Latest Magazine

Dear Friends,

On the 8th of this month the church celebrates the feast of Pentecost, or ‘Whit Sunday’ as it used to be known. The story of what happened is told by St Luke in the book of Acts. The apostles were gathered together in Jerusalem when all of a sudden – well, ‘The Message’ translation puts it like this:
“Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force—no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them.” (Acts 2:2-4)
The Spirit certainly surprised them that day – but she has always been around. As one of the members of the Holy Trinity she is part of who God is. She was there at the very beginning of creation, sweeping over the face of the waters to bring this world into being. She drove back the Red Sea so that the children of Israel could escape their slavery in Egypt; she gave Old Testament judges, warriors and prophets their extraordinary power. She came to Mary, inviting her to be the mother of Our Lord. She was there at his baptism, equipping  him for his ministry. Jesus promises that she is with us too – available to all who ask the Father, who longs to give his childre good gifts. (Luke 11:13).

Next month we are delighted to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation at St Andrew’s with Bishop Rosemarie and candidates from our own church and across the deanery. We give thanks that every one of them has said ‘Yes’ to the Spirit’s divine invitation to life in all its fullness – to freedom in Christ – as St Paul puts it in his second letter to the church at Corinth; “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Cor. 3:17) It sounds good – but what does this freedom look like?
You might have heard of the American evangelist, Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899). He visited the UK with his good friend and musician Ira Sankey, arriving at Liverpool and travelling far and wide to share the good news of the gospel. .Some of you may be familiar with their hymnbook ‘Sacred Songs and Solos’ which sold over 50 million copies. Moody was a great preacher. On one occasion he held up a glass and asked his listeners, “How can I get the air out of this glass?” One man shouted, “Suck it out with a pump!” Moody replied, “That would create a vacuum and shatter the glass.” After numerous other suggestions Moody smiled, picked up a jug of water and filled the glass to the brim. “There,” he said, “all the air is now removed.” He then went on to explain that victory in the Christian life is not accomplished by “sucking out a sin here and there,” but by being filled with the Holy Spirit.

All we have to do is ask. Let us never be afraid to ‘knock, seek and ask’ the Lord for the gift of new life in his name, for it is his delight to give it.
Lord, may we say “yes” to you
so that the Spirit in our hearts will once again be set ablaze.
Spirit of Wisdom, guide our actions so they tell of God’s love.
Spirit of Truth, open our eyes to see the world as it really is.
Spirit of Power, enthuse us to work for justice throughout the world.
Spirit of Love, inspire us to respect the dignity of each person.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill our hearts. Amen.
(Prayer: Stephen Davies/CAFOD)

Wishing you a blessed Pentecost season.

Esther and Jessie the Vicarage Dog  xx