Eternal Echoes

spelling and grammar...

apologies for the terrible spelling and grammar today- I am keyboard happy la la la.... going out to the pub now!

Being the Body of Christ

Ephes. 1:13-23

    It's in Christ that you, once you heard the truth and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first instalment on what's coming, a reminder that we'll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life.

That's why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the Christians, I couldn't stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I'd think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

All this energy issues from Christ: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the centre of all this, Christ rules the church, the church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

I has been raining and cold all week- and I have spent lots of time in front of my computer writing essays… every now and then I have got up to make tea and grab a biscuit from the tin … this is not good, after the first couple of days I was beginning to feel the stress of being indoors with relatively little exercise, and so I took advantage of occasional breaks in the cloud, saved my work and headed out across the fields. On the couple of days when the rain simply did not stop I practised some Tai-Chi exercises. I felt the benefit of my whole body being active, my mind was clearer for a bit of extra oxygen from the exertion.

This passage from Ephesians teaches us that the church is Christ’s body, and that as a body it receives energy and life through its connection to Christ, a connection forged in every individual when they receive assurance of personal salvation. So we are separate members but we cannot live without one another.

Paul uses the illustration of a body again in 1 Corinthians 12, where he is talking to the church about spiritual gifts, how different gifts are given to every member and how each and everyone is important and has a vital role to play within the body.

I don’t know whether you are science fiction fans or not, but if you are and worse still if you are fans of Dr Who, you might remember that the leader of the Daleks was once human, all that now remains is a brain in a robot body. His army are all robots, his life is limited, he is no longer whole… the same story is echoed in Star Trek, with the Borg, whose mission it is to assimilate other species, other inferior species and to incorporate them into the collective, where they exist emotionless part biological, part machine. In both cases, the loss of physical freedom is seen as negative. There now you know all about my bad viewing habits!

As Christ’s body the church, are we guilty of not exercising? Do we rely upon one or two members of the body to do all the work are we content simply to sit and receive and not participate, are we in danger of becoming merely assimilated beings or robotic Christians?

Do we value one part of the body over another so much that unused arms and legs toes and fingers become useless as muscles whither away? Or worse still do we expect the hands to act as the feet and the stomach to speak… the legs to lift like the arms… Or even worse look to one part of the body to fulfil all the functions for the whole?

Just stop for a moment and consider your spiritual gifts, your place in the body, do you know what they are? Do you know your value and worth?

Consider also the role you expect the Minister to fulfil?

Listen in for a moment to a regular mealtime at the Manse…

Just sitting down to eat, when the phone rings,

Just checking to see if all the service sheets will be ready for Sunday, making sure you will get your hymns in on time… you know the organist… oh so sorry to  disturb your evening meal….

Two mouthfuls later the phone rings again

A hospital visit is needed…

And again

Hello minister I knew I’d get you as it is tea time…..

And so it goes on… The Minister is expected to be the pastor, preacher, teacher, visitor administrator ….. and this is why the minister often will not answer the phone at tea-time!

Another conversation for you to eaves drop in on…

Me pray? In church, out loud, Oh know I don’t think I have the confidence to do that…-

These words were spoken by a teacher, a professional woman who had been taught that she must be quiet in church, church was other, your gifts and talents from everyday life are no use to the church…

Does this all seem a little crazy? It should because it is!

Jesus calls us all to be his followers, all to be his disciples, active hearers not passive ones, he calls us all to be involved all to find our place, all to recognise that we need to play a part and to recognise our need for one another.

So how has the body of Christ managed to get so out of shape, so out of balance? Well both the reasons above are a part of the story, and so are the conditions those reasons create, ministers often feel that they are the only ones who can do things properly, and lay folk feel that they have nothing to offer, and they are not really needed… the result, disillusioned and de-skilled people leave the church feeling useless, giving goes down and finances become stretched, ministers now need to care for more churches, they become more stretched , the lay people feel abandoned and the cycle goes on…

Time to stop, something drastic needs to happen, the church needs to stop, take a long hard look in the mirror and embark upon a fitness routine. It may take time, but re-equipping and valuing of the laity must be a priority, that will free ministers up to follow their call, and all can go forward together, within this framework, we need to recognise that some are called to full time non-ordained ministry, they may be gifted preachers, they need to be valued as such, the minister may not be good at administration, time for somebody with that gift to come alongside and offer that gift to the body.

Hospitality, administration, helping, encouraging, pastoral, teaching, practical (from decorating to cake baking), listening, having time, preaching, intercessor, children’s worker, … and so the list goes on, each valuable each valid, each one necessary, each one needing that endless energy and boundless strength from Christ refreshing them by the Holy Spirit. Each one needing the others, each one a full time part of the Body Of Christ, with practical gifts and spiritual gifts, growing together in the spiritual fruits.

Growing and learning and gaining in strength: . The church is Christ's body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.

(Thanks for the encouragement Mike!)

Short article- Wisdom

I have been asked to write a short article on wisdom in Luke's gospel bringing in O.T. references... so trusted blog readers, let me have it what do you think???

Wisdom

We live in an age of information, an age where we can access knowledge quickly and easily, every day we are able to read reports and accounts from around the world. We hear information on the radio, we the news unfold before our eyes via satellite straight to our T.V. screens… but does this knowledge bring with it wisdom or is wisdom something different?

Wisdom comes to us through story and image, simile and riddle- her story has been passed down through the ages by oral tradition and through wisdom literature whose roots are steeped in Jewish and other traditions…

Wisdom is personified – Lady Wisdom – who is the antidote to Dame Folly. Wisdom has her origin in God (Prov. 8:22), and comes into the physical world with a distinct mission, (Prov. 8. 4; 31-36). Wisdom is a divine gift ,(Prov. 2:6) and requires a disciplined approach from those who seek to attain knowledge of her (Prov 4: 10-27).

Jesus sought wisdom, spoke wisdom and knew the ways of wisdom to such an extent that he could be said to have personified wisdom herself- for this reason it is profitable to pay close attention to Jesus teachings.

In the wisdom tradition, beatitudes (blessings) were taught to convey practical wisdom, Jesus used beatitudes (Luke 6:20-26) in a new way to teach a reversal of values that were commonly placed upon earthly things like wealth and power, to point to a new way of living a life in God’s kingdom. At the same time he gave a series of warnings against living self centred lives, of being satisfied with the temporary.

He taught wisdom through parable; teaching his hearers to prepare their lives to be good soil in which to receive the seeds of his teachings (Luke 8 1-15) ; to show what it means to be a good neighbour (Luke 10: 25-37) to store up treasure that would last, rather than earthly riches. (Luke 12:13-21).

Jesus confused his contemporaries, he confuses many today; yet for those who have eyes to see, true wisdom will  be revealed, for those who would seek her wisdom was and is attainable. (Luke 7 :35).

More thoughts on vocation

I thought I'd try to expand a little on my thoughts on ministry and calling. I am a full time paid Christian worker- not ordained. I work in the community and in the church, I pastor, I preach, I organise events and lead prayers... I am an evangelist and this runs through everything I do, it is who I am...

I love God, I love Jesus( this sounds rather trite but I mean it in a real and deep way- I truly do not know where I would be without the revelation of the truth he brought bursting into the life of a rather messed up twenty something!), I am passionate about conveying the gospel in ways relevant to today's eclectic, post-modern culture... I believe the Holy Spirit helps and guides me, and fills my life with all I need for life and holiness... when I am open to receiving .... my desire is to live a life of faith and love...

Now as a forty something I am exploring a call to ordination- exploring because as a British Methodist I am on the first stage of a long journey... first foundation training then ordination training- then possibly ordination- it takes a while to explain!

I mentioned I grapple with that call and have received some interesting comments... I do not believe that saying just listen to God and follow him is enough... for I have known times when God very clearly gave me a choice, for example when we came to move to Norfolk, we had to choose where to live- two manses and rooms in a community house were available. I felt a certain pressure to live in the Community house, but as we prayed this through, God made it clear that we could choose and that he was in whichever choice we made, the important thing was being available here!

So I know that I am called to full time ministry, and I do have a strong sense of call, but I rebel against this for several reasons, firstly I feel that I should be valued as a minister without the need for ordination, and I am hurt by suggestions that as a Lay Worker my ministry is not valid or respected... this is not me being oversensitive.... I have to sit through meetings where I am referred to as The Lay Worker and treated as a commodity and not as a person. The ministers are not treated in this way, they are shown respect and are valued... shouldn't that spur me on towards ordination... No because most of my work will not change!!! Why does the presence of a dog collar make such a difference?

So I rebel, because I will still be me and I refuse to be anything else...

I do not mean to imply that ordained ministry is unimportant, I believe that representation of God to the community is most important and that people look for ministers in times of both personal and global disasters... I value the sacraments highly but do not really believe you must be ordained to officiate...

My hobby horse is for the Lay Worker... Lay workers fulfil valuable and often difficult roles in the Methodist church and are too often treated (and paid) like the poor relation whom we are a little ashamed of....

I love my work, I am passionate about it, I would love and sense a call to stay in the wilds of rural Norfolk- I am growing to love the place and the people, we are starting to see churches grow and change- I do not want to leave here yet... and yet I have to present my case to the Circuit meeting and I fear that finance will win out and my position will be closed... if I was a minister I would gain another post- as I am not at the present time I may end up homeless and out of work... as a Lay Worker...

now I know this post is rambling all over the place, so I'll try to sum up- I know I have a call to full time Christian work- I believe I have a call to ordained ministry- but I am still finding my way along that path. I do not want to be treated as someone special by the congregation who currently view me mainly as a commodity just because I am ordained, I want folk to realise they have a ministry and all are valuable, all have a place full time paid or not, ordained or not...

I guess that at the same time as I recognise the need to be rooted and grounded, I also rebel against the establishment...

I have as I have said before a love hate relationship with the church...

And so I journey on...

Life.... with twins...

It is always fun living with twins- now say it again with conviction- through gritted teeth- it is fun living with twins- 17 year old twins- who can't drive yet- in rural Norfolk!!!

Today- I have been reflecting on yesterdays events- my car is still full of the stuff from the paryer tent, its amazing wht you can get in one small hatchback! The drivers seat is free, and I decided that should anyone want to steal a car loaded with stones and candles, paper and sand, dozens of boxes, pens, paint and so on they are welcome to it... it looks a bit like a mobile dustbin... and tomorrow I have to put it all in the office again... just couldn't face it today!

Back to the twins- having decided that getting soaked at the festival was not too much fun they and several friends headed home to eat- as much as they could it seems- no matter I am used to that- then because teenagers don't wear coats my house is draped with other peoples drying shirts- that was yesterday- the friends have gone home- in Jo and Jons clothes- their clothes are still here .... swopped perhaps, wouldn't be the first time!

Half term week and I'd hoped they'd lie in, no chance- Jo wanted to do some washing- the tumble drier has decided this week is a good time to die...

Jon played his guitar- ate and then announced he needed to get to a Macbeth rehersal-

Trip one- Jon & his friend Ed  to Wereham- 7 miles...

Jo had a viola lesson

Trip 2 Jo to Gooderstone  (through Wereham)12 miles

Went shopping to Swaffham while Jo was in her lesson 10 miles

Jo comes out and announces Jon and Ed have sent her a text- could I take her to Kings Lynn to meet them and Amy- they are going to eat and see a film... seemed reasonable

Trip 3 Jo to Kings Lynn (through Swaffham) 15 miles

Home to Downham 10 miles

To recieve a phonecall from Jon and Ed- they were still in Wereham and need to get to Kings Lynn- they can't- ... pleeze pleeze mum will you come and get us, and take us to Kings Lynn-

OK muggins is on her way to Wereham and onto Kings Lynn...6 miles to Wereham- 10 miles to Kings Lynn...

Now call me mean but I'm a little fed up with driving up and down the same roads today ... call me practical but if they'd called my mobile I'd have picked them up with Jo on the way to Kings Lynn the first time... their excuse- you never have your mobile mum, you always leave it at home! (there is some truth in that!).... but Jo always always has hers....

If they miss the train I will take it as a sign- God wants me to be a taxi driver- all grappling over- the call will have been recognised!!!

In between my driving about I have been trying to think through and write a piece on wisdom!!! Now if I was writing on patience that might work... just one more thing though... one more voice on the end of a phone saying muuummmm pleeeze..... and I will cry...because now I am exhausted, and as much as I love Jo and Jon we are going to have a talk about organising activities.... even if I have to wait til after mid-night!!!

Change in the air

I have nothing to say and everything to say- it has been a mixed weekend, I have been challenged to the core over several lifestyle issues, not big things but things requiring change... I both want to change, for freedom lies in that route, and don't want to change- that means opting for comfortable second best...

To make it worse one scripture keeps coming back to me making that change inevitable... this comes from The Message and reads completely differently in any other version, but I guess that is why it speaks so clearly to me...

Psalm 118:15-21 (MsgB) 
        Hear the shouts, hear the triumph songs
            in the camp of the saved?
                "The hand of God has turned the tide!
                The hand of God is raised in victory!
                The hand of God has turned the tide!"
      I didn't die. I lived!
            And now I'm telling the world what God did.
       God tested me, he pushed me hard,
            but he didn't hand me over to Death.
Swing wide the city gates—the righteous gates!
            I'll walk right through and thank God!
       This Temple Gate belongs to God,
            so the victors can enter and praise.
       Thank you for responding to me;
            you've truly become my salvation!

I cannot even put into words what has changed, but deep inside me something has.. I am more confident in God and less stressed and yet feel like I am on a cliff edge and I need to jump if everything is to fall into place but I don't know why...

AsI read back over this and it looks like the ramblings of a crazy woman... that may be true..

I am challenged about my call to ministry- I know I am called- the problem is how? Do I seek ordination because I feel the church won't truly accept me without it... won't take me seriously???

I ma a great believer in the ministry of the whole body of Christ of an empowered and equipped layity- both employed full time and peopel simply being Christians- really being Christians- salt and light in the world...

Too many valuable and gifted people feel that their everyday life and work is not useful to the kingdom of God... yet they are called to be salt and light in those very places...I want to encourage and build up these people... too often the church is the centre of its focus and mission and all that comes with it is neglected.

But truly I sense the call to go out... out into the world where I can connect with ordinary peopel and extraordinary people...

So what has changed... I don't know- I still grapple this call!

Soul Space- festival outreach...

Most of my weekend has been taken up with preparing Soul Space for Downham Market Festival. The festival lasts for a week, starting off with a parade and carnival on the Holiday Monday, traditionaly the Chruches together group has placed a tent onto the festival site for prayer, last year took this on and we produced the first Soul Space...

Soul Space is an interactive prayer experience- I designed a number of meditation stations with different thoughts and ways for people to respond, including lighting candles, using sand and stones as meditative aids, writing letters, finger painting etc...

We start with the inward journey, considering who we are, the themes were image, choices, burdens and joys, and living in the light... then the outward journey, considering the world we live in and our responsibilities to the world and to one another....

During the afternoon we had around 300 visitors who took part in the experience, writing and painting prayers, lighting candles etc...

We have created a blog and web-site to mirror the experience in a small way;  it is another point of contact...

Many people spoke about how meaningful they had found it, some asked for prayer, there are so many people in our town who are open to spiritual things, to being spiritual people, and yet church represents institution to them, it seems cold and unwelcoming. These perceptions are not well founded and are largely media driven, so it is good that we can go out into the town in such a positive way enabling folk to express their spirituality, and building good contact points and relationships.

I sometimes wonder if it is all worth it, but today I know that it is...

More photos...

Back at the beach...    

and then there was the sunset...       

And God spoke...

I have been busy all weekend preparing for a prayer experience that we call Soul Space, to go onto Downham Festival site on Monday afternoon (this afternoon, I've just looked at the time!). Because of that I have been rather distracted...

So this morning I forgot my sermon notes, now I do not often use them to read from, but just knowing they are there is good, but due to the busyness of the week this week I was rather relying on them.

But God it seems had other ideas, I used the lectionary reading from John 17 to speak from, and nothing I had planned came out... instead, I found myself talking about how Jesus knew the disciples would need comfort and spiritual support and strength, and that is why he prayed for them...

And today that was Gods message for the church, that he knew of their struggles, and how they felt challenged and squashed, he knew their needs, their need for protection and guidance... he had not forgotten them...

He reminded me of a true story, one in which I was privileged to play a part;

It concerned a small run down chapel in Essex, where two elderly ladies met and prayed for years, faithfully believing God would step in and do something new.

And they were right, Broad Street Green Chapel is now Heybridge Christian Outreach Centre, a growing and thriving Church...

Those elderly ladies hold a lesson for us in perseverance;  in the face of hopelessness they did not loose hope. In the face of failure they believed... and God stepped in, and God spoke, they heard and kept on praying!

Stormy skies and sea scapes

I love watching the skies over the fens- they have been wonderful and dramatic recently

and then there is the beach, where I draw so much energy, it is a place I can always pray, even when there are no words, I can pray...

I wish I could capture the sound of the waves and the call of the many birds...but here is my little slice of heaven.