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Here’s a link to our September 2024 magazine which you can now find a paper copy of in both our churches:

Inside you will find articles on the Muslim Christian Forum and Bury Churches Together as well as updates from our own groups. There is also news about a new production of ‘Ruth’ by PRESS RED on October 4th at St John with St Mark’s Church Hall. This is a word-for-word retelling of the book found in Hebrew Scripture and explores themes of love and justice.

In addition there’s this letter from Margery…

The right nourishment

As I begin to write this the closing ceremony for the Olympics is playing out on the television. What a spectacular ending to a summer of sport; Paris has certainly lived up to its title “The City of Lights”.

We have had 16 days of every sport imaginable, some that I didn’t even know existed. We have seen people accomplish enormous things, world records broken, totally unexpected gold medals achieved and heard some very touching stories of athletes’ journeys to the victor’s podium.

For each medal achieved there has been hours of preparation, untold sacrifices made and many difficulties overcome. Team GB has accomplished more medals than the last games and has much to be proud of. Behind every medal winner and even behind every competitor there has been a huge back up team of coaches, physiotherapists, medics, nutritionists and supporters. Success is never down to one person; it demands many people playing their individual parts. For the 327 athletes there would be many more people behind the scenes.

Team

In our church life we are members of a team, not highly developed athletes in search of gold but ordinary people seeking to bring the good news of the kingdom of God into our community. Each of us has a part to play in “Team Jesus”. There are no age or other entry qualifications to be a member, just a willingness to serve God in whatever capacity we can.

Saint Paul told the people of Ephesus that God has given people different gifts, and called people to take up different responsibilities to do different jobs in the work of spreading the gospel. He tells them that if the church is to be built up and grow here on earth, then each member must accept that responsibility and use his or her gifts in the service of others and of Christ.

And also, he said that there had to be equality of value of members. No members of the church more important than others. And what applied to those first Christians applies to us.

Some years ago, Bishop Nigel reminded us that when we are a team: That Each Achieves More.

How true that is; for by pooling the gifts of whatever kind that God has given us and supporting and encouraging each other, we are far more likely to spread the gospel of good news.

Nourishment

But for us to work, to function, to be able to make the kingdom of Christ grow – we need nourishment, the right nourishment, just like an athlete. And Jesus tells us just what that nourishment is. It is Jesus himself. Without feeding on Jesus, through talking to him, listening to him, finding out more about what he wishes us to do, we will not be able to use our talents in his service. He must be the bread of our lives.

So, as we acknowledge God’s goodness in giving us different gifts to be used in the service of his kingdom – we pray, that having fed on Jesus we may have the wisdom to identify those gifts and the courage and sensitivity to use them for the good of all and the glory of Jesus’ name.

Yours in Christ, Margery