Principal Services September and October 2009

The overwhelming emphasis in our regular preaching at St Paul's is on the goodness of God, the saving work of Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. For a needy world, unable to help itself in a tangle of confusion and sin, this is great news.

To change the perspective a little this autumn, we're going to take a closer look at a number of "deadly sins" in a frank, honest and sometimes humorous way. The idea of sin may be unfashionable but the Bible is very clear that its natural consequences are deadly and disastrous, both for individuals and for society as a whole.

Preaching about sin always runs the risk of self-righteousness, or giving the impression that some of us are pure and others are wicked. The truth is, we all have a problem with sin, it spoils the relationships and communities in which we live, as well as our personal relationships with God.

So get ready for a series of challenging services which will explore the Bible's teaching about our vulnerability to a range of issues and the possibilities of dealing with them.

We've chosen the most common list of 'seven deadly sins' that people are aware of. There are others but perhaps seven is enough for one series!

If you find yourself personally affected by these issues and would like to talk with someone in complete confidence, do make contact with a member of the ministry team.

6 September
10.00am Holy Communion
All one in Christ
James 2.1-17 and Mark 7.24-37

13 September
10.00am Harvest Parade
The problem we all have with greed
Luke 12:16-21

20 September
10.00am Holy Communion
The problem we all have with pride
Proverbs 16.18-19 and Luke 18:9-14

27 September
10.00am The Word Service for Back to Church Sunday
The problem we all have with anger
Genesis 4.1-11 and Matthew 5:21-26

4 October
10.00am Holy Communion and baptism
The problem we all have with envy
Exodus 20:17 and Matthew 20.1-16

11 October
10.00am All Together Church with Student Welcome Sunday
The problem we all have with gluttony
Proverbs 23.19-21

18 October
10.00am Holy Communion
The problem we all have with lust
2 Samuel 11.1-5, 27b and Matthew 5:27-30

25 October
10.00am The Word Service for Bible Sunday
The problem we all have with sloth

(Proverbs 6.6-11 and Luke 10:24-26

Bread alone?

The restrictions introduced as a result of the outbreak of swine flu have affected the way that churches distribute the bread and wine at holy communion. For Christians, sharing in the Lord's Supper is a vital and special aspect of our worship together, so a change in the way we do things is bound to stimulate interest and comment.

We're working under guidelines that have been agreed nationally, introduced in Leicestershire under the direction of our Diocesan Bishop. These are aimed at reducing the risk of passing on the flu virus and they allow us two options:

• to distribute bread alone, reserving the wine for the minister who presides at the service,
  
• or, to 'intinct' each morsel of bread by dipping it into the wine, so that everyone continues to 'receive in both kinds'.

The Diocese of Leicester's website now includes a paper by The Revd Alison Booker, which sets out some of the thinking behind the option to distribute bread alone. You can download it here.

It's a helpful document that covers a lot of issues and answers a lot of questions. But it appears to advocate distribution of bread alone as the preferred way of sharing communion. So I want to set out reasons why I believe that it's important that we continue to allow people to receive both bread and wine, through the permitted method of intinction.

First, scripture tells us that Christ commanded us to "do this in remembrance of me". That makes our interpretation and application of Christ's this extremely important. The work of the Reformers in making explicit its radical implications is no historical footnote. The whole community sharing bread and wine in remembrance of Christ's work of atonement means that the Lord's Supper is a constituting ordinance. It sits among a number of other things that we do in obedience to the Lord. For as much as we "do this in remembrance", preach the gospel, baptise disciples, love our neighbours, seek the Kingdom... we are Christ's church.

Second, these are practical things, which actively involve the whole Christian community. They can be seen, felt, touched, heard by everyone so that even those who cannot grasp theological formulations can 'get it'. In instituting this sacrament, our Lord did not explain at length. He took, gave thanks, broke, shared - and commanded us to the same. It's a scandalously gracious, recklessly unexplained giving! What 'we do' in remembrance remains, even for the most theologically informed, a matter of some mystery and inexplicability.

The third point flows from the first two, and is an observable fact: Reception of communion in two kinds simply matters to people, at a depth of meaning and significance which is hard to articulate. Members of our church tell me that it matters for them to receive the wine and I believe them. I do not wish to remove this from them, even if I could formulate a convincing teaching that circumvented it. Otherwise we run the risk of appearing to fob people off.

Fourth, the withdrawal of the cup from the people and its reservation to the president alone is inescapably one issue, not two. It is practically impossible to separate them. My understanding of my role as president at Holy Communion is essentially a functional one. I have the privilege and responsibility of presiding at the Church's celebration. As a presbyter at the Lord's table, I mediate nothing and make no representation of Christ to his people. It is his meal and our celebration.

It is so easy to create mistaken impressions of hierarchy and precedence that I find it necessary to consciously subvert them. It's my normal practice to be the very last person to receive communion, and to do so by kneeling at the communion rail at the end of the last line of communicants. I couldn't contemplate being the only one to share fully in the bread and wine. If bread alone were to be distributed to God's people and thought sufficient, then why does wine needs to be publically consumed by the priest? How do we avoid the impression that there is something essential to the ministerial priesthood that merits the wine?

An exclusively clerical consumption of the wine 'on behalf of the church' makes it harder to defeat clericalism in its other manifestations.

Fifth, the language of feasting and celebration belong to the eucharist. The liturgy of Common Worship colourfully and vividly expounds the rite as a joyful and glad thanksgiving - a foretaste of the heavenly banquet as well as the proclamation of Christ's death until he comes. Wine (alcoholic, of course) is a party drink. Sharing it as we do normally risks offending the sensibilities of some through its associations with inebriation and excess (something that puzzles friends in denominations and religions where alcohol is forbidden). We remember Jesus' willingness to feast at the same time. Sharing in wine puts us in Cana as well as at the Passover liberation party. Bread alone, however symbolic of daily nourishment, is not the same.

So these are my reasons for preferring intinction. It allows us as fully as possible, as equally as possible, to do what Jesus asks us to do. I look forward to the day soon when we can revert to sharing the chalice 'properly'. It's what the Church has done for centuries, including during periods of pandemic.

I'd be interested to know what others think. Do use the comment feature to share your thoughts.

Baptism of Children at St Paul's (sometimes called "Christening")

Are you interested in having your child baptised or perhaps having a special service of thanksgiving for her or his life?

We’re delighted that you are considering a baptism or thanksgiving service for your child. At such an important time in life, these services are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and pray with family, friends and the wider church community for God’s blessing, support and protection.

Baptism is a sign of the beginning of a journey with God which continues for the rest of our lives. For all involved, particularly the candidates, parents and godparents, it is a joyful moment when we rejoice in what God has done in Christ, and respond in repentance and faith.

You can expect a warm welcome when you enquire about baptism for your child. To find out more, please contact Simon on 0116 271 0519 or at simon@sjharvey.org.uk.

It's not just babies who are baptised. Call us for details on baptism of adults and older children.

Swine flu

Latest information: 10 October 2009. We received updated advice from our diocese which requests the reintroduction of the common cup. More details here.

Thankfully, for most people infected with swine flu, the symptoms are mild. But as infection rates increase, it's sensible for us to plan how we sustain our ministry to the people of our parish.

We have been asked by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York to make changes in the way we administer Communion. This is because of the swine flu outbreak. The Archbishops are acting on advice from the Department of Health, who wish the Churches to take precautions to limit the spread of disease by not sharing common vessels for food and drink.

The change that is being recommended by the Archbishops is that, for the time being, we discontinue using the shared cup at Communion.

At St Paul's, rather than withdraw communion in both kinds, we have decided to adopt the practice of intinction: that is, the president will personally dip each piece of bread in the wine, before placing it in the hands of each communicant. This is one of the options available to us in the advice we have received.

The Archbishops have also recommended the use of alcohol-based hand gel before the Eucharistic Prayer by those administering Communion, and we will be adopting this practice.

We have also been advised to request that hands are not shaken at the sharing of The Peace.

We realise that these temporary changes are slightly uncomfortable for all of us. Please be assured that the Church of England has always believed that, in case of necessity, Communion may be administered in one kind only. The validity of the Sacrament is in no way affected by this temporary change.

For up to date information about the flu pandemic, how to protect yourself and others and what to do if you feel ill, please visit the National Pandemic Flu service website at www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu. For treatment advice call their helpline on 0800 15 13 100.

Now would be a good time to think about neighbours who are vulnerable or who live alone:

• Check that they know what to do if they feel ill.
• Consider exchanging phone numbers and contact details for family who might live farther away.
• Consider offering to be a "flu friend", who could collect medicines if they are needed.
  

We're praying for all involved in the situation, including those health workers who are particularly busy at this time. We also pray that the Church's message of hope will reach those who are anxious or afraid.

Oadby Oxymorons 100km triumph

Our congratulations to Neil, Russell, Jerry and Dave on their amazing walk. Dave suffered an injury and had to pull out after 60km (40 miles) but the others made it all the way to Brighton. Well done to all four of them and their fabulous support crew of Helen, John, Sue and Carey.

Cheering for the Trailwalkers

We're cheering for Russ, David, Neil and Jerry as they prepare for the amazing Oxfam Trailwalker 2009 event, which begins tomorrow, 18 July.



While most of us will be still in bed, the Oadby team will make their way to the start line and head off across the South Downs at 7am. Their route will take them over the 100km (62 mile) South Downs Way. We hope to be able to speak with them by phone on Sunday morning, during our ten o'clock service.

Please pray for them in this amazing adventure, and for their support crew. If you haven't yet done so, sign up and sponsor them at http://original.justgiving.com/oadbytrailwalkerchallenge2009.

Bishop Christopher Boyle appointed as Assistant Bishop

On 6 September, Bishop Christopher will be welcomed into a new ministry as full time Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of Leicester. He has for the last eight years been Bishop of Northern Malawi and brings significant experience.

This is an important development and we hope that Bishop Christopher's appointment will add significantly to the investment in mission of the church in Leicestershire.

Certificate in Christian Discipleship 2009

We've just received the publicity for the Certificate in Christian Discipleship (CCD) course beginning in the autumn of this year. A number of members of St Paul's have enjoyed the course in recent years. Why not think about enrolling this year?

The publicity material includes these details:

The Certificate in Christian Discipleship is an ecumenical course that helps us to explore our own life and faith. Running in small groups throughout the county, people from a variety of backgrounds and contexts discover what it is to be a Christian Disciple and have opportunity to study some key elements of the Christian Faith.

This course is for anyone wishing to deepen their faith, ask questions and link that faith to daily life. Explore with others in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

The course can be taken for personal development, or for preparation for further training and no formal qualifications are required to join. CCD is the foundation requirement for authorised Anglican Ministries in the Diocese of Leicester.

If you would like to, there is opportunity to submit assessments to gain credit towards a University Level Certificate, validated by the University of Wales, Lampeter. However, this is not compulsory and you don't need to have an academic background to enjoy CCD to the full.

Year 1 course venues

City Centre, Adult Education Centre, Wellington Street, Leicester
Monday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

City Centre, Leicester Cathedral Centre
Wednesday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Ashby-de-la-Zouch (venue to be confirmed)
Thursday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Loughborough Area (venue to be confirmed)
Evening to be confirmed.

Year 2 course venues

City Centre, Adult Education Centre, Wellington Street, Leicester
Tuesday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Wymeswold, St Mary’s Church
Tuesday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Kibworth, St Wilfred’s Church Hall
Wednesday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

Stanton-under-Bardon, St Mary & All Saints
Thursday Evenings, 7.30pm – 9.30pm

For further details and to book your place contact the School for Ministry Office : 0116 248 7417.


The induction and pre-course study skills day is on Saturday 12 September 2009.

Modules include:

Year 1
Christian Discipleship
Opening up the Old Testament
Opening up the New Testament
Introduction to the Creeds
Mission Ministry and Vocation
Theological Reflection

Year 2
Christian Spirituality
Entering into the Old Testament
Entering into the New Testament
Sources of Theology
History of English Christianity
Christian Leadership

Each module is studied over 5 x two hour sessions

COST IS £120 PER YEAR OR £20 PER MODULE

For further information about the CCD course, call the School for Ministry on 0116 248 7417 or email Claire Stapleton.

Principal services - July to September 2009

During summer, we enter what is often a quieter time in our church's calendar. Many are away on holiday or visiting friends. Rest and refreshment is important -- even Jesus sometimes led his disciples away from the crowds into the hills.

But equally, we should not forget the importance in our spiritual life, of taking time to be in God's presence - just as when Jesus went into the hills it was often the opportunity he took to pray.
During the summer season we will take the opportunity to continue to learn lessons from the apostles.

If you are going away on holiday, may you come back refreshed in body, mind and spirit.

Sunday 19 July 2009
10.0am Holy Communion
A place for the outsider – Matthew
Matthew 9:9-13, 1 Corinthians 1:25-2:5

Sunday 26 July 2009
10.0am Service of the Word
Handling doubt – Thomas
John 11:8-18, John 20:19-29

Sunday 2 August 2009
10.0am Holy Communion
Paying the price – James
Mark 1:14-20, Acts 12:1-4

Sunday 9 August 2009
10.0am All together Church
Bread of Life
John 6.35,41-51

Sunday 16 August 2009
10.0am Holy Communion
Love is the basis – John
1 John 4:7-5:2, John 19:25b-30

Sunday 23 August 2009
10.0am Service of the Word
Keeping the faith
Ephesians 6.10-20 John 6.56-69

Sunday 30 August 2009
10.0am Joint Service with St Peter’s at St Paul’s
What matters?
James 1.17-27, Mark 7.1-8,14,15,21-23

Sunday 6 September
10.0am Holy Communion
All One in Christ
James 2.1-17, Mark 7.24-37

Sunday 13 September
All Together Church
Harvest Thanksgiving

Chloe Thomas ordained as deacon

On Sunday, our own Chloe Thomas was ordained at Leicester Cathedral. Bishop Tim ordained ten other new deacons, who will all begin their new ministries in the Diocese of Leicester.

Chloe, Gwion, Angharad, Huw and Sian, were all members of St Paul's until she followed God's call to ordination and was selected for training at Cuddesdon Theological College in Oxford.

This is a moment for celebration, for Chloe and her family, the parish she will serve, but also for us at St Paul's. It's thrilling to let them go with our blessing, even as we are sorry that they are no longer with us. We wish them all well and pray for them as they settle into their new home, and for Chloe especially as she begins a three-year curacy at St Mary's Church, Knighton.

Ordinations are a sign that God continues to call men and women to service in his Church. But it's not only deacons and priests who offer themselves in ministry. The vocations page of the diocese's website has more details.