 |
|  |
|---|
|
Lent 1990: Lent 1990 (February 1990 edition of the magazine) This Ash Wednesday we shall mark as usual, with special worship. Lent is a time to aim for spiritual growth, consciously exercising self discipline in pursuit of a "closer walk with God". Lent 1990: Holy Week Drama (June 1990 edition of the magazine) A personal reflection, by David Smith, on the ‘Presentation of Scenes from St. John's Gospel’ by the St. Thomas’ Drama Group.) Year after year the great festivals of our Faith come round. Each, with its own collage of words, music and images, proclaims the incredible. To the Christian believer nothing seems more incredible than what happened in the last week of Jesus' earthly life that is, unless sheer familiarity numbs our awareness. It is doubtful, however whether anyone witnessing the dramatic presentations during Holy Week could have experienced such numbness for long. Words, lifted and sometimes paraphrased from Scripture, ceased to be just words, however familiar, as they took on flesh. In a sense, it was our flesh because we were there and we were involved. The gestures, the facial expressions, belonged to us; the pride, the confusion, the fear, the hatred, the guilt, the grief, the struggle to grasp the incredible, were all ours. This was no mere presentation; this was participation, visual, audible, mental and spiritual. Because each evening's episode was set in the context of worship and meditation, mind, emotions, spirit and bodily senses were all taken up. What a free way for the Spirit was there! No two people, of course, responded to the same thoughts in the different episodes. Yet I personally can still vividly recall: Monday: From 'Jesus Coming' the plaintive but persistent refusal of John the Baptist to take the limelight. "No, I am not the Christ", "No, I am not .. .", "He must increase but I must decrease". What a humbling challenge for me to put Christ Jesus foremost and to quench my own ambitions of importance! Tuesday: From 'Jesus Giving' when, having fed the five thousand, Jesus said "I am the bread of life ....unless you eat my flesh .. .", there was that rasping voice which spat out "Eat his flesh how disgusting!". We may no longer feel disgusted by the words of Jesus but oh! how reluctant we are to admit our constant need for his life to be in us. "Take, eat and feed on him by faith in your heart." Do I? Wednesday: In 'Jesus forgiving' with whom did I most closely identify in the episode about the woman taken in the act of adultery? Was it with those who condemned with such lofty self-confidence or with the one who withheld judgment? Was it with those who said "You have sinned" or with the one who said "Go and sin no more"? Why is it that to see faults in other people and point them out often gives an unworthy satisfaction, while to forgive calls for more than I can freely offer? Indeed, "let him who has never sinned throw the first stone". Thursday: In 'Jesus Serving' I was shown a new dimension to his suffering. The intolerable physical agony has always been appreciated. The intense spiritual struggle to keep trusting his Father's will, this too I have recognised. But oh! the agony of Jesus' frustration that even those closest to him just could not understand what his dying was to mean. What a miracle has to take place in me before the crucifixion has any real meaning for me personally! Am I just obtuse, Lord, or is there something, of me that is getting in the way? "Unless a man is born again, he cannot see...". How true! Good Friday: In 'Jesus Dying' I just could not get away from t inking how very, very close Jesus was to being released. If only Pilate had stood firm; if only Peter had stood firm; and if only I can stand firm, then Jesus will never be "crucified afresh'. But every time I back off from resolute discipleship, there is a sense in which he dies again. Pilate gave in for what he saw as good reasons they always are good reasons, or are they? Easter Sunday: After 'Jesus Rising' I asked myself, why is it we sin think ourselves to be so intellectually effective, so rationally sound, so modern, when we doubt the physical resurrection of Jesus? It came out so plainly that they were just the same. They were not gullible half wits, ready to believe anything. It was just as demanding for them. They stood right where I stand. It is all absolutely incredible by every human standard it always has been. But Jesus says "Reach out your hand, Thomas….Only believe. Lord, help me to believe; you don't ask any more from me than that. So, all or most of the words were familiar, but the presentation certainly was not. Perhaps it was for that reason that the impact was so great. Many thanks to all who took part and worked so hard in preparation. Especially we acknowledge the enormous spiritual contribution they made to our preparations for Easter. That is all the drama group wished for, I am sure. David Smith Lent 1996: “Consider Jesus” (February 1996 edition of the magazine) Our focus is to be on our Lord Jesus Christ, His life, His teaching, His relationships, His call. Anyone not in an established house group, who would like to join a Lent Group, should approach one of the Clergy. Ash Wednesday, 21 February, starts it off. The message of John the Baptist, "Prepare the way of the Lord", will be the theme for a day of repentance. All members are encouraged to share in repentance and deep sorrow for our sins and those of the church and our nation. Lent 2002: “Being a Blessing” (February 2002 edition of the magazine) What have you got planned for Lent 2002? Alongside giving up chocolates why not consider giving up your Wednesday evenings to come along to St Thomas' Church at 7.30pm for time with God. During this year, the 75th anniversary of the Diocese of Derby, the Bishop has asked us to take time out to focus on issues of faith and spiritual renewal. This series of studies, which have been prepared by Canon Barrie Gauge, offer us just this opportunity. Barrie Gauge writes, " We live in interesting times, when old certainties are called into question, when "man" is increasingly "the measure of all things" and also when we see that search for religious experience in no way diminished. The question is how can we as Christians be better equipped to speak into this world? And how can our belief be better expressed in how we are, in who we are, and in whose we are?" Each week we will meet at St Thomas' Church and focus on one aspect of the theme of "Being a Blessing"
Lent 2003: “Who do you say I am?” (February 2003 edition of the magazine) According to the Dictionary in the church office, Lent is “the period of forty days leading up to Easter, during which Christians fast, or give up something they enjoy”. This year, the 40 days start on Wednesday 5th March and we can gather that evening for a service of Holy Communion, and start our fast together. Well, maybe not an actual in terms of not eating – but I am challenged to give something up that I enjoy, and in denying myself something, to ask God to turn it on its head and, far from it being a loss, make it an enriching experience. Time is what is most precious in my life – and there is far too little of it to please everyone in my life! So, can I think about giving up some of my precious time for forty days, and commit it to God? I know that this sounds easy, but I assure you it won’t be. God knows how hard it will be for me. So I am sure that is why He calls us together to support and encourage one another so that part of my “fasting” could be the 6 mid week time slots when I can get together with others in church and study the Lent Course. This year’s Lent course is called “Who do you say I am?” – Jesus asked that question of his disciples and he asks it of us in 2003 as well, and what will our answer be? And what difference will that then make to our lives? In the booklet that accompanies the studies the author, Canon Barrie Gauge, writes:' The course begins at 7.45pm on Wednesday 12th March and runs each week until Holy Week, with Bishop Jonathan coming to deliver his Lent address to conclude the series on Thursday 10th April here in our parish.' Look out in church for the booklet and let’s get together this Lent and “fast” together. Julie Lomas Lent 2004: “Face to Face” (February 2004 edition of the magazine) This year the Lent Course will be held on the Five Wednesday Evenings of March, the 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st. Each meeting will start at 7.45 pm and finish around 9.15 pm, and will be held in Church. The source material is to be taken from the Church Together in Britain and Ireland, which is called “FACE to FACE”. It is based on Chapter 3 and 4 of St.Luke’s Gospel. The national course has been prepared for home groups, but we are adapting it so that the Open House Groups meet together at the Church during Lent, to share with members of other groups. The Rector, David Mouncer and retired minister Robin Balch have rearranged the sessions as follows. Each evening will be divided into three parts. There will be opening worship, the introducing of the theme, and some starter material. The main part of the evening will be a 25 minute session of teaching by one of our ministers. After this there will be some group discussion leading to prayer in groups, and ending with a final act of worship. Five groups are being asked to plan the starting and ending of each meeting. The five evenings are: March 3rd. Session 1 “In whose image?” (Luke 3:1-6): David Mouncer March 10th. Session 2 “Belonging to what?” (Luke 3:7-14): Robin Balch March 17th. Session 3 “Who is Jesus?” (Luke 3:15-28): David Mouncer March 24th. Session 4 “Facing our own image” (Luke 4:1-13): Bill Galloway March 31st. Session 5 “Hope – the living Image” (Luke 4:14- 30): David Mouncer The last two years have been worthwhile times, meeting together in Church on Wednesday evenings, but we have not managed to attract all Open House members. As it is David’s first Lent at St. Thomas, and knowing his outstanding ability as a teacher, we trust that a large number will attend each evening. There is no need to buy the course material. This has been produced in a glossy, rather expensive format. The leaders of the Open House groups involved will have copies for their preparation. MAKE LENT 2004 A PRIORITY. COME TO LEARN, SHARE AND PRAY! Bill Galloway Lent 2005: “The Purpose Driven Life” (February 2005 edition of the magazine) Based on the book by Rick Warren. Introduction “What on earth am I here for?” (Based on pages 17-59) by David in a sermon on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 9th.) Then Church members please read pages 17-59 in preparation for the five week Lent Course with its Five Purposes. Five Sessions on Wednesday nights From 7.45 pm – 9.15 pm in the Church: 16th. February 1) Planned for God’s Pleasure 23rd. February 2) Formed for God’s family 2nd. March 3) Created to become like Christ 9th. March 4) Shaped for serving God 16th. March 5) Made for a Mission Lent 2006: “What's so amazing about Grace” (February 2006 edition of the magazine) “There is nothing we can do to make God love us more. There is nothing we can do to make God love us less.” Based on the book by Philip Yancey, we are going to study the theme of grace during the six Wednesdays in Lent. We speak of grace often, but do we understand it? More importantly, do we truly believe in it and do our lives proclaim it as powerfully as our words? Using material from the book, along with scriptural insight, we are going to take an impassioned and probing look at grace. Starting on Ash Wednesday, we will begin by looking at the bedrock of grace, namely, God’s grace. We will then move on to cover subjects such as grace and the act of forgiveness, grace within relationships, grace within church life and finally, grace and evangelism. As you can see it is going to be a grace-full Lent! March 1st – Ash Wednesday – “The Missing Ingredient” What is grace? March 8th – Session One – “Letting Grace Soak In” God’s love for the undeserving. March 15th – Session Two – “The Art of Forgiveness” The act that sets us free March 22nd – Session Three – “Grace Put to the Test” How we should treat others when we disagree with them. March 29th – Session Four – “Grace Abuse” Can we abuse God’s gift of grace? April 5th – Session Five – “Counterforce” Witness in the world through a life of grace. Lent 2007: “The Source” (February 2007 edition of the magazine) The Lent course will run for five weeks from 28 Feb to 28 March. It will be based on the 'Source' - by Robert Warren and Kate Bruce (Church House Publication ISBN 0715140949) The course is designed to encourage a discovery of new found joy and delight in prayer. It combines Bible study and discussion with a creative, hands-on exploration of five prayer patterns drawn from our rich Christian heritage. The course wiil be run within our existing house group structure. There will be an opportunity for those not in house groups to join in. Details of the ‘Source’ here Lent 2007: “The Source” (June 2007 edition of the magazine) Elaine Nudd reflects on the 2007 Lent Course using 'The Source'. Over the period of Lent many of St Thomas’ members met in groups to study a book about prayer, called ‘The Source’. It was both stimulating and challenging. Source took us on a journey in our relationship with God using a framework of ‘seeing-knowing- going’. In ‘seeing’, we considered what things enable us to celebrate and enjoy God. Why should we take time to do this? We were shown a range of objects and pictures and asked to take one which was pleasing to us and spoke to us of God. I was immediately drawn to a photo of a large group of people of all ages who were obviously a community. It made me think of the groups that I belong to where I feel cared for and listened to, and where I am able to care and listen to others. One of the psalms talks about God placing the lonely in families. I feel that God has done this for me. ‘Knowing’ looked at how listening and honesty are important in our relationship with God. If we want to get to know someone we spend time with them and listen to them. I know that I’m eager to speak to God about all sorts of things, but forget that He wants to speak to me. How can I hear Him? I think that often God speaks to us in very ordinary ways, through conversation, things we read, newspapers and even things on the television. It can lead us to action, again possibly very simple things like cooking a meal for someone or phoning someone up. When we discussed the concept of honesty, we realised that none of us had anyone with whom we were totally honest with. We all have things that we don’t want people to know. So it can be uncomfortable to know that God knows us intimately. When Isaiah had his vision of God, his first response was an awareness of his sin. After he had been forgiven he was then ready to serve God. We can’t hide things from God. He sees us better than we see ourselves. What is wonderful is that He sees our worst bits and still loves us dearly. The last part of our course was ‘going’. God wants us to be practical as well as prayerful. He wants us to be loving at work, at home, and at church, sharing that love that he pours down on us. Our teenagers have made a brave move to run a service called ‘Furnace’ which runs the last Friday of each month, offering a worship experience that is a bit different. There are church led initiatives around the town working with the homeless and those who are disadvantaged. Over the series my favourite prayer was ‘palms down, palms up’. Palms down, we pour out everything to God; feelings, events, people, everything that clogs us up. Then palms up; I’m ready to receive, waiting, listening, open. What is God going to pour in? Elaine Nudd Lent and Easter at St Thomas’ (June 2009 edition of the magazine) Lent started at St Thomas’ with a traditional ‘Ashing’ service on Ash Wednesday. During Lent we studied the book ‘Celebration of Discipline’ both in church and in home groups. On Maunday Thursday there was an Agape with hand washing. There was an Easter craft workshop for children and adults on Good Friday morning which merged into a short all age ‘Hot Cross Bun’ service. The children acted out the Easter story. In the afternoon there was ‘An Hour at the Cross’ service. On Easter morning the church was full for a truly amazing Communion Service. Our worship was led by both the choir and the music group. A drama entitled ‘A Bugs Life’ was performed by Gemma Machin and Sam Wheeler. Matt preached a short sermon on ‘New Life’ ably assisted by Joe Dods. It involved smashing Easter Eggs with a hammer! During the service there was an Easter Egg hunt for the children. Easter evening was a ‘Songs of Praise’ service and some church members gave short testimonies. Listen again to all the above here See pictures here Palm Sunday, Holy Week and Easter at St Thomas’ -a look back (June 2010 edition of the magazine) A wide variety of services and events helped us focus on the final week of Jesus’ life. Our 11am Palm Sunday service was the conclusion of our Lent Course Surprised by Hope. At the end of the service the children showed us a celebration with music and flags that they had learned at Sunday Club. The Prayer and Meditation Experience on Tuesday evening was as poignant as it was aesthetically pleasing. Karen Herrick had prepared an ‘Easter Experience’, setting up a series of stations around the church depicting and describing the final week of Jesus' life, to which some 150 children from the local schools had been invited. These were used in the evening as a focus for our meditation and prayers. It gave us a chance to inwardly reflect on the personal significance and impact of the life and crucifixion of Jesus. We concluded with a time of sung worship which gave richness to the prayer and meditation experience. On Maundy Thursday there was an Agape service. It started with the washing of each other’s hands which signified Jesus, as a servant, washing the disciples’ feet. A simple meal of soup and bread and then a celebration of the Eucharist followed. There was a real sense of Church Family as we enjoyed this time together and offered each other the sacraments of bread and wine. After the silent and moving stripping of the altar ahead of Good Friday, we left in silence. Good Friday Morning was an all age service concentrating on the events of Holy week enacted by the children who attended. At the end of the service everyone was given a mug (to represent the Last Supper), a piece of string (Jesus being arrested and detained), a red ribbon (Jesus' blood) and a heart (God's love in sending His Son to save us). The children also helped to make the Easter Garden. Hot Cross Buns and drinks followed in a family atmosphere. The Good Friday Hour at the Cross service was led by the Furnace Team. It was a prayerful and visually reflection of Jesus' last hour on this earth accompanied by an account of the physical aspects of crucifixion. We were left acutely aware of the extent of our Lords suffering as he died for our sins. As the church bell rung at three o’clock the atmosphere was sombre with grief and reflection as we individually grasped something of the true horror of that first Good Friday. The Easter Morning service was a celebration of Jesus' Resurrection -so we started the service off with champagne! (-well grape juice actually). With a full church, the mood was joyful. Matt's talk asked us what sort of Easter Egg would we be -broken, empty or full. For those of us who had experienced the services during Holy Week the celebration of Jesus' resurrection and the Hope it gives us, hit with full force. Likewise, the Easter Evening Songs of Praise with individual open microphone contributions was a full-on sung worship and praise extravaganza which could have gone on forever. Carolyn Baker with additional contributions from Mark Hoare Read more about it and see pictures here. Holy Week and Easter at St Peter's -a look back (June 2011 edition of the magazine) Holy Week at St Peter’s is always a very special and busy time. This year of course we had our new minister, Revd Jackie. In fact it was only her second week in post since her licensing on 11 April. We were all wondering “Will it be the same?”, “Will there be any changes?”, and “If there are, will we like them?” As good wardens Roy and I were waiting and hoping to find out in advance of what needed to be done. Monday: Holy Week Meditation and Prayers Early call “We are doing the Twelve Stations of the Cross this evening, what have we got?” “What do we need?” “Large nails, coins, small pebbles/stones, small glasses, large jug, biscuits, milk, etc.” By 7pm all was ready and very impressive it was. Twelve Stations of the Cross were set out around the church. In groups of three the congregation visited each station. At each there was a reading, starting with Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem and ending with The Resurrection and walk to Emmaus. After the readings there was an act to be done at each station linked to the reading. These included taking a small stone to help build a cairn, eating a morsel of bread, placing a coin to help build a pile, taking a small refreshing drink, lighting a small candle, taking a large nail and signing a cross on your head with oil. At Station Twelve there were prayers of confession to be read. The church was a hive of activity and quiet talk as we visited the stations and followed in the footsteps of Jesus. We were left in no doubt about our Holy Week experience. It was a deeply moving and thought provoking experience. As we had refreshments we talked with each other about our journey. Wednesday Our large wooden cross was put up near the altar by Neil Killingley and a couple of willing helpers. Maundy Thursday: Agape Meal followed by the Washing of Feet and Communion
Diana Hinchliffe Holy Week and Easter at St Thomas' -a look back (June 2011 edition of the magazine) Holy Week and Easter was a very busy, varied and spiritual time at St Thomas’. After the excitement of Palm Sunday we had a time of prayer and meditation on the Monday of Holy Week at (St Peter’s). On the Tuesday we watched the film The Son of Man at St Thomas’ (see page 18 for a review of the film) and on Wednesday we saw a Passion play Impossible God at Central Methodist Church. On Maundy Thursday we had an Agape followed by Holy Communion where we re-created the Last Supper before ‘stripping the altar’ –removing all the coverings and trappings. Good Friday was a family Hot Cross Bun Service, where we followed ‘Jesus’ around the church telling the Easter Story. In the afternoon there was the ‘Hour at the Cross’ service with Bible readings, poems, prayer and silence. We celebrated Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday Morning at a wonderful service of Holy Communion. The church was so full we had one of our two communion distribution points outside! In the evening we had a very moving worship and ‘open mic’ service. Listen to the services and see more pictures here Read a review of the film 'Son of Man' here |
