LiFT 20th July
Good evening lovely people,
What a busy week – lots of stuff going on in school and far too many meetings, but lots of good decisions and lots to be hopeful and thankful for.
How are you?
Just a couple of things to share with you this week –
First, are you aware that there is a team in the ministry area that writes and shares intercessions every week for use in our Sunday services. This is especially useful for those churches who don’t have anyone confident or willing to write prayers, but does ensure that they are part of the service that is led by someone not ordained. Would you like to receive a copy of these for use in your church? Would you like to be part of the team in your church who prays the prayers, with the congregation? Please let me know. As you can see, there is no need to be able to write them, although if you would like to then I’m sure that would be greeted with enthusiasm by the MA team. Prayers led by a member of the congregation are always more meaningful, and I love the way that lots of our churches are praying the same prayers week by week. (Some people like to tweak them and add in things personal to a particular location, and that is of course a good thing!
Second, can I let you know that I am taking a few days off next week. I’m long overdue a visit to my parents who are getting frailer and really should receive a bit more of my time and attention. Please don’t ever tell them I’ve used the word frail in their context. They would be horrified and probably use that stern parent voice they still like to try out on me from time to time 🙂
I will be around at the tail end of the week but won’t be getting back to emails until 31st July at the earliest. If you need anything please contact Kevin.
Finally, at our recent Ministry Area Council meeting, Sue Russell shared a prayer that was written for and about Oscar Romero. I share it with you now, as a wonderful prayer that is both encouraging and reassuring.
With love to you, Sally xxxx
It helps, now and then, to step back and take the long view.
The Kingdom is not only beyond our efforts; it is even beyond our vision.
We accomplish in our lifetime only a fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.
Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church’s mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything.
This is what we are about.
We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.
We cannot do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realising that. This enables us to do something and to do it well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.
We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.
Amen
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–Please note I will not usually reply to emails received on Fridays as this is my rest day. If you need me urgently please send me a voicemail on my mobile number. Thank you for your understanding.
07813 264429