September 2010

 

Dear Friends,

 

In July and August I was able to offer reflections on my experiences during May, June and July 2010.  These remain available on the website and I am also happy to send copies to people.

 

The reflections below formed the basis of the sermon I preached on the 22nd August 2010.  The readings were Isaiah 58.9b-14, Hebrews 12.18-29 and Luke 13.10-17.

 

I want to draw from Jan’s wisdom, when she reminded us after her trip to the Holy land last autumn:  you must guard against always preaching about the visit and the experiences!

 

It would be easy for me to go on about my recently ended extended ministerial development leave and to tell you all that I have gained, all that we, as a family, have enjoyed.  But it would also end up lacking in interest very quickly.

 

The insights will bear fruit, but only when they are shared with the members of the PCC, with the teams that make up the worshipping community here at St. Bartholomew’s and with you.

 

It is that balance of me, the teams and you; us – together – one worshipping community, that is exciting and builds toward the future.  A series of relationships which has God at the centre saying – Here I am!

 

Isaiah – as was the ministry of the prophets – spoke for God to the whole community.  He speaks of an emerging community spirit, where the values and plans of God will have supremacy.

 

There will be personal renewal as people re-establish their relationship with God and as exciting, renewal of the whole community:  “Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of the many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in.”

 

When I read that, I thought about the story of the little Dutch boy plugging the leak in the dyke with his finger!  It is simple actions – appropriately made – that have the potential to create lasting change.

 

And the woman in Luke’s Gospel – who for eighteen years has been unable to walk properly – also offers a comment on what it is to be renewed?  She receives a physical touch and is immediately raised up.

 

Jesus established a new way of doing things and challenges us to be open to renewal, to being raised up.  A personal relationship with God through Jesus is crucial to God’s plan for the world.

 

One of the bridges in that relationship between the individual and God and indeed between the Church and God is found in the second reading today – in the Epistle to the Hebrews.   

 

Repentance – the act of walking tall, walking erect, looking the world right in the eye!  The Greek word for repent in metanoia and it means literally ‘U Turn.’  And it is a very foolish and stubborn person who isn’t ever prepared to make one!

 

So often we must be willing to retrace our steps, both as individuals and as worshipping communities and as society, if we are to rediscover deep truths that have got lost in the one-way streets, the dead-ends or blind alleys we’ve chosen to walk.

 

What are the u-turns that you think we need to make as a worshipping community?  What are the u-turns God is trying to help you make as individuals?  What u-turns might we – the Church – challenge society to take?

 

Speaking the words of God to the Israelites, Isaiah said:  “You shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say. Here I am….The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong.”

 

Speaking in a more contemporary language – “Father, I place into your hands the things I cannot do.  Father, I place into yours hands the things that I’ve been through.  Father, I place into your hands the way that I should go, for I know I always can trust you.”  AMEN.

 

With best wishes,

 

Thomas Woodhouse

 

Vicar of Wootton Bassett and Rural Dean of Calne