From the Vicarage,
I am writing the April 'From the Vicarage' in Perth, Australia, but by the time you
read it we will be back in England for Easter. We are having a busy, but relaxing
and stimulating Sabbatical, experiencing worship in a number of churches, in both
New Zealand and Australia. Hopefully, we will be ready for whatever ministry throws
at us upon our return!
Easter is an uplifting season in the church year. It speaks of optimism and new beginnings,
as the early church prepares to grow after the risen Christ ascends back to his Father.
We don't know what the future holds for each one of us as individuals or for our
church, but the sadness of Lent, especially Good Friday, is behind us and we can
now look with optimism to what lies ahead.
Of course, that isn't to say there won't be difficult times; we know the early church
had its setbacks. Nevertheless, we should try to be optimistic and like the early
church move forward and grow.
Some of the churches we have visited in the antipodes have been healthy, some have
been struggling; but the one thing that came over to us both was the sense of belonging
and how warmly we were welcomed in them all. It made us realise how wonderful it
is to be part of the worldwide Christian family, struggling together, but also celebrating
success together.
Sadly, a number of people we met didn't have a faith, and, indeed, were very negative
about any form of religion. Sharing time with non-Christians is something we are
not used to and it has made us realise how fortunate we are. It also reminded us
that we need to take out the Easter message of hope and share it with all those we
meet.
May this Easter season be one of joy, peace and hope to you all.
God bless, Tim and Norma
MOTHERS’ UNION
It is now four years this month since I took over writing this article from Judith
Dewdney and it does not get any easier.
Thanks must go to everyone who supported us at our Lenten Lunch. It may seem a long
time ago now but it was too late to report on it in the last edition of the magazine.
We managed to raise £253 which enabled us to purchase one each of the Make a Mother’s
Day Gifts and two of the literacy one and two of the Britain and Ireland one. We
also received a donation which we are hoping to forward to an MU project helping
the homeless in Manchester. In case you are not aware, any money raised for MU projects
goes directly to that project and nothing is deducted from it for administration
or other such costs.
It was nice for MU to be asked to take part in the Mothering Sunday service and some
of the MU resources were used in putting the service together. Our cake stall following
the service raised £62.60 so thanks again to those who baked and purchased from the
stall.
As some of you may know, I have recently moved an elderly relative of mine from Surrey
to a Care Home in Alderley Edge. I was very pleased one day when I went in to visit
to see him with a Fiddle muff on his knee and on the inside was a label “Chester
Diocese MU”. It made me very proud to be a member of this organisation and if anyone
feels like knitting some more of these or sewing the fiddle pinnies, the patterns
can be found on the Chester MU website. There does seem to be a growing need for
them.
If any non-members, male or female, are interested in hearing our speaker this month
please do come along. You will be very welcome and under no obligation to join!
As I finish this article I have just come across a prayer posted on the MU York site
on Facebook written by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. It asks for us
to join in the prayer today (14th March) but I think the words are appropriate for
any time.
A prayer at a time of international uncertainty
Lord of the Nations,
Who loves us faithfully in all our troubles,
We pray for our leaders:
In their struggles give them wisdom,
In their ambitions give them moderation,
In their fears give them courage,
So the affairs of this world may be peaceful,
That justice may reign and Your Kingdom be seen,
Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
DIARY DATES APRIL 2018
Thursday, 12th April – Monthly Meeting – Speaker Olivia Smedley on Cheshire’s Forgotten
Suffragette (100 years) Vote of Thanks – Di Waller
Please note that if you still have a Worldwide box please let Lynne have it as soon
as possible.
HENBURY W.I
At our March meeting after our President, Barbara Lomas had welcomed everyone we
had the very exciting practice evacuation of the church hall in case of fire. We
all assembled on the car park and roll call was taken.
When we were all installed back in the warmth of the church hall we were entertained
by Brian Morris (The Magic Lantern Man). He came all dressed up in dark suit and
top hat representing Victorian Life.
He had a magic lantern projector and he explained the history of photographic slides
and then showed us various pictures depicting life in the Victorian era.
The competition for the evening was a Victorian item and this was won by Jill Jones.
We enjoyed some delicious refreshments followed by our business of the evening.
Next month we shall have a talk by John Stirling entitled
“Toytown to Buckingham Palace”
All visitors are welcome Ann
Cresswell
