Easter 4. The gift of the word of God
Blessed Lord,
who caused all holy scriptures
to be written for our learning:
help us so to hear them,
to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them
that, through patience, and the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and for ever hold fast
the hope of everlasting life,
which you have given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Thomas Cranmer
It was on 6 May 1541 that Henry VIII ordered that a bible in English must be placed in every Church in the country. It’s a strange concept for us to reflect upon, and it is easy for us to take for granted hearing or reading the scriptures in our ‘mother tongue’. Scripture is not the study of ancient texts for what they tell us about the ancient near East, although that can be important and even interesting – if you’re that way inclined. But Scripture is the living encounter with God, whose Son came among us to bring us the Church and to make us the Church.
In these strange times, perhaps you can take a moment to engage a little more with the gift of the word of God – literally to step into the sacred texts. You may like to try the Pray as you go App: here which combines music, scripture and some questions for you to consider. Or there is a Lectio 365 resource you might like to explore here.
Many of you will have heard me quote a Jesuit who was very influential in my discovery of the importance of the word, who said, that when we are reading a passage, we can read it to consider the historical situation, the theological nuance, the psychological impact and many other lenses, but the one that really matters is to discover God’s message of love for you in that passage. I’ve found that a really helpful guiding light for me – and sometimes a challenge.
So in your time of isolation, maybe you can discover a bit more for yourself Scripture as a living encounter with God, and remember that it is a gift designed to help make us the Church.
Finally, a note for those of you who were worried about my ‘go slow’ of last week (!): it was on 6 May in 1954 that Roger Bannister became the first UK person to run a 4 minute mile, recording 3.59.4 at Iffley Road in Oxford. So remember, too, RS Thomas’ words:
‘He is such a fast
God, always before us and
Leaving as we arrive’
Do stay inside and safe - both to slow down the virus’ spread, and for the sake of our NHS workers. And do be praying for our NHS and health services across the world.
And may the Risen Christ come to you through the gift of the word!
This Coming week is Christian Aid week
Do support if you can: here
Thursday
Thursday will be our online Eucharist as a benefice at 12noon. Please join us if you can.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/701093091?pwd=YzhBbDBnRHl0eUNvSTJsT0ZkU3Q1dz09
Meeting ID: 701 093 091
Password: 007761
Next Sunday
We look forward to next Sunday at 1030 to joining together for Easter 3. Do join in and spread the word. Last week it went out to hundreds of people and we hope to do the same again.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/890739081?pwd=aURNcHRheVZ0R3pXeXkzRERqdDl4QT09
Meeting ID: 890 739 081
Password: 020375
Other news:
Thought for the Day is available through the website each day and I warmly encourage you to follow this Monday to Friday to keep yourselves spiritually active! https://witneyparish.org.uk/outreach/thought-for-the-day.php
Today, Wednesday 06 May we are having our usual Benefice Virtual Drinks Party at 7.30pm. If you are able to then do join us for this – simply pour yourself a drink, press this link and settle back for half an hour of fun and fellowship, when there’ll be a variety of acts coming your way!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/244330560?pwd=Z1F0bG5ySkhqK0o0MUs3S1NYb3Z5QT09
Meeting ID: 244 330 560
Password: 011610
Her Majesty's Prison Service
As previously planned in the ESP, on Monday 11 May 7.30 – 8.30pm Ness will be sharing her experiences from her time in a Chaplaincy at a women’s prison, via Zoom. If time permits, we may be able to think also about YOI’s (Young Offender Institutions) and networking. If you would like to listen in to this session, the zoom invitation will be on the website shortly. If you would like to submit a question for Ness to address, please submit this to her via email ness@witneyparish.org.uk by Friday 8th May. This session will be particularly interesting to those who have an interest in the Criminal Justice System and who would like to commit to regular prayer for those who work and reside in our prisons.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95571277437?pw...
Meeting ID: 955 7127 7437
Password: 031424
Bible Book Wednesday: The Letter of James
Join Ross as he tells the Letter of James in its entirety, and for conversation afterwards about what we notice from hearing a scriptural text in full. 20th May 2020 3pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94704594231?pwd=YzlKcHpraStONlZUK00xeWdZUXpuQT09
Meeting ID: 947 0459 4231
Password: 078502
Mercy & Kindness: Inclusivity
Hugh and Ross lead a session looking at good examples of inclusivity of the LGBT+ from both our own Diocese of Oxford and the Church in Sweden, and facilitating a discussion about what that may look like in the Benefice of Witney.
This could be run either at 3.30pm or 7.30pm on Tuesday 19th May. Please indicate if you have a preference over the next week, and details will be given in next week's bulletin. Contact Ross or Hugh to confirm.
Bible Book Search A puzzle for you - the books featured are on Page 2 should you need them. If you find this Quiz fun, but are stuck on some of the answers, just give the Parish Office a call. Michelle is happy to help relieve you of any struggle or frustration! 01993 779492 (weekdays 8.30 am – 1.00 pm)
Pastoral Care remains our key concern. If you have any worries please be in touch with us so we can support you – remember, you are not alone. Even as we have to spatially distance ourselves, we can grow closer together as a community of Christ.
Prayer: Rev. Ross Meikle shares Morning (9am) and Evening (5.30pm) Prayer, Monday-Friday via his Instagram channel. You can follow him at @storytellerross. Many of you have said you are using the Daily Prayer App or the simple office on our website and we continue to pray this at 9am and 5.30pm daily.
Finally, a very happy Easter season and do continue to pray and keep the Faith!
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
from St Patrick’s Breastplate
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