Sunday 19th October
Eighteenth Sunday of Trinity
Sunday 19th October
9:15 am Family Communion with admission of children to communion at St Lawrence, Towcester
10:15 am Benefice Sunday Worship via Zoom
11:15 am Holy Communion at St Bartholomew's, Greens Norton
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Dear all,
During August the ministry met three times, as some of you may know, to study the first three chapters of the last book of the Bible – The Revelation to John. This was a suggestion following on from John Booth’s Bible Study group which had been studying Revelation on Tuesday nights. In chapter 1 we read, “John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.” John wrote to the seven churches in Asia, and each letter has a similar structure. Having studied each of the Biblical letters the Ministry Team met a fourth time to share their own letter, in the style of John, written to the Tove Benefice.
An example of one letter is John’s letter to the church in Ephesus which we can read in the first seven verses of chapter 2.
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands:
2 “I know your works, your toil and your endurance. I know that you cannot tolerate evildoers; you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not and have found them to be false. 3 I also know that you are enduring and bearing up for the sake of my name and that you have not grown weary. 4 But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember, then, from where you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. 6 Yet this is to your credit: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. To everyone who conquers, I will give permission to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God.
As the Ministry Team studied the text many questions were thrown up as to the meaning of particular verses. We discussed these and thought about the implications for us at the present time. Each of the seven letters has a similar structure:
Jesus is uniquely revealed;
commendation (what is healthy and worth celebrating);
challenge / rebuke (Christ’s concern);
exhortation (next steps);
promise (encouragement and hope).
In the case of Ephesus a summary could be:
Social/Economic Context: Wealthy port city, trade hub, Temple of Artemis, strong imperial cult.
Jesus is Uniquely Revealed: Holds the seven stars, walks among the lampstands.
Commendation: Hard work, perseverance, doctrinal discernment.
Challenge / Rebuke: Forsaken first love.
Exhortation: Remember, repent, return to first works or lampstand removed.
Promise: Eat from the tree of life in God’s paradise.
A summary of our discussions and thoughts about each city is available in electronic form if anyone would like them. When we came to share our own letters, in the style of John, they were all remarkably similar. We shared with a sense of significant trepidation as no-one likes to hear criticism and yet John's letters do have a Challenge/ Rebuke. For this article I’ll reproduce my letter,
‘To the angel of the church in Towcester write: these are the words of the first and the last, who was dead and came to life: I know of your dedication, busyness and hard work. I know that you are living in a society that can appear affluent and often indifferent, yet you work hard in the schools and meeting places of the community.
But I have this against you: you rely on your own strength and not on mine. You are driven to hyperactivity and leave not enough time for stillness and listening to the Spirit – a Spirit that blows where it wills cannot be fitted into a programme of human devising.
Remember then from what you have fallen; repent and do the works you did at first. Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me.
Yet this is to your credit: there are saintly people among you, and a rich variety of gifts among the leaders. Allow all ages to develop their gifts, and relax, all will make mistakes, but I am a forgiving God. Remain close to my heart.
Let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches.’
Each of our letters noted in its own way the significant quantity of work that is being done in the benefice. And in each letter the writer felt that we were insufficiently connecting to God; a God who calls us to love him and our neighbours as ourselves.
One result of our reflections and discussion was to think about how we can spend more time with God in prayer – and listening to what God could be saying about where he is leading us. This prompts us consider the pattern of services we offer – their times and locations. For instance, Morning Prayer is said on Zoom at 9 am but ministry among tots and in schools can start at this time as well. There is much that can flow from the reflections on John’s letters and initially we are thinking about how we can be less frenetic and more connected with God. If anyone would like to feed in thoughts about this, we would be pleased to receive them.
With every Blessing,
Greg
From this week
Revd Paula writes: I am sorry to let you know that last week David Nunn and Nigel Slater died. For many years David and Liz were regular worshippers at St Lawrence where David was also part of the server team. Nigel and Hester have also worshipped at St Lawrence for many years and Nigel would regularly read and lead intercessions. I am sure you will join me in holding Liz, Hester & both their families in our thoughts and prayers. Funeral details will be shared in due course.
October Ukraine Aid Trip – If you would like to see pictures from this last trip, they can be viewed via this BBC link https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/
The annual Explore Day is an information occasion for those who feel God may be inviting them to serve. It is open to everyone and is an opportunity to hear from people who have gone into new opportunities to serve God, Church and community and have the opportunity to meet others who are also wondering what God is inviting them to next.
Bishop Debbie has recorded a video inviting people Explore Day. Watch the video here.
https://www.peterborough-
Forthcoming Events
Worship for this coming week
Lectionary Readings: (these links will take you to Bible Gateway from the NRSV):
Jeremiah 31: 27 – 34 2 Timothy 3: 14 – 4.5 Luke 18: 1 - 8
This week's Reflection by Revd Paula Challen entitled "Faith That Doesn't Give Up"
Zoom Services:
The meeting rooms are opened approx. 15mins before the service is due to start. All the liturgy for the service will be displayed on the screen.
- Sunday 10:15 am Benefice Sunday Worship
- Monday to Saturday 9:00 am Morning Prayer (except on the first Tuesday of each month)
Benefice Office Hours
Monday to Friday
9:30 am to 1:00 pm
01327 350459
tovebeneficeoffice@gmail.com
Key Ministry Team Contacts
The Rev'd Paula Challen (Rector) rector.tovebenefice@gmail.com
The Rev'd Greg Roberts (Associate Priest) TheRevdGregRoberts@
The Rev'd Nigel Clent (Assistant Curate) tovecurate@gmail.com
Sarah Barnett (Children and Families Leader) tovefamilies@gmail.com
