Peace on Earth?

Our service this morning was led by Neil Griffiths, a member of our church who is training for the ordained ministry and our preacher was another of our members, Emmanuel Oladipo, who travels worldwide in his retirement, with the Langham Trust, training Christian ministers to use the Bible in their preaching.

Emmanuel dealt with the tension between the Christmas message of “Peace on Earth” and the reality of a world torn apart by strife and of Christians frequently being persecuted for their faith. He showed us how Jesus has already predicted this in his teaching and of how Old Testament, “Men of Faith” had, before then, suffered persecution and death.

He illustrated the persecution of Christians by some of his experiences as he had travelled, such as to South Sudan.

He explained how we were involved in the battle between good and evil, between Christ and Satan. That is seen both on the world stage and also in our daily lives. But ultimately, we look forward to Christ’s reign of peace.

Come, Dine with Me!

After the morning service, yesterday, many of the church joined together in Knighton Park for a picnic. A great time was had and we were blessed with glorious weather. After the food, adults and children joined together in a game of French cricket. Another attraction was the ice cream van, not far away! 

Food is often an occasion of not just eating, but also of friendship, fellowship and joy. The Bible is full of examples of meals – from picnics like the feeding of the 5000 to the great banquet, which is a symbol of heaven. Their great characteristic is that all are invited.

Certainly, laughter and joy were much in evidence yesterday.

Do You like It?

Most of the Halls of Residence of the University of Leicester are in our parish. And at the back of them, running down to the London road, are the University’s Botanical Gardens. These are well worth a visit at any time of the year, but of special interest at present is the display of sculptures that are set out in them.

They are well worth a visit – a variety of different pieces of Modern Art. Inevitably, we will all prefer some more than others. It’s a matter of personal preference. But it’s good to see the range.

Perhaps, that’s a bit like Church Music. In St Paul’s, we try to have a variety, from songs led with guitars and drums, to traditional hymns, led by the organ. Inevitably, just as with art, some people will prefer particular styles. But, unlike us, God is pleased to hear our worship, whatever our style may be.

Telling your story

On Sunday one of our congregation, Ruth Smith, preached for the first time. Ruth reminded us all of the uniqueness and importance of our own stories. 1 Peter 3.15 says 'Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have.'

Ruth also drew inspiration from an Emeli Sandé song, Read all about it part 3, that featured in the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games last year, see a clip of the Jubilee Performance here, and with the words here. In the song we are reminded that it is good to share our story and we need to be brave to do so - to have a heart like a lion.

Our other passage, Matthew 28.16-20 reminded us that God is with us always. Ruth encouraged us to ask one another what our faith stories are so that we could practise sharing them.

It was an excellent sermon, encouraging and thought provoking with good examples grounded in reality.

All Things Richly to Enjoy

Bradgate Park is one of the natural gems of Leicestershire. Like many other people, I visited it recently with my family. With children running, playing ball games, building dams, scooting and cycling, and adults just watching the many deer, walking or relaxing in the sunshine, it was a fine example of people enjoying “staycations.” 

We owe this gem to a Coal Magnate, Charles Bennion who used his great wealth to buy the Bradgate estate and then give it “for the quiet enjoyment of the people of Leicestershire.” Money can be hoarded, or it can be given away for the benefit of others. One thing is certain, we cannot take it with us when we die. Charles Bennion made a wise decision. 

As St Paul wrote to his assistant, Timothy: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” God has given us so much: all the wonders of creation, and the gift of Jesus Christ. What will we give him – and others?

 

It's a Boy!

The camping out for Royal fanatics is at an end. Cancellation of leave for newshounds and paparazzi is no longer necessary. Kate and William’s baby boy has arrived.

We wish the young Prince and his parents well. In the words of the Bible, may he, like Jesus, grow in stature and in favour with God and man (Luke 2:52) and we support them with our prayers.

It is interesting to hear this little boy referred to as “the future king.” Indeed (all things being equal) that is what he will be. But that is an event far in the future – a time indeed when many of us are likely to have been long dead. It’s a little like the Bible’s promise of a coming of the Kingdom of God – Christ came at Bethlehem, but his long-awaited return is still in the future. But his reign will come.

For now, we pray for the young family – William and Kate and the baby boy and all their relations. May they be conscious of God’s blessing and may the young Prince bring them great joy.

Two Way Link

Dr Keith Waddell, with
colleagues,wearing his kanzu
on a previous occasion.

Yesterday, we welcomed as our preacher, Dr Keith Waddell. Keith, who is one of our members and owns a house close to the church. But he spends most of his year working as an eye surgeon in Uganda, as a member of the Africa Inland Mission. This was his last Sunday with us, this year, as he returns to Uganda in a week.

Keith came wearing the formal East African dress of a “kanzu,” as in the photograph. Starting with the work of Christ and the mission journeys of St Paul, he explained how the message that “Jesus is Lord” had spread around the world. He came to us, now, as a representative of the church in Uganda, sharing with us the encouragement of the enthusiasm and growth of the church there.

But, as he went to Uganda, he went as a representative of the church here. And he was able to share with the Ugandan church some of the economic benefits that we have. In a PowerPoint display, he showed us some of his work as an eye surgeon, operating and teaching at his base Hospital in Mbarara, but also taking part in eye camps, going to remote parts of Uganda, Southern Sudan and beyond.

 
He thanked St Paul’s for its prayers and support and showed a picture of the diamond tipped operating knife that our gifts had helped purchase.
 
Keith, in all that you do in the name of Christ, may God be with you till we meet again.

Fruit

As we continued in the series which looked at the Gifts of the Spirit, in our All Age service last Sunday we reached “Spiritual Gifts in Relationship.” These are the “Fruit of the Spirit” which are mentioned in Galatians 5:22: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are the attitudes that enable good relationships within the Church community – and any other community.

In her talk, our youth worker, Lou, spoke of how, just like ordinary fruit, we may have preferences – she preferred strawberries to grapefruit. But all are needed.

A display of fruit pieces was then laid out, with the names of the different Fruits of the Spirit. Steve invited the congregation to come up and take the fruit (or fruits) which they most needed in their lives.

We left church with a piece of fruit in our hands and food for thought.

Brothers and Sisters in Christ – When One Suffers, All Suffer

The Christian Church in the Middle East dates right back to the time of Christ. With the coming of Islam, it was much reduced in size, but in many countries it still has a substantial presence. However, recent events have had a devastating effect on it. The consequences of the Iraq war have decimated the Christian Church there. Many refugees fled to Syria, where they joined the substantial Christian minority which, for all the problems of the Assad regime, had been tolerated there. Now, they have come under fire from the rebels.

In Egypt, the “Arab Spring” revolution has resulted in increasing persecution of the Christian Church there. Christians have been murdered and churches destroyed.

 It’s right that Christians should support and pray for our brothers and sisters who find themselves in this terrible situation, especially when our governments seem to support those who are oppressing them. One organisation that is concerned to raise support for the persecuted church is Christian Solidarity Worldwide. It’s role is to stand in solidarity with the Christian Church worldwide, wherever it is persecuted, and encourage others to do so.

 On the 1^st September, a representative of Christian Solidarity Worldwide will be speaking at our morning service. It will be a good opportunity to learn of the tragic complex situation.

 Do join us then.

 Link to Christian Solidarity Worldwide

What's Going On? Principal Services – July - September

See our Programme - here

As the summer term draws to its end and the holidays
begin we bring to an end our sermon series on Spiritual
Gifts.

During the following weeks I am delighted that we have
a variety of speakers at St Paul's. Along with some home
grown talent we are also able to hear from those we
support by praying and giving as we are updated on their
work.

St Paul's hosts the Joint Parish Communion at the end of
August and the following week we are privileged to
welcome Stuart Windsor from Christian Solidarity
Worldwide to speak about the Persecuted Church.

As the Autumn term begins so we start a new sermon
series called 'Life on the Frontline'. Together we will be
exploring the environment where God has placed us
outside of the Church and how we can bring a positive
Christian presence into those places. As a church we
want to support and encourage everyone in their
frontline ministry. There will be opportunity to follow up
on this teaching with Home Group studies – do join a
group if you are not already part of one, speak to myself
or Graham Woodard to join one.

Yours In Christ,
Steve

Revd Steve Bailey.