we are complete and that all will be well.

David

3 November 2002

Here in 2002, it's perhaps difficult for us to appreciate the degree to which people were steeped in superstition around the time of Jesus. Nobody expected God to appear on earth as a tiny, helpless, vulnerable, human baby, and some were never able to accept that that baby, Jesus, could possibly be God.

Nobody knows quite what will happen when Jesus comes again, and God is unpredictable by human standards. Jesus was constantly full of God's love and forgiveness and approachability.

The whole point about Christianity is that God can be experienced through Jesus by human beings in any age. Christians build a living, breathing relationship with God through the spirit of Jesus dwelling within them, because Jesus comes to us.

Love cannot be defeated, because God in Jesus overcame even death. We can begin to enjoy that new life now, through Jesus living within us.

Barbie

27 October 2002

Welcome

Today we welcome Bishop Wilson and Sayuni to our services. Please come and meet them after the services.

It is eleven years since Bishop Wilson's first visit to St. Luke's. Since then our relationship with Bunyoro-Kitara Diocese and its wonderful people has grown in love. Bishop Wilson has now retired and this is our opportunity to wish him and Sayuni God's richest blessing in their retirement.

Bible Sunday

The Bible describes itself as light and food. Christians have found that it is both - providing us with insight into God's character, illumination for life's challenges and direction for shaping our choices.

As well as its account of God's personal revelation to us, the Bible's wisdom and values and its account of God's relationship with us provide a framework for living in today's world.

Engaging with the Bible stimulates courage, joy, integrity and hope. Regular and planned reading is one of the surest ways to access the rich benefits that the Bible brings

20 October 2002

Jesus said "Give to the emperor the things that are the emperor's and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21)

We receive much from God - our life, our love, our abilities, the beauty of creation - but what do we give in return? We start by giving ourselves as we are made in his image; we are his children.

But practically, how does this work out in life. God calls us to put him first as we care for our families (1 Timothy 5:8); as we work for his Glory in all we do (Colossians 3:23); as we witness to his saving love (Acts 11:8); and as we participate fully in the life of the church - the body of Christ for us, that means St Luke's.

So on the feast of St Luke, let's reflect again on our commitment to our Church. How does our call to serve God in the life of St Luke's fit in with the other calls on our time, abilities and resources. Should we be giving more or less or have we got it about right?

David

13 October 2002

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 has been top of the Psalm chants for about 3000 years, every generation finds it both a comfort and challenge. It begins 'The Lord is my Shepherd'. At once we are drawn into pictures of a Father's love, guiding, caring and protecting. We know he will lead us to green pastures and right pathways.

But the journey is dangerous - we will also have to walk the valley of the shadow of death. Evil is around us. We will face suffering and loss, yet even in the midst of darkness we will fear no evil. God is with us.

The image changes. We are taken into the midst of great celebration. We are washed and relaxed. We have even been to the beautician! We are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus and our Father says welcome.

Read again this wonderful Psalm. Do you know it by heart? If not try to learn it so you can say it to yourself in times of suffering arid celebration.

David

6 October 2002

Jesus First

St Paul said "I regard everything [all his achievements] as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord." He was clear that the first priority in all of life was finding Jesus and following the plan Jesus had for his life. He went on to say "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:4-14).

What does this mean in practice for you and me? To put Jesus first, we must set aside time to seek him, worship him and both learn about him and listen to him - only when we are at one with him can we know his plan for our lives and press on to achieve it.

So we must take time each day to pray, listen and study the Bible. We must make worship on Sunday and membership of a Homegroup during the week a top priority. It's a foolish athlete that steps on to the track with no training and a foolish Christian who does not put Jesus first.

David

29 September 2002

Angels

Have you ever seen an angel? I would have to answer "I don't know". I might have, but if I did, I didn't recognize what looked like a person to be an angel. (Hebrews 13:2).

Angels are spiritual beings, created by God, who serve both God and people. They come primarily as messengers, for example the angel Gabriel's visit to Mary. They also come to guard. Psalm 91:11 says "God will put his live angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go." They strengthened and helped Jesus in the desert (Mark 1:13) and in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43).

Today is the Feast Day of Michael and all Angels. Michael has a special function as guardian angel of Israel (Daniel 10:13, 21). In the visions of the Book of Revelation Michael; and his angels are at war with the dragon or Satan and his angels. There is a battle in the heavenly realm that seems to echo the struggles here on earth.

Angels are a reminder that we know very little about the mystery of God's creation and the extent of his love for us.

David

22 September 2002

No Harvest

God has a vision of creation. He sees it is good. He sees beauty, harmony and love. He sees people caring, sharing and co-operating. He hears laughter, thanksgiving and celebration.

The journey to this vision is long and hard. There have been dead-ends, tragedy and heartache. But there is still hope.

Today we give thanks to God for all the good gifts we have received. We catch glimpses of God's vision. But we remember in Malawi and many other places in Southern Africa and around the world there is no harvest. God's vision is shrouded in darkness.

We can bring a little light by sharing God's blessings. We can be co-creators with God. We can give some money. We can pray. We can work for a better, fairer world where everyone has hope for God's kingdom to come on earth.

David

15 September 2002

A call to prayer

When you look down from a plane at night you see tiny pin pricks of light standing out against the darkness of the night. Every so often a cluster of lights shine brightly. Once in a while the land is lit by the lights of a great city.

Prayer is like that. Our prayers can seem ineffectual against the all pervading darkness - yet they stand out as bright lights. When we join with others the light increases and we become more aware of God's presence. We see in shadows the Kingdom of God.

When Jesus faced the darkness of Calvary he said to the disciples "Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The Spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak."

The anniversary of September 11th has reminded us again of the darkness we face. Let us join together in praying and working for peace in our homes, our work place, our community, our nation and in all the world.

David

8 September 2002

Welcome Break

September is a month of new beginnings for schools and children. Church activities starting up after the summer break also face new beginnings. So it is good to pause and ask God what plans he has for our lives. What are our priorities for the year ahead? Where should we say no - that is enough- and where should we say yes - here is a new venture God is calling me to fulfil.

Today at our 11:00 am service we are having a short service of Renewal of Commitment to Ministry for all children and youth workers. We will also be asking everyone to pray for children and young people, both those who are in our church and in our school and those who live in Crosby.

We have a wonderful team of people working with our children. They need our prayers and support. We also need to find new people to help. Please encourage them in every way.

1 September 2002

Today the fund-raising for the new Crossroads Project is being launched in all the Churches of Crosby. Please make sure you take a new brochure for yourself and friends. We want to spread the news to everyone.

The new cafe, which will continue and extend the old cafe's loving care and good value will include new features such as - provision of a play area for toddlers, plenty of room for pushchairs and an extended display area for books and cards.

We hope the success of the fund raising will also help us begin a youth ministry on Friday and/or Saturday evenings. Your small regular gifts by standing order will support this vital work.

Finally we want to send 10% of the money we raise locally to help the new Crossroads project in Hoima, Uganda. The Churches in Hoima are planning to build a new centre that will reach out to many many needy people.

David

21 July 2002

A Second Chance

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have two chances! You could make your mistakes and still get it right second time round. But life isn't like that. Very often we have to live with the pain of wrong choices.

We can't change the past, but we can begin again. God tells us his love is new every morning. The story of Noah, which we finish today, is all about a new beginning. This ancient story offers parallels to our experience in baptism, where we die to self as the water closes over us (here we have the picture of baptism by immersion) and rise up to new life in Christ. The cross becomes our ark. The rainbow becomes the promise of life beyond death. The gift of the Holy Spirit makes it real in our lives.

Jesus said to Nicodemus 'No one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.' (John 3:5) This new birth is a second chance, a new beginning. Let's welcome it with open arms.

David

14 July 2002

Step out in faith

Next week a team of five young people and two adults fly to Uganda. For two weeks they will leave behind all the familiar sights and sounds and enter a brand new world. They will be running an activity week for the orphans and sharing in the life of the Ugandan Church in Hoima.

At our 6:30 service tonight we will be commissioning the team, praying for God's Holy Spirit to come and fill them and sending them out in the faith and love of Christ. They will have a great adventure following Jesus! Please pray for them.

But what about the rest of us staying behind? We may not enter a new world, but God invites us to step out into a brand new day. The old day has passed, all is forgiven and God calls us to come and serve. The adventure of following Jesus is open to everyone. All we need to do is step out in faith.

David

7 July 2002

Looking Ahead

On 21 December 2003 Bishop James will preach at our 150th Anniversary Services. The History Group has nearly completed the story of St Luke's, which will give us fascinating insights into our roots and our journey to the present. In our Celebrations we also want to look forward.

You will find a copy of God's call to St Luke's at the back of church. This is now out of date, but it is a starting point. It expresses our vision and values as we understood them a couple of years ago. We plan eventually to prepare a much fuller version, that gives a clearer picture of the way ahead.

What plans does God have for us? - Jeremiah 29:11-14. What should be our priorities for the next few years? Do we have a God given vision for St Luke's?

These are the questions we will begin to explore at our planning session on Saturday 13 July from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm in the hall. We welcome everyone. Come and pray and begin to discover afresh the will of God for St Luke's.

30 June 2002

Today we welcome Revd Geoff and Revd Gill Kimber, our new CMS mission partners to work in Romania. They will be working at the Cross of Nails Centre for Reconciliation in a village close to Sibiu. Their work will involve building links across all denominations, languages, cultures and national groups in order to foster mutual understanding, respect and co-operation amongst the churches and encourage ecumenical mission in Romania.

Geoff and Gill are not new to the missionary scene. After marrying in 1971, and training at All Nations Christian College, they joined the Sudan United Mission (now Action Partners) and served for ten years in Northern Nigeria, developing Theological Education by Extension in Hausa and English.

Since they returned Geoff and Gill have been working in parishes near Coventry and working with the International Centre for Reconciliation.

23 June 2002

There's a dark, brooding quality to all the words of Jesus in today's gospel reading (Matthew 10:24-39). On the one hand he seems to be warning his disciples about the terrors in store for them if they do not hold to their beliefs, and on the other hand trying to bolster their confidence and their courage.

Even today there are those who claim to have little or no religious belief, but they still hold strong opinions about religion e.g. the secular world often calls for the return of the Ten Commandments even though those outside church circles would probably not know them.

Yet Jesus said, "Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." Perhaps we carry too much religious baggage, which we need to shed. Perhaps if we could each discover what the very basis of our religion is, and be prepared to let go of everything else, Jesus would be able to bring peace rather than a sword.

Barbie

16 June 2002

Jesus called twelve disciples. Since then he has called millions more, among whom we should count ourselves. So what can we learn from the gospel reading (Matthew 9:35 - 10:8) which tells of the calling of the original twelve?

Calling them was part of Jesus's response to the people around him. He had compassion on the crowds: "They were like sheep without a shepherd." The disciples were not called for their own good, but to help those whom Jesus's ministry touched and who needed more guidance. Jesus called them because there was work to be done. ''The harvest is plentiful but the labourers are few", he said. The Lord of the harvest needed more labourers. What harvest are we called to share in?

Jesus told the twelve to preach the good news, heal the sick, and offer freely what they had freely received from a generous God. In other words they were to reflect his own ministry. (See Matthew 9:35).

Jesus called twelve disciples to make an impact - to change lives - to make a difference. He asks no less of us today. How do we measure up to his call?

Keith

9 June 2002

It is almost impossible for us to disguise our true selves. In our gospel reading (Matthew 9.9-13,18-26) today we find various attitudes revealed.

The woman suffering with haemorrhages only dared to touch the hem of the cloak of Jesus. She was desperate but she had faith and kneeling was not a problem for one so low. The ruler of the synagogue, brought low by grief, knelt before Jesus. He had great faith and did not hesitate to get down on his knees. The Pharisees saw Matthew as worthless but he had enough faith to give up his easy income to follow Jesus.

Faith is found amongst the desperate. The Pharisees were not at all desperate and were quite pleased with themselves. They thought they were already right before God.

If you are desperate today the best place to go is on your knees in faith. Jesus loves to raise us up and we need to realize our need of him every day of our lives.

Alan

2 June 2002

Long Live the Queen

Amongst all the celebrations of the Queen's Jubilee we shouldn't forget she is head of the Church of England. She often talks about her faith and regularly attends church on a Sunday. In the Queen both our national politics and Christian traditions are held together.

Can you think of a better way of ensuring Christ is honoured in our national life? Yes, there may be anomalies such as the Prime Minister choosing Bishops, or the Church of England having privileges over other denominations but if Christianity lost its distinctive role in our nation, what would we put in its place? I think that we would end up with a mishmash of all religions that would leave us in a directionless muddle.

So today let us join in the thanksgiving for a Queen that has given the nation so much and pray for her and our nation that we may all honour and follow Christ.

David

26 May 2002 (Trinity Sunday)

The Trinity

We will never understand God. Our minds are far too small. We are dependant on what He reveals to us. In the Bible he has shown himself in three ways.

We see God in creation and discover Him as our Father in heaven.

We read about Jesus in the Gospels and recognize Him as the Son of God. He is God in human form revealing to us the depths of God’s love.

We experience the Holy Spirit as we believe in Jesus, and invite Him into our lives. He is God in action coming to us and bringing the love and life of God into our own lives, reassuring us that we are indeed children of God.

We meet and come to know these three persons of God, but they are all the one God. The early church leaders discussed how best to describe their understanding of God and we repeat their conclusions in the creeds. They were the first to call God the Trinity - 3 persons in One God.

David

19 May 2002 (Pentecost)

Be filled with the Holy Spirit

The coming of the Holy Spirit on the first Pentecost has rightly been called the Birthday of the Church. In Old Testament times the Holy Spirit only came upon certain people at particular times. But in Jerusalem the Holy Spirit fell on all the disciples and was freely given to all who believed on Jesus. The Church was born that day.

The Holy Spirit is given many different names - helper, advocate, guide, teacher, empowerer. He is pictured in different symbols - wind, fire, water, gifts, fruit, dove - but in everything He is God in action bringing about the purpose of the Father in the work of the Son.

Without the Holy Spirit the Church would be dead, just an empty shell. We too would be dead. Paul puts it plainly: 'Whoever does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.' (Romans 8:9) We are utterly dependent on the Holy Spirit. Like a reservoir, cut off from its water supply, we would become empty and dry unless we were continually filled with the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

David

12 May 2002

The last words Jesus spoke to his followers before returning to his Father in heaven was "go to all peoples and make them my disciples" (Matthew 28.19). We may not be able to go everywhere, but we can support others through prayer and giving to go where we could never go.

Today we welcome the Revd Bob Powell, the SAMS (South American Mission Society) North West Area Secretary, as our preacher at 9:00 am and 11:00 am. Rob has recently visited South America and we look forward to hearing more about the church in those lands. Everyone is invited to a "bring a plate" lunch in the hall at 12:30 pm where Rob will share more news.

As a parish we support six main charities. We encourage each member of St Luke's to make one of these charities their special concern. If you would like to focus on SAMS and our link with Peru please take information from the back of church and give your name to Joyce Fell.

David

5 May 2002

Annual Meeting

We welcome Sandra Tickle as our new Churchwarden and Peter Owen who was elected for another year. Linda Moore has complete four years as a Churchwarden - how time flies - and she received our grateful thanks. She has been a wonderful warden - always smiling and ready to help where needed. Just to show her willingness to service she offered to stand for the PCC.

The following were also elected to the PCC: Lester Davey, Peter Dobson, Peter Moffatt, John Morris. We only had 4 nominations for the Deanery Synod so we still have 2 placed to fill. Those elected were: Peter Naylor, Peter Owen, John Pulman, Jan Sumner.

Finally the new sidespersons were elected 84 in all.

Thank you to the PCC and Deanery Synod members standing down and thank you for those joining. Thank you to the sidespeople and all the members who make up our family here at St Luke's.

David

28 April 2002

Annual Meeting

Don’t forget the Annual Meeting tomorrow night 8.00 pm in the hall. We are still looking for more nominations to both the Parochial Church Council and Sefton Deanery Synod. Would you be willing to stand? Can you think of someone who would be a good member? Nomination forms are at the back of Church.

The Annual meeting is also a time to look ahead and David will outline the key goals for the next 12 months. This will take us up to the brink of our 150th Anniversary, so there will be challenges ahead.

Living Stones

One of today's readings reminds us that we are all chosen to be God's own people to proclaim his mighty acts (1 Peter 2:2-10). We all have a part to play as members of the community of St Luke's as well as in our places of work and amongst our families and friends. As Peter says "like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house." Have you thought about your role in St Luke's? Could it be on the PCC or Deanery Synod?

David

21 April 2002

Protection

When children are frightened, they run to their Mothers arms - or hide in a Mondeo, if you believe the advertisement! What is our instinctive reaction? Who do we turn to? Where is our safe place?

Amazingly, pushed to the limit, many people cry out to God for help, even if they never pray at any other time. And that is a right reaction. Jesus is the gate to the sheepfold - the place of safety. (John 10:1-10) In times of attack, we should run to his protective arms.

But as the old saying goes: Prevention is better than cure. Avoiding danger is the best form of protection. Jesus is also the good shepherd so we need not just to run but to keep close to him.

Our choices in life will keep us safe or expose us to danger. God gives us freedom. Sadly we often have to live with the consequences of our choices. But it is never too late to return to the protective, healing arms of God.

David

14 April 2002

Getting Organized

The Annual Meeting of all the Members of St Luke's takes place at 8:00 pm on Monday 29 April in the hall. Please take a copy of the Agenda and Annual report that has the accounts for last year. Everyone on the new Electoral Roll is invited and encouraged to come.

A copy of the new Electoral Roll is at the back of church. Please check your name has been added. If you a query, drop a note to the office. If you failed to fill in an application form, please do so and your name can be added after the Annual Meeting.

At the Annual Meeting we will be electing 6 new members for Deanery Synod who will also be PCC members and 5 new PCC members. Nomination forms are at the back of church. Please consider offering yourself and pray about who you might nominate. The PCC makes all the important decisions for the life of St. Luke's so we need prayerful people of vision. We also want all ages represented.

A booklet describing all the events of the last year is also at the back of church. Please take a copy.

David Trollope

7 April 2002

On Easter Sunday we had a minute's silence to remember and give thanks for Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother as well as to pray for the Royal Family in their loss. Then we lit the Easter Candle and rejoiced that Christ had risen.

St Paul tells us that the resurrection of Jesus is the guarantee that we will rise again. Death is not the end. It becomes the gateway into life.

The Queen Mother's death was surrounded by the hope of Easter Day and yet none of the commentators I heard referred to it. Here was a message of comfort that remained unspoken. Have we as a nation lost our faith; our confidence in the promise of Christ and the truth of Easter Day? How sad if we can only look back with thanks, but not look forward with hope.

The resurrection of Christ gives meaning and direction to life. We know the truth of the great promise that nothing will separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39

David

31 March 2002 (Easter Day)

70% of the population believe in some form of life after death. But is this little more than a comforting idea or wishful thinking?

The Easter acclamation

Jesus Christ is risen
He is risen indeed

stands alone amongst all religious and spiritual explorations. No other faith is based on a man who died and came back to life to guarantee his promises. For example Jesus said: "Whoever believes in me has eternal life." [John 6:35-40]

Our celebrations today are the bedrock of our faith. We know the presence of the risen Christ in our midst. He dwells in us through the gift of the Holy Spirit. With this firm foundation, we can look out into our world with thanks for beauty, love, life and truth. We can also look out with compassion and a determination to follow in the steps of Jesus as we see brokenness, suffering, hopelessness and despair.

We are called to serve others that they too might know Jesus is risen and receive the gift of life in all its fullness.

David

24 March 2002 (Palm Sunday)

False Expectations

Following the celebrations of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem many people became disillusioned. They drifted away. They became angry. They called out Crucify him.

Why? Because they had false expectations. They wanted Jesus to fulfil their own hopes and dreams. They wanted deliverance from the Romans. They wanted wealth, happiness and control of their own lives.

When Jesus invited them to take up their cross and follow him. When he literally took up his own cross and died - that wasn't what they bargained for.

People haven't changed. We haven't changed. We want a God to give us what we want. Our false expectations lead us down the path of disillusionment. We drift away.

We cannot avoid Good Friday on the way to Easter Day. Death comes before resurrection. The gift of new, full and eternal life is wonderfully real. But the pathway leads through death. Death to self, to our way, that we may walk with the risen Christ.

May this Holy week lead us deeper into the mystery of suffering and glory, death and life.

17 March 2002

Although the raising of Lazarus, happened nearly 2000 years ago, the event has many parallels with people's experiences today, when we ask "Why did/does God allow…?"

This question was in the minds of Mary and Martha, the disciples and the crowd, but Jesus knew what he was doing! His delay was not lack of compassion, he waited until Lazarus was dead in order to demonstrate his authority over death, an authority he would soon be called upon to demonstrate more fully through the cross and resurrection.

Lazarus was raised from death but of course has since died. Jesus - the Christ - was raised and is still alive, and amongst us through his Holy Spirit, and always waiting to transform our despair into peace and hope.

When we are tempted to wonder where God is in certain situations, let us pray for faith to remember that however it seems, Christ is in control and that in every situation offered to him, the Living Christ will act through his Spirit showing us a deeper and more transforming love than we have ever known.

Margaret

10 March 2002

no newsletter this week

3 March 2002

Life-giving Water

Jesus said: "The water I will give will become a spring which will provide life-giving water and give eternal life." John 4:14

Thirst is a graphic picture of the deep longings of all people. Tragically people turn to money, sex or power that can never truly satisfy. We see empty lives all around us like discarded shells on the seashore.

Only Jesus, through his death and resurrection, can come to us in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. This isn't just a passing shower but an ever lasting spring. A source of life that we can welcome and receive. A presence of God that will transform even as water brings live to the desert.

We have this gift of water not just for ourselves but to give to the thirsty world. Like the woman at the well in John 4 we must first tell others what Jesus has done for us. Then when they ask Jesus to stay they will know the truth for themselves.

David

24 February 2002

Second Birth

Jesus' famous words to Nicodemus "You must be born again" (John 3:7) have always confused and challenged people. Nicodemus, as a Pharisee, thought he already knew it all. And yet he must have seen in Jesus a different dimension of living. He began to search, to ask questions.

Jesus' statement "You must be born again" points to a radically new relationship with God. Its all about becoming one of God's adopted children (John 1:12); living in close relationship with him through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus (John 3:14,15); having our mind, heart and will renewed by the word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit (v8); armed for the future, forgiven for the past (vv 16-17).

Only that will satisfy the inner restlessness that seeks a better and fuller life. For some this is a gradual process for others sudden, but for all it is a life-changing transformation. (John 10:10).

David

17 February 2002

Making Space

This week we had Ash Wednesday and Valentine's Day on consecutive days - an interesting pair! One obvious link between them is love - love of God and love of a spouse or friend. And the one great need of love is to spend more time with each other. For that you have to make space in your lives.

The tendency today is to become more and more active, piling one activity on top of another until we are on the go from morning till night. Then we are surprised that love withers, dries up and dies.

If we value love, then we must learn to say NO. Not just to the obvious things that are wrong and damage love, but also to the good things that crowd out love.

Both our love of God and our love of others require us to say no. And Lent is the time to say no, to deny ourselves that we may walk more fully in the path of love.

Here is a challenge - what can we give up so as to make space both for God and people we love?

David

10 February 2002

New Electoral Roll

This year the old electoral roll will be scraped and everyone has to re-apply to join the new one. This gives us all an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a Member of St Luke's.

A booklet called "A Guide to Membership" with all the necessary forms is available at the back of Church. There is also a letter with the booklet addressed to everyone on the current electoral roll. Please collect your envelope form the table at the back of church.

We especially welcome those who have never joined the electoral roll to take a booklet and prayerfully consider joining. If you come to St Luke's you are already part of our church community and we would love you to become a full member and become more involved.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about St Luke's, please come to the special meetings after the 9:00 am and 11:00 am services in the hall on 3 March or at 8:00 pm in the vestry on Monday 18 March.

David

3 February 2002

God's provision

Jesus said "Do not worry about food, drink and clothes. Your Father in heaven knows you need all these things. Instead be concerned about everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he required of you, and he will provide you with all these other things." (Matthew 6:32-33)

Jesus gives us the ultimate frame work for planning our lives. Here are the two top priorities:

Seeking God's Kingdom - his rule of love, mercy and justice in all the world.

Seeking to discover what God requires of me.

These priorities need to be worked out in all our different roles - in our maturing as people, in our relationships, in our work, in our Church, in our community, in our nation, in all God's creation.

So we need first to listen and look for where God is at work. We will be surprised, because God's love is always reaching out to the dark and broken parts of our lives, communities and world. Then we need to offer ourselves , our time, abilities and resources and seek to work with him.

We will be amazed how God provides.

David

27 January 2002

A call to pray

Last Saturday a few people met for prayer in the RE Centre from 8.30 to 9.30 am. They couldn't meet for the daily times of prayer during the week, because of work, but they believed it important at this time to pray. There were three main concerns in the life of St Luke's besides all the pressing needs of the world.

The new Alpha course needed a man to join to make it viable - a man joined and the Alpha cause has started.

The Crossroads Cafe is facing an uncertain future - a possible way forward has been identified.

The new Homegroups were starting they all seem to have gone well.

Prayer will always be a mystery. Somehow prayer does change things because God in his love and mercy responds to our prayers. He has chosen this way to draw us into his purpose and release his blessing.

We need to constantly pray at all times and in all situations. Come and join the group on Saturday morning. You would be very welcome.

David

20 January 2002

Christian Unity

Today we welcome the Rt Revd David Jennings, Bishop of Warrington, to St Luke's Church. He comes to preach at our united service for the Churches Together in Great Crosby at 3:30 pm. Please make every effort to come along, as prayer for Christian Unity is vital in this broken and fragmented world.

Jesus prayed that his followers would all be one. He prayed to the Father "May they be in us, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they be one, so that the world will believe that you sent me." (John 17:21)

Any disunity between churches or within churches is a denial of the message of reconciliation that we bring to the world in Christ. We cannot change history, but we can repent of the past and do our best to live in love and unity.

Please also pray for our work together in outreach to Crosby. This evening we begin a new series at our 6:30 pm service looking at how the Christian Faith can be a light in the community.

David

13 January 2002

Stepping Out

Do you want a better world, a better community and a better life? Then you will have to embrace change. The current decline and drift will continue unless we are prepared to do something new.

This is symbolized in today's story in Joshua 3. God's people had to step out into the promised land. But the first step was into a fast flowing, flooded river. It was dangerous, foolhardy and bound to fail. But God had said step out in faith. As the priests carrying the ark of the Covenant (the symbol of God's presence with them) stepped into the water the river upstream was blocked and they walked across on dry land.

To claim God's promises requires us to step out in faith. This will often feel frightening, even risky, but it is the way into God's blessings.

One of the challenges I am asking people to consider is to join one of the new Homegroups. This will bring change for the better. Please take a leaflet from the back of church and prayerfully decide if this is the step of faith God wants you to take.

David

6 January 2002

Growing in Faith

I wish everyone a fulfilling and happy New Year. I pray your faith will grow and influence every part of your life - that your understanding will deepen - that your experience of God will be transforming - that your love will light up your life at home and influence your life at work.

To help you along this path of discovery I encourage you to come regularly to worship on Sunday and join a Homegroup. These are the basic commitments that will support, help and lead you into the fulfilling life God wants for each of us.

Please read the new Homegroup leaflet that is being given out today. It describes the new Homegroups that are beginning this month based on cell church principles. The PCC have made a decision to explore this path and encourage every member of St Luke's to share in the journey. Please make joining a Homegroup your New Year resolution for 2002!

David

this page was last modified on 1 September 2003