Newsletter: 04/11/2022
Dear friends,
By 2030 it is predicted that the world's population will reach 8 billion people. A number which many of us probably find it hard (or impossible!) to conceive of. But that is a world full of people who are loved by a loving and gracious God. And we are called to love them too but Jesus also said that we should "be in the world, but not of the world" (John 17:14-15). But what does that mean?!
There is a band who I am fond of called Casting Crowns and they have a song called "What This World Needs" which talks about the Saviour we need and some lines from that say:
What this world needs is for us to stop hiding behind our relevance
Blending in so well that people can't see the difference
And it's the difference that sets the world free
When we come to faith in God we begin to change our priorities. We begin to put God first. Now there are plenty of people out there who put others before themselves but who aren't Christians. But it is this putting God first, at the centre, which makes Christians different from those who are good people. So why should would put God first? Why isn't it enough to simply be a good person?
I know that life is full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, moments that make our hearts sing and soar and moments that drop us into a pit of despair. I see people on all points along this journey and I know that my being a good person is, in itself, simply not enough. By putting God first I am receiving God's strength; God's compassion; God's wisdom; God's love. And if I receive them then I can share them with those around me.
When we talk of being in the world but not of the world we should be thinking about how putting God first can make a different in our lives. It changes the way we approach everything from the highs to the lows of life. As we go about our weeks let us think about how we can make sure that we are working for God's purposes for us and our world and not for our own purposes.
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Phillippians 2:3-4)
Let us put God and others before ourselves.
Vision Day
Thank you to all of you who joined us at the Parish Vision Day on Sunday and to those of you who sent through some thoughts if you weren't able to make it. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather as a parish and very positive so thank you for making it such a spiritual and productive time. If you weren't able to make it or have something else to add then do please send through anything if you want to let me know. I will be collating all of the thoughts over the coming weeks and sending something out as soon as I have it.
Commemoration of the Faithful Departed (All Souls)
In our two services this Sunday (9:15am at Littlewick Green and 5:00pm at Stubbings) we will be commemorating our loved ones. If you would like a loved ones name to be added to the list please get in touch with me or one of the churchwardens.
Remembrance Day
A reminder about Remembrance Day that all our churches will have a service at 10:45am on 13th November. Do please join us at whichever church feels right to you as we remember the incredible sacrifice which so many people have made for our freedom over the years.
New Website
As you may have noticed if you check regularly, our website has a new look and slightly different navigation to move around it. We would appreciate feedback on anything you think we can improve or that needs to be added or removed! In the meantime thank you for bearing with us as we make sure everything is up-to-date on the new site.
Burchetts Green Infant School
Do you have spare time on your hands? Do you want to help make a difference to children in our community? The staff at Burchetts Green CE Infant School are looking for volunteers to support them with a range of activities in school. Maybe you could listen to children read? Maybe you could supervise them playing and eating at lunchtime? There are also opportunities to volunteer with gardening and general site maintenance.
If you think you can help, please contact the school for more information. All volunteers will need an enhanced DBS, which we will process.
Renaissance Voices Concert
Renaissance Voices, the choir who rehearse in the Soltau Centre, have a concert coming up and would be delighted to see many of you there.
EARLY MUSIC CONCERT: (Sunday 20th November, 6.30pm) - All Saints Church, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead SL6 4HE. The concert features music in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and in honour of St Cecilia, Patron Saint of Music. The ticket price of £15 includes refreshments, and can be purchased on the door, or by contacting rvmailings@btinternet.com
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 some time off 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