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Holy Trinity
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 'The company we keep'
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 - NIV A warning from St. Paul about the company we keep. It reminds me of something Groucho Marx is reported to have said - 'I refuse to join any club that would have me as a member.' Recognising the truth about ourselves is, perhaps, the beginning of wisdom. Well, Paul could have been referring to Proverb 13.20 here when writing to the Christinas in Corinth "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm". I prefer the fuller proverb as it reminds us that we may actually be the wise people who others look up to for guidance and support. Let us pray today for the gifts of wisdom and humility so that we may, through our words and deeds, lead others closer to God. Fr.Steve
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Please see details below for this years Christmas Fayre!   Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
1 Peter 3:15 - NIV Church attendance is a minority occupation. How are we to explain to people why we go to church, why we believe in God and try to follow the teachings of Jesus. Peter encourages us to reflect on what drives us to follow Jesus. For me it is his message of love of neighbour, respect for all, generosity, justice and peaceful reconciliation of disagreements. It is the belief that in the life and teaching of Jesus , God came to earth and walked amongst us. Revd. Steve Chapman  A Service was held today to remember and give respect to the fallen from all armed conflicts...
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. Extract from a poem by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943), published in The Times newspaper on 21st September 1914.  With fronds like these who needs anemones
Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. Job 6:14 - NIV Alastair writes: At first glance this seems like a simple message, be nice to your friends or else.... But it is not as simple as that. In this case Job, the hero of this book of the Bible. in the next verses goes on to say (I'm paraphrasing "but my friends are rubbish, they don't stand by me, they disappear like those streams that dry up in the summer." It seems unlikely that there was an actual person called Job, more likely this book compiled from various writings over several centuries is an allegorical conversation. Job, his harsh treatment by God and Satan and then his advice from his friends are set up to explain to us things about the relationship between humanity and God. Perhaps you have had friends like this one of Job called Eliphaz. His friend tries to make some helpful suggestions as to why Job's life is so rubbish. These are largely to do with Job not being pious enough. Job retorts that Eliphaz's words are without meaning, like insiped food is without taste and salt. Some of you may know my mother contracted and ultimately died from multiple sclerosis. One of my earnest, well meaning "evangelical christian" friends told me the reason she died was she did not "have enough faith." A strking similarity in my mind to this verse from Job. In this case though I think we perhaps need to read Job with Jesus in mind, as I feel certain Jesus would say "Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.....yup that even includes those rubbish friends." Our friends are not always as helpful as we hoped they would be, but we should still love them. Have a good week with your friends, and every blessing. The Latest Edition of the Parish Magazine for November/December has now been published. Details of all the forthcoming events are included. Copies are available f.o.c. in the foyer of the Parish Hall or at the rear of the Church.  |
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March 2025
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