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Reflections - Archive - 2004
These reflections are published most Sundays on the front page of our parish newsletter.
Current reflections may be found here.
We all like to be special. We recognize our birthdays and look forward to them because it makes us realize our birth and lives are special to us and to our families. The birth of Jesus was the most important birth the world has ever known. His birth was planned by God and Galatians 1:20 tells us that through the Son, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. The birth of Jesus was a truly cosmic event.
The wonder of his birth was highlighted by the fact that Mary was chosen to be the mother of the Saviour of the world. This young woman found favour in the sight of God because of her willingness and her heart full of praise. "My soul rejoices because of God my saviour" she said. The birth of Jesus was special because in him God was reaching out to all of us, from the least to the greatest, inviting us to be part of his plans for all creation. God has planned so much for you, will you invite him in today and welcome him as Mary did with rejoicing?
Alan Lewney
One of the purple candles we light during Advent represents John the Baptist.
He was not the most popular person in his day, but he was obedient to God's call to him and led others to know the Messiah. But Jesus paid the huge compliment of saying that he was greater than any man who had ever lived. But he follows that by saying that "he who is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John" - John knew the holiness and justice of God but he had not seen the full extent of his great love for mankind- because he had not seen the cross.
The world was changed by the coming of Jesus - in him God was revealed as pure love-and the free giving of that love to all people was made possible by Christ's death on the cross.
This is the privilege we have that John did not live to see. Let us give thanks and pray that our lives may proclaim Christ so that others may come to know the everlasting love of God.
Margaret Quayle
Despite our greetings of peace to each other at Christmas, our world is in conflict and chaos. We are in one of the most violent periods in our history with an estimated 25 million people having died in war since World War Two.
As we approach Christmas we are surrounded by lights, decorations, carols, all promoting joy and festivity and yet we know that this can be the loneliest time for many people who feel insignificant, worthless and isolated. At this time of year suicides, family arguments, depression, stress and drunkenness reach a peak.
"The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart". We will not have peace in our world until this is resolved. We were created in the image of God to enjoy an intimate relationship with him but because God is love we are not forced into this friendship. Down through history we have rejected God, choosing instead to go our own way and shut God out of our lives.
Because of this breakdown of communication someone was needed to reconcile us to God, someone who shared our humanity but not our sinfulness. No prophet, priest or saint was good enough, so God himself became man in the person of his son Jesus — "For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." Col 1:19-20. It is always good to remember the real meaning of Christmas, the coming among us of "Emmanuel" - God with us, to restore this world of his that we have messed up.
Shirley Wallin
Violence against Women
The United Nations recognizes 25 November as an International Day of action to end violence against women, and this issue has been in the news recently with the introduction of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims' bill. Domestic violence is the emotional, physical, sexual or psychological abuse of a person, usually by their partner or a family member. Over 90% of victims are women, but men can also be victims of domestic violence, and the whole family may be affected where there are children.
Despite the publicity, domestic violence is still a hidden crime, which is often overlooked by churches. We don't like to think it occurs in our local neighbourhoods, or within our church communities, but it is a problem that affects people from all walks of life.
Churches Together in the Merseyside Region, together with local police and aid groups, have set up a task group to raise awareness of domestic violence and to seek an appropriate Christian response. At St Luke's we are committed to the charter for local churches against domestic violence and to providing a safe environment where victims will be listened to, believed and supported, and where such abuse will never be condoned. Churches Together offer various resources addressing this issue, including training days, and bible studies for home group use, details of which are held in the Parish Office.
We as Christians believe in a God of love, who hates injustice, violence and oppression. God has created us in his own image, intended to live in a loving and just relationship with him and one another. Any violence or forms of abuse that work against this principle are contrary to God's plans and can never be justified. Jesus said: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength…love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these". (Mark 12:30-31)
May we reflect his values in all our relationships.
Sandra Tickle
Jesus: From Man To … What?
Our epistle reading is Colossians 1:11-20. In it I count that Paul makes about 15 statements about Jesus—all of them extraordinary. Why not read over them. Remember that he is talking about a man who lived within the memory of many of his readers. They would be thinking of their leader, teacher and friend. Paul says that (for example) the whole world was created through him and for him.
What would they have made of that? And how on earth did Paul (or anybody)
come so soon to be making such amazing claims about a
wandering prophet? Some claim that Paul designed a religion that was nothing to do with the real Jesus. Though why he should do that (and
then die for what he had designed) would be a complete mystery.
My own sense is that Paul found himself driven inexorably to these conclusions about Jesus as he reflected above all on the cross and resurrection. Whatever Jesus accomplished on the cross, it was surely for the whole world. And whatever God’s reasons for raising him from death, they must mean that he had unique significance.
So as Paul and the early Christians reflected on what they had seen and known, they found themselves saying things about Jesus that a few years earlier they would have thought unbelievable. Now we study their words, and we in turn must find our way to hold together, for example, what our Creed says about Jesus with the picture of a man of flesh-and-blood. How do you make that link and what does it mean for you?
Keith Cawdron
Remembrance Sunday
To war or not to war! That is the question. I don't know the answer. But I'm pretty sure the ultimate desire of all Christians is to experience the state described in Isaiah 2:4, which reads: "God shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plough shares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more."
That's utopia. That's the ideal surely shared by all Christian people. But
I don't know the best way of achieving that. I don't know the
Christian answer, because perhaps there's more than one Christian answer. But I do know that I'm here today because of the sacrifices
made by my parents and their generation. I have the freedom to say whatever I wish to say. I have the freedom to worship however I wish
to worship. I live in a country, which, for all its faults, at least upholds human rights.
So let us today continue to honour our dead and to hold high the torch, which they can no longer carry. "No-one has greater love than this", says the writer of John's gospel, "than to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Barbara Chambers
The Brick
A young and successful executive was travelling down a road, going a bit
too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for children darting out from between parked cars, and slowed down when he thought he saw
something. Instead a brick smashed into the Jag's side door. He slammed on the brakes and the angry driver then jumped out of the car,
grabbed the nearest child and pushed him up against a wall
shouting, "What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is
going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?"
The young boy was apologetic. "Please, mister, please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do," he pleaded. "I threw the brick because no one else would stop." With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. "It's my brother" he said. "He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up." Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, "Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me." Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a handkerchief and dabbed at the cuts. "Thank you and may God bless you", the grateful child told the stranger. Too shaken for words, the man simply watched the boy push his brother in his wheelchair down the path towards their home. It was a long slow walk back to the Jag. The damage was very noticeable but the driver never bothered to repair it, he kept the dent there to remind him of this message: "Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!!"
God whispers in our ears and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, he has to throw a brick at us. God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but he did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Many times in our lives we feel powerless, particularly when dealing with physical or mental ill health. We realize how inadequate we are in the face of difficulties. Jesus had a special place in his heart for those who suffer whether through poverty or injustice. Jesus said that we can actually be blessed because of our situation if we look to him for help.
God is on the side of the powerless and he will triumph over every power
because all earthly power is temporary. In the end those that love the Lord will triumph. 'The holy ones of the most high receive the
Kingdom and possess the kingdom for ever' (Daniel 7:18). Today we remember all those who have gone before and thank God for them. Jesus
draws alongside us today with his love and comfort. He
understands because he too has suffered. He died to set us free in every way and this freedom can begin now if we invite him in. 'Rich
as he was he made himself poor for your sake, in order to make you rich by means of his poverty.' (2 Corinthians 8:9)
Alan Lewney
The Centurion
A while ago I read a book called 'The Centurion' which was a story built around the soldier mentioned in today's reading from Matthew's gospel. He was portrayed as a man respected by the Jews in his household.
Our Bible passage tells us he was obviously a man who knew all about authority,
recognized the authority of Jesus and could see that here was someone who could make a difference. Even so, this Roman soldier, a member
of the army of occupation, would have been
extremely unpopular with the majority of the Jews. On the face of it, he seems a most unlikely candidate for Jesus to help, especially
as the Jews expected that the Messiah, when he came, would help them rid their country of the Romans, not help them!
What this story tells us about Jesus is that he was willing to cross a major social and cultural boundary to offer help to someone in real need. As he shows his concern for the centurion's servant here, a powerful lesson emerges for us too. His help is not available on the basis of who we are, but on whether we trust him. In other words it is our relationship with him that makes the difference and therefore brings his power into our daily lives.
Stan Woods
As we celebrate our anniversary this weekend, let's reflect on 151 years of the gospel preached in this church. The transforming power of that word reaching out into the world through our mission work, showing love in action by helping to meet the needs of less fortunate people in other countries. The thousands upon thousands of people who have passed through these doors, often at the most joyous and the most sorrowful times of their lives, what a privilege to enter into their suffering and their joy. The many who have responded to the word preached and come into an intimate relationship with Jesus which has transformed their lives.
Sharing the good news of Jesus involves trying always to keep the dual emphasis on truth and love as the hallmark of our church. It includes both a proclamation of Christian reality and a demonstration of Christian community. We live at a time when confused people are seeking truth, but those same people are often dislocated people who are seeking community and perhaps also cynical people who are seeking living proof of the message they hear. The combination of a deep conviction of biblical truth and a loving welcome by the Christian community is honouring to God and attractive to many who are seeking him.
We are told in Ephesians that Jesus loves his church so much that he gave his life for it. Let us come together at this time in gratitude and thanksgiving to God for his continued presence, goodness and faithfulness to us over the last 151 years.
Shirley Wallin
Yesterday there was a celebratory service at Liverpool Cathedral to celebrate
the 10th anniversary of Women ordained to the Priesthood. To some that joyous moment when women were finally allowed to respond to God's
call to priesthood will seem like yesterday, others will hardly be aware of a time when women did not share fully with men in the "up
front" ministries of preaching, teaching, and above all
celebrating the Eucharist.
But in the midst of celebration, we need to remember that while some ministries are more visible than others, every member of the Church has particular gifts, which, when used consistently and faithfully in Christ's service, become ministries. There are ministries of listening, of visiting, of giving lifts, of hospitality,… and so on. I have a friend who has a wonderful "ministry" of sending witty postcards to friends, especially those in any sort of need, - through that gifting, she lifts the spirits and assures people that they are cared for.
Our readings today remind us not to put more worth on the people and activities
of high visibility or status, than on the "ordinary" things around us. Naaman was miffed because Elisha didn't make a fuss of
him and simply told him to go and wash in the local river. The
Samaritans were despised by the Jews as uncouth and unworthy, but it was the Samaritan in the group of lepers who realized the source
of his healing, and gave thanks.
So as we give thanks for the many ways that women have been able to serve Christ as priests, let us also see the love of God in the many acts of service we receive every day from so many people, and let us also ask for grace to recognize where our own gifts lie that they may be offered as ministries in the service of Christ.
Margaret Quayle
Luke 1:5 -10
In today's story from Luke's gospel, the disciples say to Jesus, "Increase
our faith." But he doesn't. He merely confirms their lack of it!
We need to look immediately before this occasion: Jesus has some harsh words about sin and temptation. "If another disciple sins,
you must rebuke the offender, and if there is repentance, you must forgive." (Luke 17:1-4)
No wonder the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith.
Jesus tells them it's no good expecting praise when they've done or been everything that's expected of them, because they're still going to be unworthy. And this is always true. God's ways are not our ways, and God's thoughts are not our thoughts, for he is as high above us as the heavens are above the earth. We are not God, and cannot begin to compare with God.
It's probably true, therefore, that in relative terms, a mustard seed of faith is a huge amount of faith for any human being to manage. If a mustard seed of faith can say to a mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted in the sea", and it happens, then I'm nowhere near that point in my faith. The quantity of my faith in those terms is microscopic.
But to say that is to miss the point. Human beings can't increase their own faith, for faith, like love and hope and praise and prayer, is a gift from God. Faith isn't an overnight change, but is a gradually maturing process, which takes a lifetime to become anything like effective. But like good cheese or good wine, a matured faith at the end of a long life is very good indeed.
Barbara Chambers
Today is our Harvest Festival, a time when traditionally we give thanks for the fruit and crops being "safely gathered in" to ensure nourishment for families in the barren winter months, and we "Thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all his love." But in these modern days when plentiful supplies of food reach our supermarkets daily from all over the world in and out of their natural growing season, we are no longer conscious of the hard graft involved in times of sowing and reaping. And in our security it is easy to forget that everything we have has its source in the creative love of God.
But we also have other "harvests" in our lives — harvests of love, care, teaching and learning, harvests of guidance to Christ, and of forgiveness and understanding. All these too are given us by the dedication and work of many people — parents, teachers, ministers, friends.
As we look around the church decorated with the harvest of the fields, let us also remember those other harvests in our lives, let us give thanks for those who laboured that our spirits might be fed, and as the fruits and flowers will be shared amongst others, so let us share the gifts of love we have received that others may come to know God the source of all good things.
Margaret Quayle
At the end of our gospel reading this morning (Luke 16: 1- 13), if you continue reading Jesus says to the Pharisees in verse 14 "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable to God". Jesus says much about choosing who to serve and the state of our hearts - where our real desire is. "No one can serve two masters, you cannot serve both God and money" (verse 13) and in Matthew he says "who is not with me is against me". The object of Paul's letter in Galatians is to woo the people he loved back from the 'fear of man' to the truth and a 'fear of the Lord'.
Psalm 111 : 10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…" - In our country today there are calls to make the monarch the figurehead for all faiths, not just for the Church of England. We are becoming obsessed with being 'politically correct' and with 'our rights'. We live in a world which is deeply corrupted by greed and materialism. Our society is largely supportive of abortion, genetic engineering and unlimited sexual freedom. Christmas cards that suggest a celebration of the birth of Christ rather than an excuse for greed and gluttony are deemed offensive. Has the world gone mad. Where is wisdom? It is being eroded and washed away by the 'fear of man'. Let's cry out to God that this nation would begin to fear the Lord (for that is where wisdom can be found) and that we would be more concerned about what He wants than what we want or what our rights are!
Let us pray that we will grow in our fear of the Lord; that we would grasp more firmly the good news that we are saved by God's grace by believing in his Son. Let's pray that out of our gratitude to God we will live our lives in honour of him, shining wisdom into our world.
Shirley Wallin
It's easy with hindsight to see the parable of the Vineyard in Mark 12:1-12 as representing what had happened to God's land and his chosen people, Israel, who turned away from the one true God. God sent his messengers, to call Israel back to the righteous way, but like the servants in the parable, the prophets were treated badly, ignored and even killed.
It's quite amazing that 16 prophets have books in the Bible named after them, and there are many more mentioned in other Old Testament books, and cover a period of over 400 years. God's patience and faithfulness with us has been declared over and over again right through the Bible and particularly in the Psalms.
God sent his Son, Jesus, to show people his way in a very personal, tangible form. But Jesus wasn't just any prophet - he was the Messiah, God's Son - who was also despised, rejected and killed, and he becomes the most important part of God's kingdom. He has become the capstone, the part of a building that is used to keep the walls straight and square so that it doesn't fall over, or get all crooked.
God's patience and faithfulness seem never ending. But judgement will come and eventually those who have done wrong and turned away from God will not be given another chance. It's our job as God's representatives here on earth to issue that challenge, as often as we can.
Barbara Chambers
"Do this" … "Why?"
At the 9:00 am service we follow the set Church of England cycle of Bible readings, which means we have 3 readings each week. They are not usually intended to be linked, but sometimes putting them together gives a strong picture: so it is this week.
In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus gives a bald statement, "If you want to follow me, take up your cross". No argument or discussion. In Jeremiah 18:1-11, God warns/promises Israel that certain actions will lead to consequences - good or bad. Finally, in Philemon Paul uses every skill he has to persuade the recipient to take back a runaway slave.
"Do this because I say so". "Do this and good will follow/Avoid that because bad will follow". "Please do this because I will be grateful and it will show how mature you are." In which of these voices is God speaking to each of us today? How are we responding?
Keith Cawdron
We all worry about what people think of us and can be very hurt when we feel
we have been ignored or our efforts have not been
acknowledged. Jesus was very clear in his teaching about how we should regard ourselves and how we should treat others. First
of all we need to understand that even if others do not acknowledge us he does. We should actively seek to help and encourage others and
by doing this we will receive God's approval which ultimately is more important. The benefits of putting others first and not regarding
our needs as the most important are far-reaching. We will change and learn to rely on God more, and others around us will feel encouraged
and possibly begin to appreciate God's love more themselves. Loving others begins with knowing God's love and forgiveness
ourselves. We are told in Hebrews 13:1 to keep on loving one another, to show hospitality to strangers and to remember those in need.
If we do these things we will be able to say with confidence 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid'.
Alan Lewney
Actions Speaker Louder…
Jesus is only recorded as mentioning the word 'church' twice in the Gospels: once to Peter (Matthew 16:18) and once when he was speaking about disputes between believers (Matthew 18:17). He modelled church more than he talked about it, whereas we often talk about it more than we model it.
At what point did 'church' become about sitting in rows, ignoring your neighbour, singing the songs, enjoying or ignoring the sermon and then going home? Surely church is actually about a dynamic relationship with Jesus that leads us into meaningful friendships with others and spills out into our communities. Paul quotes Jesus's words in Galatians 5:14 "The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'"
As you will hear in our services today, the Merseyfest initiative is a way for the church to serve and bless communities. Merseyfest is a way by which the church can begin to be expressed locally, meeting local needs, being a local blessing and reaching local people. Actions do speak louder than words, and many of our young people at St Luke's have joined with other Christians across the region this past week to become involved in reaching out into the community in practical ways, to demonstrate the kindness and love of God. Hundreds of churches of all denominations have been working in unity and in partnership with police and local authorities to identify projects in needy neighbourhoods and ensure they will bring lasting change - change in the lives of those participating as well as those who are served and most importantly change in the public perception of Christianity.
Shirley Wallin
Holidays can sometimes give us time to reflect upon our lives. Thinking about
life and its meaning can make us perplexed, sad, happy, depending on who we are and our life experiences. None of us are guaranteed a
life of ease without suffering or heartache. We can make as much provision for the future as possible but without good health, friends,
peace or joy in life we will still struggle. Many of us live our lives without realizing how blessed we are and we fail to thank God for
his goodness to us.
Jesus taught us to take care and be on our guard against all kinds of greed. Our lives are not made up of the things we own, no matter
how rich we are. If we do find time to ponder a little this month let us thank God for the many things he has given us but also let us
think again about where we are building for the future. Are we as concerned about our heavenly treasure, which cannot be taken away from
us or are we more concerned with accumulating wealth or possessions in this life. In the end these cannot bring lasting satisfaction but
living our life for Jesus really can.
Alan Lewney
Matthew 20:20-28
St James is probably most thought of as, with John, one of the sons of Zebedee who asked Jesus to sit on his left and right in his kingdom. Matthew's passage doesn't actually mention their names.
After James had learned so much more from Jesus's life, death and resurrection, of what true greatness really was, he himself lived a life of faithfulness and service. In the end he drank 'from Jesus's cup' and became the second after Stephen to die as a martyr.
We ourselves have got to keep going back to Jesus's teachings to help us on our way of discipleship. So often we can get things wrong, begin to doubt sometimes our motives for doing things when we feel we're serving God.
James's example to us is really helpful - though we miss opportunities to help others, misjudge situations, make mistakes, Jesus is there to put us right, to forgive and encourage us in our life long pilgrimage in his name.
Bill Pierce
Mary or Martha
Phillip Yancey has written about the day he visited the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone Park. This is one of the world's natural wonders. Alongside other tourists he watched with great excitement as the event occurred. He then noticed that the staff at the park ignored it completely. They simply carried on as if nothing important had happened. Familiarity had killed any sense of awe. It meant nothing to them. In those distant days of the 1980s when Everton won league titles there was no great celebration when teams were routinely beaten. We expected it and so the pleasure of victory was less than it would be now. The challenge for today is this — how big is our God? Have we become so familiar with church, with bible stories, with being religious, that we have lost our understanding of the greatness of God? The German theologian Guardini once said that in our daily lives God has become insignificant. A tree would have more effect on our daily lives as at least we would have to get out of the way. We are so busy that most of what we do would carry on anyway if God went away.
So we need to learn from Mary. We need to stop. Take a breather and rediscover the power, the majesty and the love of God.
Steve Cornforth
Sea Sunday
"…whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
"…I was hungry and you fed me, thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you received me in your homes, naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me, in prison and you visited me."
We have the consequences of this verses acted out in our very own graveyard.
A ship called the Cyprian set sail from Liverpool at 2:00 pm on Thursday 13 October 1881. There was a crew of 27 and Capt Alexander Strachan was at the helm. They were bound for Genoa. She ran into a north-westerly gale and somewhere in Caernarfon Bay, late at night, her starboard boiler burst. In an incredible chain of unfortunate events, Capt Strachan fought the elements until 3:00 pm on Friday 14 October when, after the anchor chain had broken he knew that it was only a matter of time before the steamer hit the shore.
Whilst checking the life jackets of his crew, Capt Strachan spotted a stranger, a 12 year old stowaway. The last words he was heard to say were "Here you are take my life jacket, I'll swim for it" to the boy. He didn't make it and drowned along with 18 members of his crew. The stowaway was one of eight survivors who were swept ashore alive. Those who perished were buried in an unmarked grave at Edern churchyard, all except for Capt Strachan who was brought back to be buried in the family grave in St Luke's. His grave is just to the south of the St Luke's main entrance. The gravestone is carved with an anchor and dedicated to John Alexander Strachan captain of the SS Cyprian wrecked off Caernarfon on 14 October 1881.
"I tell you whenever you did this for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did it for me!"
Shirley Wallin
Is It Urgent? Does It Matter?
Being on e-mail has changed my life. Rubbish I do not want now reaches me
much more quickly. People expect immediate replies to trivial questions and it becomes ever harder to identify what really matters amidst
the electronic babble.
When Jesus felt something was urgent and important he left his hearers in no doubt. Luke 10:1-20 describes him sending 70 disciples to
prepare the way for him. The keynote is "no distractions". Take no possessions, he tells them. Don't get embroiled with other
travellers; don't pay lots of social calls where you visit; don't fuss about food; and if they don't respond, then move on.
In a church and a world over-endowed with distractions, it is easy to lose the cutting edge of Jesus's commission. There is always so much else to do - usually things that are much easier than proclaiming that God's kingdom is near. We have a lot to cling to, and often (we would say) with good reason. So sometimes we need the laser light of Jesus focussing on our priorities and cutting through our temporizing. He knows life is complex, and his call is certainly not simplistic. But he also knows that an engine clogged with coke does not work well. It needs to have the accretions removed so it can operate at full power. Reading his words to his followers is uncomfortable, but they cut through two millennia of accumulated grime. "This is my message" he says, "and yes it matters". Preaching it is urgent, and the time is now.
Keith Cawdron
In church last Tuesday evening, Bishop David placed his hands on 13 of our young people and prayed for each one saying "Confirm, O Lord, your servant with your Holy Spirit" asking for them to receive a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit in their lives, to lead them more deeply into the way of Christ.
But walking in the way of Christ is not a guaranteed result of confirmation or of any other rite. The Holy Spirit waits for our response. Our reading from Galatians today (5.1,13-25) makes this clear, the evidence for our obedience to Christ is seen not in what we say we believe but in our day to day relationships — Where there is anger, dissension, division, hurt, jealousy, factions (cliques) the Spirit cannot do his healing work.
The congregation here on Tuesday promised to support those young people. This requires that we ensure that at St Luke's they experience a community where the fruits of the Spirit are clearly seen in the lives of individuals and of the church as a whole. Let each of us review our lives and behaviour to ensure that the Spirit is allowed to do his work and produce the fruits of unity and love we so desperately need.
Margaret Quayle
Forgiveness and freedom go together. Once we realize our need and ask God for forgiveness he is able to set us free to live by the power of his Spirit. The story of the man who had demons (Luke 8:26-39) is an illustration of what it is like to be controlled by forces stronger than we are. He could not do as he wished or go wherever he wanted because his freedom had been taken away. The Bible does not say he was evil but that he was possessed by evil. He recognized the power of Jesus and Jesus set him free.
What a lovely picture of freedom. He was found after his release sitting at the feet of Jesus clothed and in his right mind. Jesus promises us all that the truth will set us free. (John 8:32) Being free is a wonderful thing. Being free to be all that God wants you to be is true freedom. Are we fully appreciating what God has done for us in not only forgiving our sins but also setting us free? The man freed from the demons had no doubts and he went throughout the city, proclaiming how much Jesus had done for him.
Alan Lewney
Forgiveness
We sometimes feel that it is all over for us and there is no way back. We feel that we could never be forgiven. Strangely enough this is not our biggest problem. God does not turn us away when we are truly sorry. He is longing and waiting for us to turn to him for help. Our biggest problem is not that forgiveness is impossible. Our biggest problem is recognizing that we need it. We are willing to condemn others for their wrongdoing. We condemn those who oppress others and feel we are righteous for doing so. We are perhaps not so good at spotting our own faults.
Jesus pointed out to the Pharisee that those who are forgiven much, love much. There is a way back and the joy that Jesus gives us when we come back to him speaks volumes of how much he loves us and wants to be with us. Let us ask the Lord today to open our eyes to our own spiritual poverty so that we can lift our eyes from ourselves and our problems to worship him.
Alan Lewney
Servanthood
Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we have been created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. These good works are our service and when we serve each other we serve God. Jesus knew in the upper room that soon he would be leaving his disciples to minister without him. He could have taught them many things about dynamic ministry but instead he taught them about the core of ministry - servanthood - and to teach them he carried out a mundane and menial thing that they had been too proud or stubborn to do for each other. They must have felt so ashamed, Jesus kneeling before them serving them in a way that they had felt beneath them.
We have all been given gifts to use in service to each other, 1 Peter 4:10 says: "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others…" God also uses our life experiences and hurts to enable us to comfort others. When every part of the human body does what it was created to do the whole body grows strong and healthy. If even one part fails, however, others can become stressed, having to work harder to compensate. The same can occur within the kingdom of God. If you feel unappreciated or unknown, remember there is a difference between prominence and significance. There are some prominent features on our physical bodies we could live without but the hidden parts, heart, kidneys, lungs, liver are indispensable. The most significant service in the body of Christ is often unseen.
And if we feel unworthy, take heart from the people God used in the Bible, Abraham was old, Jacob was insecure, Leah was unattractive, Joseph was abused, Moses stuttered, Gideon was poor, Samson was co-dependant, Rahab was immoral, David had an affair resulting in all kinds of family problems, Elijah was suicidal, Jeremiah was depressed, Jonah was reluctant, Naomi was a widow, John the Baptist was eccentric, Peter was impulsive, Martha worried a lot, the Samaritan woman had several failed marriages, Zacchaeus was crooked, Thomas had doubts, Paul had poor health and Timothy was timid. What a variety of misfits yet God used each one of them and He can use us too!
Pentecost
Something happened at Pentecost shortly after Jesus had gone to Heaven that changed the World forever. What happened was promised by Jesus, predicted by the prophets and awaited by the disciples of Jesus. In spite of all this, the pouring out of the Holy Spirit took everybody by surprise. Ordinary men spoke in strange languages, tongues of fire were seen, the sound of a violent wind was heard and everybody knew that things had changed.
If we know Jesus we know the Spirit and he abides in us. (John 14:17) The Spirit can transform our lives as dramatically as he changed the first disciples. They were changed from doubt to certainty, from fear to boldness, from ignorance to knowledge of the truth. They were renewed by the power of the Spirit and reassured that they were God's children. What a difference the Spirit made to them. Will you ask the Spirit to fill you and to daily give you the reassurance that you are a child of God? God is still in the life changing business and is longing to respond to those who ask. (Luke 11:13)
Alan Lewney
A New Helper (John 14:15-20)
At the start of this chapter (John 14) is an instruction that many of us need to hear time and time again: "do not be worried and upset". It is a message that is repeated often throughout the Bible, probably because we humans have a tendency to waste valuable time and effort on fruitless anxiety. Here, Jesus offers an alternative to our worries - having faith and putting our trust in God. This is all well and good when we read it in the Bible, and must have been easier for the disciples because they had Jesus with them as an example. Jesus realized that we all have human frailties and for that reason he asked God to provide us with "another Helper, who will stay with us forever". Who is this Helper? It is God's Holy Spirit, who takes Jesus's place. This must have been a real comfort to the disciples who had spent three years with him, and couldn't imagine how they would manage without him. It is a comfort for us today, particularly when we are feeling alone, isolated as Christians or maybe facing difficult situations. How reassuring to know that the Holy Spirit will be there with us, offering guidance direction and encouragement - surely the sort of help for which we should all be eternally grateful.
Stan Woods
A New Heaven
What wonderful promises, "a new heaven", "a new earth", "a new holy city" and "no more death, mourning, crying or pain". All in Revelation 21—next to last chapter of the Bible. But promises that have also become a battleground. Do they just refer to events in the future? Or are they a calling to us to work for change now? Some horrendous things have been done by people under the banner of "fighting to bring in a new earth". So should we kick these promises safely into the middle distance?
For me, if this is the direction in which history is moving, then surely it must affect the way we behave now. Wiping away tears is a Christian duty today, not just a slice of "pie in the sky by and by", and experience of life today can be transformed for individuals and even countries by the action of those who have taken seriously the vision of Revelation. A new earth indeed. But I also want to reject any attempt to remove from our faith the promise of future change, or to devalue that promise. At the end of C S Lewis's Narnia stories the last is destroyed and a new Narnia (and a new England) come to birth. Then Aslan reveals that the children of the story have died and entered this land. Lewis ends by saying that "all their life…and adventures…had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before". Our hope has never been better summarized. Without it we are impoverished. With it we are empowered to offer the water of life and work for the one who (in more words from Revelation) "makes all things new".
Keith Cawdron
Mercy Ship
The world's largest private hospital ship, the MV Anastasis will dock in Liverpool from 14 June to 5 July 2004. Local people will have a unique opportunity to visit the Mercy Ship, meet the crew and take part in a series of exciting events designed to highlight the medical and development charity's work among some of the poorest and most disadvantaged people in the world-particularly in West Africa.
The Anastasis, the flagship of a growing fleet of ships operated by global
charity Mercy Ships, is scheduled to dock in Birkenhead West Float near Liverpool where the vessel will be open for tours. The
hospital ship is staffed by a crew of more than 350 from dozens of nations. Doctors, nurses, teachers, dentists, engineers, chefs and
many others have chosen to donate their time free of charge to serve the poor. We have details of the programme of events planned in the
parish office if you are interested.
What is faith? How can you be sure you've got it? Some Christians think of faith as an almost magical force; if you muster up enough of it, you'll get rich, stay healthy, and live a contented life. Yet how does one "muster up" faith? What are signs of true faith?
For me faith most resembles a difficult race. The runner has his or her eyes on the winner's prize, and, despite nagging temptations to slacken the pace, refuses to let up until he or she crosses the finishing line. But why you may ask do people punish their bodies to run a gruelling marathon race? Most runners name two reasons: the sense of personal reward they get and the physical benefits of the exercise. The same two rewards apply in the spiritual realm: great prizes await those who persevere, and the very process of living by faith builds strong character.
Hebrews holds up Jesus, who endured great suffering for our sakes (Hebrews 12:2-3), as the ultimate example. The faith described in Hebrews is not sugar-coated: God does not guarantee a life of luxury and ease. It is tough faith: a constant commitment to hang on and believe God against all odds, no matter what.
In this race, no one loses. If you finish, you get the reward.
Barbara Chambers
Peter Forgiven
The story of Peter's three denials occurs in all four Gospels and they all seem to agree with just two small variations. In John's account another disciple enabled Peter to come into the courtyard, and it was the girl on the gate who first challenged Peter, while in Luke's account of the story, Jesus looks straight at Peter after he has denied him the third time. How could Jesus actually see Peter at this point in time? When I visited the Great Hall at Westminster Palace, the guide who took us around told us that up until the 15th century all of the Royal business was carried out in this hall and everyone present could see the King or Queen carrying out their Royal duties. Maybe this is a possible explanation!
In the controversial film The Passion of the Christ, the look that Jesus gave Peter is shown not as one of condemnation, but one of love. I think this look, more than anything, was the reason why, as Mark recorded it, Peter "broke down and cried". He realized what he had just done. This point in time must have represented the lowest point in Peter's life for, from this time on, he learned to listen to God, to trust him and to be obedient in everything he was asked to do. The happy ending to this story comes on the lake side after the resurrection, when Jesus and Peter meet again. Peter, humbled by failure and deeply penitent, declares his love for Jesus three times and realizes he has been forgiven when Jesus tells him he is to be responsible for the care of his followers (sheep).
The story of Peter's denials holds real promise for each of us because we all let him down in some way, and yet he still says to us, as he did to Peter, I forgive you. This is the really marvellous truth about the Christian Gospel, that if we ask for God's forgiveness, he will "wipe our slate clean".
Stan Woods
Palm Sunday marked the beginning of an incredible week. A week that would see Jesus cheered, then arrested, tried, beaten, condemned, and put to death. But as that week came to an end, another week began just as the previous week had begun-with a celebration.
On the third day after Jesus was crucified, a woman named Mary went looking for Jesus in the tomb where he had been buried, but he was not there. Thinking that his body had been stolen, Mary stood by the tomb crying. Mary looked and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not recognize him. Then he spoke to her and called her by name and she recognized him. After she saw Jesus, she went to the disciples and said to them, "I've just seen Jesus! He is alive!"
Some people, like Mary, can't see Jesus because they are looking for him in a grave or on a cross. He isn't there! He is risen and is seated at the right hand of his Father in heaven. If you want to see Jesus, look in his Word, he will reveal himself to you, just as he did to Mary!
Barbara Chambers
The Servant King
The women had come for Jesus to enter Jerusalem for the last time. He was fulfilling his destiny as foretold by the prophets, but he knew that today was not the end. The truly important moments were still to come and the cheers would turn to jeers. This was the beginning of the end not the end itself. The Saviour only had one purpose. He was the good shepherd who would willingly die for his sheep.
Success for him would look like failure to the world. Palm Sunday was not the final victory but an outbreak of heavenly praise for the one who was determined to do his father's will. Without Good Friday there would never have been a Palm Sunday. This was a preview not the main event. The true celebration goes on forever in Heaven.
What will you do with Jesus? Will you join the crowd in admiration but not stand with him in the end. His purpose was clear. He died for you so that you can rejoice with him forever. The moment is now for us to recognize him for who he truly is and truly worship him by laying our lives down and inviting him in. If we continue to endure we shall also reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12)
Alan Lewney
Nehemiah, God's Faithful Servant
For more than a generation the chosen city of Jerusalem had lain in ruins and the people's despair, at what was possibly the lowest point in Israel's history, is perfectly caught by dipping into the book of Lamentations in the Bible. Human logic would perhaps have concluded that this is the end for the Jewish nation. They had no land, and Jerusalem was little more than a wilderness. However, God had other ideas, and after leading his people through times of repentance and times of teaching, restoration was well under way. Two key facets of this restoration process were the rebuilding of the temple and the wall of the city, and they were both complete. Jerusalem is again a city in every sense, and this meant the people could look forward to the future with confidence.
Our Bible reading at 11:00 am today sees them wanting to celebrate the completion of the wall, but before they do this they want to give glory to God by dedicating the wall to his purpose. How did they do this? Nehemiah's people processed, with two great choirs, in each direction around the wall, and then they came together as one, with everyone showing they were of one heart, mind and voice. What an encouragement for them, and what a lesson for each one of us at St. Luke's. If we dedicate ourselves and our church to God, and offer him the glory, he will enable us to go forward together with confidence into the next phase of our walk with him-whatever it holds for us!
Stan Woods
I'm reviewing the situation…
During the past few days many church members will have received some correspondence from our Treasurer that outlines our plans for 2004. We have identified five projects which address the needs and changes which the PCC would like to see happen. We believe that it is important that everybody knows what we seek to do because this helps you to consider a review of your own level of giving to God's work here at St Luke's.
We have also sent out to those who give by the weekly envelope scheme a new set of envelopes which contain this verse of scripture "Each should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
We give because God has already given to us in love and grace from creation to the cross and continually given in the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit. When we talk about finance in the church it is not because we want to raise money but because we want to raise people to be like Jesus.
Paul encouraged the church at Corinth in their giving when he wrote: "On the first day of the week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income, saving up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made."
We do not wake up one morning and decide to be generous givers. It takes a series of small steps:
- Willingness to be a disciple in this area;
- Willingness to find out what the needs of the church are;
- A decision to think seriously about giving;
- Deciding what to give and making it a priority.
Are you willing to take these steps and discover the freedom and joy that giving to God brings?
Eric Linford
Christa and I couldn't have imagined a more wonderful farewell. The party on Saturday night was a tremendous evening with an age span of nearly 90 years and a programme that everyone enjoyed, a real St Luke's family celebration. Thank you.
We were deeply moved and filled with thanks to God in all the Sunday services. They were very special. Thank you. And on top of everything you gave us wonderful presents, as well at 100's of cards and hugs. In the days ahead I will sit in the 'stressless' chair, listen to a relaxing CD and remember all your love and support. Christa hopes to buy a second chair with your generous cheque. Thank you.
We will remember everyone with thanks in our hearts and pray for God's blessing as you journey on. Do keep in touch and come and visit us.
David
Thank you for your love, fellowship, friendship, prayers and gifts. As Christa and I look back over 21 years our hearts are full of thanksgiving. Our life in Crosby has been full in every way. We have seen Kirsten and Stephen grow up, qualify, get married here in St Luke's and now this week our fourth grandchild was born, "Connie".
We have journeyed with you all and have learned new truths, experienced the working of the Holy Spirit, explored new patterns of worship and reached out in love to other churches, the school and the community of Crosby. St. Luke's Church has changed dramatically since we arrived in 1982 and it will go on changing – the journey doesn't end – God has many new blessings in store. Perhaps the greatest privilege has been sharing in people's personal joys and sorrows and watching God at work as He brings comfort, peace and hope.
Thank you for opening your hearts to us.
Now we move on. We won't be far away in Heswall. We will be moving around 1 April. Do keep in touch.
David
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven"
Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment of all is the first one-"to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind". In the Old Testament much is written about turning away from God. In Deuteronomy God says that he will curse those who turn away from his commands and in the New Testament he goes as far as to say "who is the liar, the man that denies that Jesus is the Christ…I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray".
Under a curriculum currently being drawn up, RE lessons could include the teaching of atheism and agnosticism, alongside Christianity. All of us who know God, know that our children run the risk of being led away from the truth. It is so sad to see our nation turning further and further away from God. Our culture is based on Christianity. To teach the opposite to that is to undermine an understanding of who we are as a nation. The more we turn away from God the more our society degenerates, where will we be in 20 years time, there will be consequences to pay. These things creep so subtley into our society, let's together stand up for our beliefs and do something about it. If you feel strongly about this, please write in the first instance to Ms Claire Curtis-Thomas MP at The Minster, 16 Beach Lawn, Waterloo, Liverpool, L22 8QA
We welcome the Rev Phil Potter from St Mark's, Haydock as our preacher today at the 9:00 and 11:00 am services. Phil is the author of the book The Challenge of Cell Church and along with Tony Mullen is helping us develop our own Home Groups. St Mark's, Haydock is a remarkable church with about 50 Home Groups or Cells. Phil and Tony offer teaching and support to a network of churches throughout England so we will have much to learn from them.
If you are interested in learning more about our own Home Groups, please pick up a leaflet from the welcome table.
Malawi
Our world mission focus for February is Malawi. Below is news from Liz and Malcolm Molyneux. Photographs from the hospital are on display at the back of church.
"Sassy and Alun and baby Moli are back in Kilifi. Moli and her parents have been welcomed home by all their Kilific friends and colleagues.
Sam has finished his 6 month post in Sydney Australia and is on his way back to the UK via Patagonia! He describes one of the windiest places on God's earth, where the mountain peaks and glaciers etc are spectacular if you can remain upright and focussed.
Ben has had Christmas in the Antarctic where the boat encountered more and
thicker ice than expected. They spent 4 days reversing and then bashing forward into the ice trying to break their way through it, it
take 20 minutes to undertake such a manoeuvre. Despite all this they failed to get through to the scientific station they were trying
to reach and had to ferry
supplies over dangerous sea ice for 20 kms. Mat is in Bristol for interviews in February.
Here the rains have come (late) and with it has come malaria with a vengeance. Nursing levels have become absolutely critical, despite all the extra people we have tried to put in. Over a weekend a week ago there was only one nurse on for 4 wards (300 children).
We have a consultancy group here looking at how management can improve things. It is very tiring. Thanks for your thoughts, prayers and efforts on behalf of us all."
Liz & Malcolm
A New Church of England High School
Mr Alan Potter, Assistant Director of Sefton's Children, Schools and Families told the PCC on Wednesday that the proposal to make Manor High School into a Church of England Voluntary Aided school is going forward to final consultation. Notices will be published in the local papers, public meetings held and comments invited from people. The consultation period is 6 weeks and we should know the final decision by the end of March.
This is a great opportunity for the people of Crosby and a great challenge for the churches. The PCC will be writing in support of the proposals. Please pray for the consultations, get involved where you can and be ready to support our young people. Peter Firth, the vice chair of Manor High School Governing Body is willing to answer any questions.
David
Merseyfest
Imagine… 5000+ young Christian adults from across the nation spending a week in the Mersey region serving and transforming needy neighbourhoods through projects of kindness.
Imagine… 100s of churches of all denominations working in unity as well as in partnership with communities, police and local authorities to identify those projects and ensure they will bring lasting change,
Imagine… it all culminating with a huge Party in the Park, free to enter, full of the best music, dance and Christian communicators — an event you would be proud to bring anyone to.
Merseyfest is more than a one week event in August 2005. In fact it has already begun. Churches across the region including St Luke's are already signing up to pray, to give, and to get involved in preparing projects.
Merseyfest is an initiative of the Christian churches across the Mersey Region to demonstrate the kindness and love of God practically and bring about real change. Change in the lives of those who participate as well as those who are served. Change in the communities where the projects happen. Change in the churches involved, and change in the public perception of Christianity, All this up to a wonderful conspiracy of kindness.
Making the Most of 2004
Would you like to:
- Discover your gifts and develop new ways of using them;
- Grow in your faith and deepen your walk with Christ;
- Become part of a loving and supportive group that reaches out to others.
- Encounter God in new ways.
Then now is the time to join a home group. We encourage everyone who comes to St Luke's to join a Home Group. Take an information leaflet from the back of church that has the names and contact person of each group. They would love to hear from you. Alternatively give the office a ring on 931 3119 and find out more.
A Year of Change
Last year ended with our wonderful celebrations. This year we are entering a time of great change. Hopefully as you look back at the end of this year you will be thankful for the way God has guided and brought a new minister to St. Luke's.
What should you do in a time of change?
- Seek the Lord in prayer, offering both yourselves and St. Luke's to Him.
You also need to be attentive and aware of His
promptings. - Be open and honest, letting go of your hidden agendas but also sharing your hopes and fears.
- Be patient and persevering, ready to wait till you have assurance that this is the right way forward or the right person for the job. Remember what God said to Samuel over the choice of a king. "Man looks at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart" 1 Samuel 16:7.
God promises to go with us each step of the way. He will be there guiding us through 2004.