Christianity Explored- A Time to Discover
Bob Geldof entitled his autobiography “Is That It?” At one point, having just raised £50M for Live Aid and while standing on the stage he heard a fan shout “Is that it?” Geldof writes “It’s a question I keep asking myself”. In a later interview published in the Times we read this. “Ask Geldof whether he feels that his life is fulfilled he snorts with laughter. I am unfulfilled as a human being; otherwise, why are these large holes here?” He thumps his chest. “Everything I do is because I’m frightened of being bored because I know what’s down those holes and I’m frightened of it!”
Thom Yorke of the band Radiohead was asked in a New Musical Express interview why he continued to make music even though he had achieved the success he hoped for. He replied “It’s filling the hole. That’s all everyone does”. To the question “What happens to the hole?”, Yorke paused for a long time and gave the honest answer “It’s still there”
It is amazing that this theme of discontent, of wanting something more, of being unfulfilled is evident in music, film, literature and sport- and in ourselves? We can set goals, achieve them, enjoy euphoria for a time and then feel emptiness all over again. The sad life and death of Alex “Hurricane” Higgins is a commentary on our culture.
Augustine was once a gifted, intelligent and wayward young man with a godly mother named Monica. His dissolute and promiscuous behaviour broke her heart. Like the Prodigal Son, he ran away to Milan and there met a priest named Ambrose who spoke to him about the fulfilment that Jesus Christ can bring. He became a Christian believer through the process of gentle encouragement and discovery based on the Gospels. He became a great church leader and theologian in the early church and was Bishop of Hippo in North Africa. He famously wrote “God, you have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee”.
In a materialistic and secular culture the Christian Gospel addresses these issues in ways like none other. I want to graciously challenge the village in this important area and to invite adults, children and young people to join us this autumn. There are 4 groups for children and young people on the first and third Sundays in the church; a Sunday club at the intervening Communion services and fun and teaching at 625 Club and Friday Night Live in the Village Hall on Fridays commencing on September 10th
Christianity Explored is a simple 8 week course based on a study of Mark’s Gospel with 20 min talks on DVD and some discussion. The format is simple. Arrive. Enjoy a meal and then round your table, discuss the topic/Bible passage for a few minutes; watch the DVD on a big screen and then have a further short discussion over coffee before going home. The main group will be in the Village Hall starting on Thursday September 30th. There are three other satellite venues if you cannot make Thursday evenings and details on all locations, dates and times are in a separate box in this edition of the Magazine. I commend this course to you and an invitation card is enclosed. Please reply by September 20th if you are able to come so that we can arrange for the catering and the study booklets that are provided. There is no charge for the course but donations are welcome.
Vicar’s Blog Star date…..
I am not sure that’s the right wording but welcome to my blog which I hope will cover a year in the life of .. Me? The parish of Albury or whatever. The reason for the year is that it almost exactly one year till I retire and I though this on-line diary might encourage you in some way. Reading it may help if you have a problem with insomnia!
Sept 14th
“Term” has been underway for two weeks and most of the main services and events in the parish have resumed after their summer break. This last two weeks has been characterized by (a) the absence on holiday of most of my team here!- the Curate, The Licensed Lay minister(Reader in the old money); a Church warden. all the Pastoral Assistants and the organist. (b) a remarkable number of adults and children attending,some for the first time which is very exciting, (c) serious preparation work for the launch of the course “Christianity Explored” which will run for 8 weeks in four venues in the village with the main event in the Village Hall on Thursday evenings (d) good news from the Planners that the extension to the church has been approved and (e) sheer fatigue!
I will take some time later this month to talk about Christianity Explored and why people should do it and also to do an update on the church building projects along with the proposed new vicarage which we would like to build in the village for my successor. This present house in Farley Green is not suitable and in the wrong location.
Had a very nice letter today from the Bishop acknowledging my one year notice of retirement and saying kind things. It is a strange feeling that in a year’s time we will say farewell to this parish and the people we have grown to know and love after what will then be 10 years.
Still enough of that for now- there are things to do.
Talk to you again soon
Ken