The Way, the Truth and the Life

Yesterday, in the fourth of our Lent series on the promises that are made at Baptism, we were considering the promise which is made in response to the question: "Do you come to Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life?

People often see Jesus as good but possibly misguided. His claims for himself are so incredible that that position is not an option. As CS Lewis saw it, Jesus was either a bad man, a madman or the God man. If he was either of the first two, his teaching does not merit our attention. If he was God with us, his claims on our lives are absolute.

We looked at what Christ meant to each one of us and how we would share that with those who do not know Christ. We even tried to tell the story of our Christian journey to our neighbour during the very limited time that it took for a match to burn out!

At the end, we were asked to write down three words that summarised what Christ meant to each of us. These were fed into a computer and a "Wordle" was constructed. This is shown at the top of this blog, where the size of the words indicates how frequently they were used. To see the Wordle full-size, click on the picture or here. The commonest response was "Saviour," the one who rescues us from sin, guilt, fear and circumstances.

There is still time to join us on Wednesdays at 2.0pm or 7.30pm for the last two promises.

Celebrate - with Ida

As Christians, the Bible tells us that we should be involved in the emotions of those we find around us. St Paul tells the Christians at Rome: "Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep." Bereavement, sickness and disappointment are common and it's important that we share in these sufferings with those who are being affected.

But it's wonderful when we can join in with the rejoicing of those who rejoice. This weekend we celebrated with one of our congregation, Ida, (the mother-in-law of our previous vicar) who reached the milestone of her 80th birthday. Once a month we celebrate the birthdays of all the members of the congregation who have a birthday that month. So, yesterday, Ida too, received her chocolate as we sang to them all:
"Happy birthday to you,
To Jesus be true,
May he guide and bless you.
Happy birthday to you."

Over coffee and tea afterwards, we all enjoyed a piece of Ida's birthday cake.

Diamond Jubilee

I wish I had words to describe the feelings that filled my heart while I was at the Cathedral this morning. The atmosphere was similar to a time away at Spring Harvest when one is surrounded by men and women of faith.  It was a wonderful time of pageant and joy. The Royal party had begun the first official visit to celebrate 60 years of her Majesty’s reign. It brought a lump to my throat as Queen Elizabeth stood in the porch of St Martin’s Cathedral in full view of the congregation. Dressed in a magnificent pink and navy outfit she initiated a service which displayed the loving and caring nature of the multicultural society which is Leicester in the 21^st century. Faith was the keyword, but the presentations by people of many faiths showed that from a history of conflict and distrust our city has become a place of shared peace and understanding. 

QUIZ EVENING

A Welcome Return

A new Social team is beavering away to create events which will titillate the mind, heart and palate. They are launching the new era with a 

Quiz Evening 

and Fish and Chips Supper 

on Saturday 31st March at 7pm

 Tickets £5 waged and £3 unwaged 

So come along to St Paul's for a great evening of fun and food

Eat Together – and Help Others

As is customary, the Churches of Oadby are working together during Lent to raise money for Christian Aid through the "Lent Lunches." They take place each Saturday in a different church and this week, they came to St Paul's. A light lunch of (delicious) soup, bread rolls, butter and cheese with tea or coffee were provided and people gave a contribution to Christian Aid. Over £140 was raised which will help projects overseas that benefit the most needy in society, in the name of Christ.

It was also a great time of friendship and chatter. Sorry if you missed out!

Come to the Baptist Church at 12.0 mid-day on Saturday, next week, for the next one.