Newsletter: 18/11/2022

What does coincidence mean to you? I wonder how many you can notice in the picture above. I have always been struck by stories of coincidence. Do we see them as random acts of the universe or do we see in them some greater design giving us reminders that there is a plan for us and for our world? My own personal faith is not one which I seek to explain all the random events in my life - I do believe that some of them are simply that: random events. But my faith tells me also that God can speak to us through coincidences.

The Holy Spirit can often prompt us through coincidences and can also facilitate valuable conversations. This morning I encountered such a coincidence when I went to Hurley Church for Morning Prayer. I met a person in the church building who was at a corporate event which was taking place at The Olde Bell. We had a conversation about the wonder of the church building and he mentioned he is looking to get married.

We had a conversation about the venues available in Hurley and he may be back one day to get married in church. Equally he may not. But I still see it as a valuable encounter and one which many would describe as a coincidence - he and I happened to be in church at the same time.

I choose to see it as the Holy Spirit nudging us both to be in the same place at the same time. I was delayed getting to Morning Prayer so was slightly later than I would usually be and he confessed to me that he never finds himself inside churches but decided he would have a look today at Hurley. I am always in awe of how the threads of our lives weave together to form the master tapestry designed by our Creator.

We watch a TV programme called The Good Doctor and most recently there was a lady who had a near-death experience. One doctor agreed it was a spiritual encounter and a foretaste of the afterlife. Another was determined there was a medical explanation. The patient resisted a surgery which would provide conclusive evidence until the first doctor told her that it didn't matter how long she had to wait - eternity would be there when she got there.

We can choose to look at our lives as a series of random events which could happen to anyone in any order. Or we can see in them some bigger plan which is orchestrated by the conductor of the universe. To do the latter we must have faith and a connection to God in order to understand where the Holy Spirit might be leading us. I pray that all of us may be encouraged this week and until I see you in person, keep the faith.

Finances
This is never a popular subject in churches but it is an important one. And firstly, let me say I understand that personal finances are challenged at the moment more so than any point certainly in my living memory. But sadly that is not limited to personal finances. During Covid we suffered significant financial losses, losing around £35,000 last year and so far losing £40,000 this year. To keep the parish running (churches open, lit and warm and have a full-time Vicar) costs around £100,000 a year. If we want to do any outreach work on top of that we need more money to do so. We don't get any money from the central church and rely solely on the generous donations of our parishioners.

My newsletter is regularly read by 150 people so if the average donation amongst those people was £15 per week then we would receive £117,000 per year enabling us to pay our bills and also look at doing more charitable work in our communities. As with anything, finances are required to make things happen. I am not asking for you to make sure you are donating £15 per week to the church but I am asking you to consider your charitable giving and whether you are able to give to the church. We will be looking in more detail in the New Year about how we can be more active in our communities and look forward to connecting with others around us. If you want to know more or have any questions please get in touch but the best way if you want to give regularly to the church is through the parish giving scheme (click here). If you would like to make a one-off donation please get in touch with the Parish Office.

Safeguarding Training
As you may know there are a number of requirements on us to ensure that we keep all those who attend our various church events safe, particularly children. If you are involved with any of our children's groups across the parish you will have been contacted by Jane Holmes, our safeguarding office, about training. I am just reminding you there is an opportunity to do this in person, the first being next Tuesday evening (22nd November). Please contact the office or Jane directly to let her know you are coming.

Morning Prayer at 9:15am 
We are moving morning prayer into our church rooms for the winter months to keep us warm without needing to heat the whole church. If you join us at any of our three churches, please note the change of venue!
Wednesday St. James-the-Less, Stubbings
Thursday St. John the Evangelist, Littlewick Green
Friday St. Mary the Virgin


Our churches are open for private prayer:
Littlewick Green – open every day 11am – 4pm
Hurley – open every day 8am – 4pm
Stubbings – open Monday to Friday 9am – 12 noon

Parish Office
As you may be aware, our Parish Administrator Claire is having some time off from today following surgery. In the meantime, we will be running reduced hours in the office so the best way to get in touch is via the office e-mail (office@burchettsgreenparish.org). There should be someone in the office on Monday and Thursday morning and I will be available as many Wednesday mornings as I can. For anything which you need I can also be contacted on vicar@burchettsgreenparish.org and 01628 822974, - please note the vicar's day off is Tuesday

Blessings to you all,

Tom