Monthly Message (April 2008) - Easter

Dear Friends,

The greatest sign of new life …. in the Easter message …. is people.

People with love in their hearts, faith leading their lives and the passion for a ‘God–shaped’ world that was alive in Jesus.

Celebrating Easter is full of challenges. The holy week stories make us face some of the most painful shades of our humanity while the stories of resurrection offer us the even more daunting challenge … to live with overwhelming, and often inexplicable hope, in this world. That God will not be defeated by the many ways in which people can undermine and extinguish hopeful life, is good news. Being people with real lives that live the energy of that good news is an everyday challenge.

In the gospels Jesus speaks about his followers taking up the cross: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” … we often read this before Easter when the cross looms as the pain of living and the prospect of rejection. But, reading it again after Easter, when the cross is the gloriously empty symbol of resurrection …. the questions are transformed. How do we take up the challenge of such good news? Where are we called to carry the hope of new and liberated life? Can we, each day, hold on to the faith that God does not give up in the work of transforming this world?

‘You are ever the optimist’ some people have said to me over the years. Another thing I’ve heard is, ‘I’ve lived too long to hope that the world can change.’ … and many variations on such sentiments! Maintaining hope is at the heart of being a follower of Jesus. And some of the most important things a Church is meant to be is a company of people who journey through this world encouraging one another in faith and hope with love. A community in which hope is encouraged is a dynamic and precious thing in this world.

In the last few years the United Reformed Church, nationally, have been doing a lot of heart-searching and re-ordering. ‘Catch the Vision’ it was all called … and we, in our Church meetings, have taken part in the debate. At its heart were the questions of how the whole church can encourage and support each local church to grow in faith and sharing its good news with the world. Out of that long conversation a hope has emerged … that our church, at every level, will recognise its purpose, its mission, of:

Being Christ’s people, transformed by the gospel, making a difference in the world.

So … how can you be part of this hopeful renewal of faith and purpose? Again, the URC nationally, is setting out on a journey … and we’re all encouraged to be part of it.

‘Vision 4 Life’ ….it’s called and it’s an adventure for faith’s renewal. Over the next few months we’re all invited to take part in a series of conversations – about the place of the Bible, prayer and sharing faith, in our lives and the life of our church. When was the last time you thought about, or talked about, the Bible? When have you had opportunity to share ideas about prayer? Have you ever found the words to tell your story of faith? … ‘Vision 4 Life’ aims to help us, and encourage us, to grow in some of these vital building blocks of faith.

The Elders, and Church Meeting, have said ‘yes’ – lets encourage these conversations in our Church. So to begin, this month, you’re invited to a conversation about the Bible … this is for everyone in the church. Why not give it a go!

To begin with, I can offer, a Vision4Life conversation on Sunday April 20th at 9am for an hour before church (at church) with coffee! … or an evening on April 30th 8pm at the manse. There will be more opportunities … I hope that you’ll all take one or two in the coming months.

Yours,

Tracey.