Uncertainty
Dear friends,
Each week at the moment seems to bring either new challenges to those who are tasked with leading our country. Regardless of our political view, I think most of us would agree that the last 4 years have not been an easy time to be in a position of national authority. But the decisions which are made in Westminster, often have wide-reaching effects which none of us can foresee, no matter how wise we might think ourselves.
At the moment we seem to be facing a particularly tumultuous time when it comes to financial matters. Prices are going up so wages need to go up but then there's more money available so businesses put prices up - an oversimplification of course but it seems that is the spiral we are trapped in. And for us, it means a real impact on our lives; tightening our belts, restricting our spending and perhaps even being a bit less generous with our money. We feel the need to control (as much as we are able) our financial security. Whether it is for paying off our mortgage, covering the monthly rent or saving for the grandchildren, we all have our financial priorities. And uncertainty doesn't help us feel settled in that.
Unfortunately, if you're anything like me, that uncertainty also seems to spill over into the rest of our lives too. Everything becomes a bit more stressful, a bit more strained, a bit less enjoyable - sometimes it can be a challenge to feel like we are having life in all its fulness (see John 10:10). I was reminded recently around how we often turn to our faith in times of difficulty but end up finding either platitudes or assurances for the long-term, not the short-term. "Everything will be alright in the end" or "God has plans for you and you just need to have faith" - I wonder how many times in your life you have heard those phrases.
Those phrases aren't unhelpful because they are untrue, but because they do nothing to help us understand the challenges we face in our day-to-day lives. Now, yes, many of these are first-world problems and I am sure we count ourselves very fortunate to live in our privileged Western society but God does not call us to intentionally seek our personal poverty.
So where is God in all this? Well depending on where we are, we might feel like God is asleep in the boat (Mark 4:38), or God simply isn't there (Matthew 27:46), or God doesn't care or isn't listening (Psalm 22). It is easy to feel that we are journeying alone through the darkness but we should be encouraged: not because everything will be alright in the end (though, eternally speaking, it will); not because God has a plan and we just need faith (though God does, and we do); not because there are people worse off than us (though, of course, there are); but because we are all made in the image of God and share God's light with each other.
God has not put us here alone. We live, work and play in community. We share fellowship with each other and in those times of darkness, our family and friends shine God's light into our lives afresh. Let us remember that, yes, God always journeys with us through the darkness but God also gives us companions for the road. Let us allow them to hold the Christ-light for us, in the night-time of our fear, hold their hands out to us, speak the peace we long to hear (from Brother, Sister, let me serve you).
May you walk in God's light this day and always and keep the faith.
July Services
Sunday 25th June
9am - Come to the Table @ St. James-the-Less, Stubbings
10:30am - Holy Communion @ St. Mary the Virgin, Hurley
Sunday 2nd July
9:15am - Holy Communion (with Sunday Club) @ St. John the Evangelist, Littlewick Green
10:30am - God Through Music @ St. Mary the Virgin, Hurley
5pm - Evensong (BCP) @ St. James-the-Less, Stubbings
Sunday 9th July
8am - Holy Communion (BCP) @ St. James-the-Less, Stubbings
10:30am - Holy Communion @ St. Mary the Virgin, Hurley
4pm - Family Service @ St. John the Evangelist, Littlewick Green
Sunday 16th July
9:15am - Holy Communion @ St. John the Evangelist, Littlewick Green
10:30am - God in Quiet @ St. Mary the Virgin, Hurley
11am - Holy Communion (BCP) @ St. James-the-Less, Stubbings
Sunday 23rd July
9am - Come to the Table @ St. James-the-Less, Stubbings
10:30am - Holy Communion @ St. Mary the Virgin, Hurley
Sunday 30th July
10am - Parish Communion @ St. Mary the Virgin, Hurley
Pimms and Hymns
During August we will meet each week in one of our churches for a parish service. This will include Pimms and Hymns at Stubbings for which we would like you to dust off your hymn (or song!) requests. It will include an informal communion but will mostly be singing hymns! You may even find your vicar is playing the organ for this one... Do send your requests in, along with an explanation of your choice if you would like to and we will then select hymns, sing them and drink some Pimms together!
Eco Church Meeting
If you are interested in Eco Church or helping out in any other way related to the environment, Hannah is holding an informal get-together at The Vicarage on Wednesday 28th June at 6pm. Do come along to find out more and let Hannah know that you are interested in being involved! Contact me or Hannah for more details.
Teas on the Green
Teas on the green is starting up in Hurley again this Sunday - it is a great opportunity to enjoy a cream tea with some friends and you can pop along any time between 3pm and 5pm on Sundays during the summer. You can bring cash or card to pay and sit outside on the wonderful green space outside the church.
Renaissance Voices Choir
We have a number of groups who use the Soltau Centre and we are fortunate to have the Renaissance Voices doing that. They have asked me to let you know that they are holding a 400 years on celebration of William Byrd and Thomas Weelkes. It is in All Saints Church, Maidenhead at 6:30pm on Saturday 8th July. Tickets are £15 (or £14 for early-Byrd) - visit here to find out more.
Morning Prayer at 9:15am
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 medical treatment at the moment and is in the office only occasionally. 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