St Annes United Reformed Church
REFLECTIONS for 3 May 2020
Greetings to the eleven churches in the Partnership in the Western Area of the NW Synod of the United Reformed Church from Rene Kendall a lay preacher from St. Anne’s United Reformed Church.
I have, over the years, visited all of the eleven churches in the partnership and have fond memories of worshipping and leading worship with you. It is good to meet up with you all once again even if it is in the shape of this letter of reflection. It reminds me of all the letters and communications that Paul sent out far and wide – reaching areas much further than this communication will ever reach. It always amazes me how Paul ever completed the task. Of course, he had helpers who would support him in his work.
My help and support comes from this machine in front of me that magically produces this missive, and is then sent out into the mysteries of the internet. When we could travel we would book journeys of all kinds at the touch of a button, all over the world, but now we cannot do that. It seems that everything has shrunk to the space of our homes, depending on our individual circumstances.
‘What a change has been wrought….!’
Those of us who have to hunker down and live in familiar surroundings accept it is not the same for all people – Life goes on with the help of all who provide basic means in which society survives. It is an eye opener to realise what we can do without – and what we need.
So, what do we need?
As Christians we need faith – a faith that is ongoing.
Here is an extract from a book by David Pawson and he is unpacking the book of Genesis and this is what he says about faith –
‘The need for faith
The New Testament suggests a useful approach to considering God which will help us in our reading of Genesis. In the book of Hebrews from the New Testament, we read two things about creation. First that it is ‘by faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.’ Then, a little later in the same chapter, we read that – ‘anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.’
As far as the whole Bible is concerned, therefore – including Genesis – we must assume God is there and that he wants us to find him, know him, love him; and serve him. Then we see what happens on the basis of trust.
We cannot prove whether God exits or not, but we can hold the basic belief that God wants us to know him and have faith in him.’
Prayer corner
Some of us are blessed with gardens – it does not matter how large or how small they are. Even a plant on a window sill is a garden.
Here is a chance to sit and gaze at gardens, or your plants, or a bunch of flowers or even a picture of flowers, or trees and reflect upon these words in prayer from a ‘golden oldie’ hymn by C. Austin Miles.
I come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses;
And the voice I hear,
Falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.
And he walks with me, and he talks with me,
And he tells me I am his own,
and the joy we share as we tarry there
None has ever known.
I’d stay in the garden with him
Though the night around me is falling,
But He bids me go;
Through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own,
and the joy we share as we tarry there
None has ever known.
These words always come to my mind when wandering around my humble garden along with the words –
‘You are nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth’
Blessings to you all and remember that –
‘The breath of life WILL come sweeping through us
and our church WILL be revived with life and power.’ Amen.
