Do we deserve a good Christmas?

I’ve been thinking recently about we deserve. Or more probably I’ve been thinking about what I deserve. A rest? A nice big Christmas dinner – with lovely pigs in blankets and all the rest? Or a load of presents to open on Christmas morning?

But what about us generally – all of us, society?
A quick internet search reveals the spirit of the age – I literally got this within seconds of being online. Here’s the quote ‘You deserve to be happy. You deserve to live a life you are excited about. Don’t let others make you forget that.’

But my question is do we? Well, if we believe the marketing, and advertisers then the makeup people at L’Oréal famously tell us ‘You’re worth it’ - you do deserve it.

There is a problem though with feeling we deserve something.

Have you noticed that by the way? We don’t really ever THINK we deserve something – it is a much stronger, emotional response – no; instead, we FEEL we deserve something – the problem with it is that it steals away our gratitude.

If I am expecting it – feeling that it is my human right to a turkey dinner, and that I deserve a Christmas tree and all that comes with it then there are only 2 outcomes.

Firstly – I get it. I get what I deserve, and I am…relieved. A bit happy but mostly relieved.
Secondly – I don’t get it. Or it is not quite right. Then – even though some of it can be enjoyed – there is a bitterness. I SHOULD have had a nicer dinner, I SHOULD have had better presents, I SHOULD have had a better time with my family. I deserve it!

But… of course - the reserve is true. If we don’t FEEL as though we deserve something, or even anything – then everything more than nothing is a gift, and we ARE thankful.

There then is the problem with Christmas – we feel we deserve it – so it never properly satisfies.

But what I’d like to do now is to tell you, remind you, of 2 truths from the bible – that flip this perspective on its head – and correct our thinking.

WE DON’T DESERVE IT
The first verses I want to share are these from Romans 3.

‘As it is written: There is no-one righteous, not even one; there is no-one who understands; no-one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have become worthless; there is no-one who does good, not even one.’

You see L’Oréal have lied to us. You don’t deserve it and you aren’t worth it. I don’t deserve it and I’m not worth it. No one is. The world has got this utterly wrong – all this talk of deserving a good Christmas and deserving wonderful presents…is flawed. The God of the universe has considered our state and found us not to be deserving of much of anything at all apart from punishment.

BUT GOD GIVES ANYWAY
The second set of verses that we’ll think about are these from Luke 2, when the angels appeared to the shepherds on that first Christmas night. They said ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger’

Remember how God has weighed people from our first set of verses? Not worth it. Not deserving of anything…and yet, despite that, God chose to send Jesus – the Messiah, the Lord, the Saviour into the world. This is the biggest miracle of Christmas. More so than angels appearing, or a bright star above the stable, more than the virgin birth itself. The miracle is that God would gift his own Son to be the Saviour of people who do NOT deserve it.

So, Christmas cheer, and mulled wine, and carols and nativity plays and sherry?! Well, it’s not because we deserve it. All these things instead have their root in a celebration of thankfulness in a, astonishing, gift that is just that; a gift that we did not deserve; a Saviour who can rescue us from our sin and restore our relationship with the God who made us.

And knowing, not just thinking, but feeling that we don’t deserve Christmas? Well that only increases our thankfulness all the more, of a Saviour born to us

Happy Christmas everyone.

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The Mystery of the Star

The star is the most difficult item on the Nativity ‘agenda’, so to speak; the most difficult to understand, to digest. On those dark winter evenings, round the fire, when the storyteller begins this most rapturous story of all, he knows that the star will be the hurdle at which he runs most risk of falling. Yet it rarely happens. Folk just accept the stark, brief account of the star which finds and makes known the birthplace. So why is your narrator so apprehensive?

Imagine stepping outdoors on the brightest, moonless night, no clouds to obscure the countless assembly of stars. Now look directly up and try to determine which star is directly over your home, your sacred roof tree. About one minute into the epic film, “Ben – Hur”, there is a lovely sequence showing a beautiful picture of the star arriving over the stable, stopping, then just to be sure we go to the right place, the star shines a gentle beam of light on the stable, a mere 100 metres below, while the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing their hearts out. The picture is wonderful. It would make a perfect Christmas card, and no-one ever suggests that the star should be a shade – bigger, mayhap?

Now the bible simply tells that the star was seen to appear to wise men who followed it to Bethlehem, although we have confirmation the star (or stars- there are plenty of possibilities) did exist and at the right time, because others, mainly the Chinese and the Persians, did record it and documented it in detail. They tell us it may briefly have been two stars in transit (one obscuring the other) so making it extra bright, that it did appear to stop for a while then continued, then having appeared from nowhere, it disappeared back to nowhere.

The puzzle is this- How did the Magi connect millions of tons of burning rock, hurtling through the galaxy, with a stable? It was more likely a hovel, because all poor dwellings housed both humans and livestock. Everyone had a manger; the cattle in the home compensated for the lack of heating. The Magi didn’t have the use of a sextant; it wouldn’t be invented for hundreds of years, yet, but they did have an instrument called an astrolabe. This was an item consisting of wheels within wheels. Think of a clock without the spring. It could determine longitude. By recording the direction of the star, and the direction of another known body, fixed, say the pole star, and relating the two. Now picture the world- like an orange with the segments running from pole to pole. The astrolabe could tell you how far up the segment line the star was. You must bear in mind, first, at that time, it was common belief that everything orbited the earth, and second, that this humble storyteller is very much in the dark, here, but bear with me, my Masters. With the astrolabe, we now have the vertical hair on the eyepiece, so to speak. Now for the horizontal.

We need to refer to the beginning of the journey of the star. It was first commissioned, along with all the other stars, on the third day of Genesis. But the stars weren’t just flung across the sky at random. They were set in intricate patterns of interdependence – Constellations. Many were in thrall to others in that they orbited them. Some were wandering stars in that they passed out of one influence, or gravitational pull, into another. Our star was such a one. It had a long way to go; it had a purpose, a mission.

Imagine the star making a broad sweep as a partial orbit, horizontal to our gaze. In the vicinity of Bethlehem, we see the star moving, say left to right, and as it begins to round the curve, it appears to slow down, slower, slower still until at the right-hand limit of the curve, where it is approaching us, head on, it appears to stop for a brief time. Then as it starts on the near quadrant, it starts to move left, apparently- back the way it came.

Now our Magi, learned and familiar as they are in their arts and skills, would be more than capable of anticipating this development, and having ensconced themselves on the hills above the town, would be in readiness to mark that second hairline, so providing what would later be called ‘co-ordinates’. You must appreciate that even such a precise placing can only give us, at best, a quarter of the town, a district. It can’t give us ‘last dwelling down the pump yard of the inn at the sign of the Star, in the Artificers’ quarter.

Now I beg you, my Masters, do not rail at me that you have come all this way at the cajoling of your unworthy servant, led astray by the whims of this scoundrel. Of your mercy, hear me a little longer. I have brought the story as far as I may.

By the arts and devices of mere mortal man we have travelled thus far, from the moment when God swung his mighty arm to fling the stars across the heavens, to the moment when a babe’s cry is barely heard- somewhere in Bethlehem. We have still some way to go. But what light have we to guide us? Why faith of course. What other guide have we need of? Hold out your hands, in faith. Seek the hands of the Magi. Let them guide you to where God sends them, and there you will find the babe wrapped in swathing bands and lying in a manger.

God is good.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

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The camel is an enigmatic soul

Seen at a distance, the camel has grace, serenity, timelessness. Watch one of those snips of travelogue film of a caravan at sunset, moving along the crest of a sand dune. It is so suggestive, so evocative, so other worldly, so romantic. One can almost hear the beautiful young Scheherazade beginning one of her thousand and one tales of the Arabian nights.

At close quarters, you will find the camel to be obstreperous and ill mannered. He will spit in your eye as soon as stand on your foot. He has bad breath, is flatulent, wayward, and no respecter of his fellow creatures or of property. He takes firm handling. On a picket, he will slobber all over his halter, causing the knot to jam, unless you can tie the camel hitch. He can’t be bridled like a horse, can’t be controlled by a bit in his mouth. The first foot or so of his halter must be metal chain or he will eat it. His teeth and chops are like the crusher in a scrap yard. He can enjoy munching on acacia thorns like you slurping strawberries and cream.

And yet he is so damnably useful and capable. He can walk for weeks without food or drink. He can just sit stock still while a sandstorm rages about him for days, then when it abates, he just shakes his head, rouses himself, and plods on his way.

In fact, we have camels to thank for the visit of the Magi. We only know they came ‘from the East’. Well if you look across the Jordan from the west bank, there’s thousands of miles of ‘East’ to go at, before you get interrupted by China, or Mongolia. If the Magi only came from Persepolis, a great Persian seat of learning at the time, that’s still over a thousand miles. They couldn’t have done it without camels.

It is interesting to note that the Magi form the first Gentile (that includes us) first Gentile connection to the Nativity story. Until their arrival, this birth of a Messiah had been a wholly Jewish affair. It might well have remained so. Do we know at what point God decided not to be so selective? The message to the shepherds included the phrase ‘peace towards men’- not to my chosen people, not to the Jews- just ‘men’. I wonder what stories the Magi told on returning, and who listened. I’m not suggesting that they were the first evangelists, but don’t forget – God decided on their involvement with the creation of that star, and as the Magi might have said at the time- ‘That wasn’t yesterday’.

Did you know that one of the earliest known titles of the Abyssinian Emperor was ‘Lion of Judah’?

I wonder, what does the camel know that he’s not telling us?

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What does Ascension Day actually mean?
 

By Andreas Jungklaus, 21st May 2022 

 

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father”. Phil. 2:6-11

Approaching the Ascension Day in our liturgical calendar a question might pop up about what this moment means and what spiritual impact it can have in our lives. Moreover there are only a few verses that regard this episode that sometimes the Bible itself doesn’t seem to care that much. The Gospel of John doesn’t even mention it whilst the other three Gospels cover briefly the subject in their final chapter. But the ascension isn’t in the text just for a merely narrative way of describing a happy ending in Jesus’ life, is it? On the contrary, the ascension has been one of the central pillars of Christian faith and one of the greatest aspects of Jesus’ life about which more details are found in Acts 1 as a sort of prerequisite for the Pentecost Day. No wonder we profess the ascension event in the Apostle’s Creed with these words: “he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father” – inserted in a sequence of sentences. In fact the ascension gives us a logical sequence about God’s plan of redemption on humanity. Jesus died and was buried and rose on the third day (our Easter celebration) and now ascended into heaven. Each of these events has an explanation to us.

The ascension along with the resurrection marked the victory of Jesus over death. This death could not hold him since he has fulfilled all criteria demanded from the Law in perfect obedience – something completely impossible for a sinful fallen human being like you and me. The Law is the moral pattern of God himself. Our physical death, in other words, is a visible representation of an invisible reality, that is, our broken relationship with the Creator. Jesus being 100% man and 100% God was the last sacrifice needed, the immaculate male Lamb without defect that we learned at Easter that has replaced us and paid for the sins of those who believe. Jesus sprinkled his own blood on the cross just like the Israelites did with the lamb’s blood onto the doorframe in order that everyone who puts oneself under this divine provision might be freed from the angel of death (the spiritual death in our case). The ascension, therefore, seals the Father’s acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice.

In Philippians 2, however, we have a still deeper meaning concerning what is behind ascension: that God exalted Jesus and ascended him to the highest ever known position, to the highest possible rank, to the most glorious name in the universe with the purpose of establishing His Kingdom and so that every dominiom might be cast to his feet (read also Col 1). This left indent we see in verses 6-11 (NIV) brings to us a declaration of faith that we could use in our daily life if we wanted. According to the Judaic concept, the Messiah would be exalted too, the people were even shouting “Hosanna in the highest!” (Mt 21:9) but with a restricted political perspective. In fact the King of Israel was elevated in a tree and elevated bodily into heaven, in a very different manner from what they expected. Two conclusions for our reflection:

It’s not because the Bible speaks briefly on a subject that this very subject isn’t of great relevance. So the fact of the Bible not speaking of a specific theme or speaking little doesn’t mean, for example, that the Bible doesn’t have an answer to that.

Today we can elevate Christ and exalt him with our lives as living offerings in gratitude and love for Him. This doesn’t happen in a Sunday morning service only but every day with our crafts and abilities and studies and arts we also excellently exalt him. The pouring of the Spirit and the messianic kingdom were intimately associated within the Judaic eschatological understanding. Jesus, then, inaugurates this Kingdom in Acts 2 with the Pentecost and for this to happen, he must ascend into heaven just after commissioning his disciples. The Kingdom was already conquered but is still being implemented little by little in this hybrid period of History we live in between the first and the second coming where we are already saved but not fully freed from the presence of sin. 

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Consider the donkey

 

Neil Smalley, 11th April 2022

The donkey is surely among the most ill served of creatures. He hangs his head in a diffident, self-depreciating manner, as though his mind is on something, somewhere else, or perhaps just alone. Being small, meek, mild mannered, he is designated a beast of burden throughout the world, throughout history. He is derided for his sad clown face, with its white ringed eyes. His ears would appear to be designed for a creature three times his size. Think of the proportions of a horse’s ears. And the donkey’s mane seems to be made of old boot brushes. No flowing plume for a tail – just a knotted rope’s end. And as if all this wasn’t enough ill favour for him to bare, there is the voice- the harsh, painful and anguished sounding cry - the bray.

The horse has a melodious voice, and that throaty,’ harrumph’ he does by way of ‘hello’ is quite engaging. What does the donkey get? A voice that seems to come through sandpaper and rusty iron, a voice which is uttered through pain.

The amazing thing is, though, that after the unfortunate donkey had all this opprobrium heaped upon him, on the two occasions when God wanted someone to bear his precious son, where did he turn?

When Joseph was spending his days lifting the heavily pregnant Mary in and out of the saddle, on the journey to Bethlehem, it was understandable to use a donkey. For a horse, Joseph would have needed a mounting block with standing space for two on top. So no horse, then. A camel would have served. The camel sits and stands on command, and the longer legs and longer stride would have made for a much more comfortable ride, in fact the camel is a much more regal, imposing creature.

Then, for the triumphant entry into Jerusalem, wouldn’t a big white stallion, with flowing mane and tail, and full ‘feathered’ fetlocks have presented an altogether more impressive image? Something like Napoleon on his rearing Marengo, in the famous painting, all majesty and heroism.

No. Pomp and circumstance were not the order of the day. The message was one of self-effacing humility. No fanfares, no rallying of rebellion, nor call to arms or show of force. Just a donkey, with coat and palm trim. And even while the children were waving their palms and throwing their coats under the donkey’s pretty little hooves, the Pharisees were already muttering ‘crucify’ under their breath, because this was the plan, remember, and not man’s but God’s.

I wonder, if the donkey could have spoken to us, say, ten days later, what would the donkey have said?

Theologians tell us that dumb creatures have no soul, so cannot enter heaven. Well that is their opinion; they can keep it and I’ll keep mine. I’m sure when it comes time for me to approach the fabled Pearly Gates, I could do it in much less revered company than that of a donkey. If the donkey were not admitted, I think I would need to sit on the grass verge for quite some time before I could steel myself to send him off back down the track, but it won’t happen that way, I’m sure. I know, in my heart, that if I did happen to arrive in company with a donkey, I would be glad of the distraction. I wouldn’t be riding him, rather his coat-tails, so to speak.


 

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Diary of an Apprentice - Week 11

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 18^th February 2022

Hello again!

This week's blog is a week of GREAT NEWS and encouragement! :)

I'm going to bring an update on all of the youth work going on, that I'm involved in, in our church. There have been so many blessings in the last term that I'm desperate to share with you...

MONDAYS

• GGANG - we have 4 girls consistently coming along every week. They are bringing both me and Caitlin huge encouragement as they engage in questions, discussions and enjoy having fellowship each session. Such a small group, means we are able to truly build relationships that can flourish through a mutual love of God. We are currently reading through Mark Greene's book, 'Fruitfulness on the Frontline'. We are all learning about the ways in which we can apply the fruits of the Spirit in our own lives to show God's love to our friends and family. Each girl that attends GGANG probably has no idea the effect they are having on my life, but I'm extremely grateful for that small group.

TUESDAYS

• Tiny Tots - tiny tots is definitely out of my comfort zone but it's been a really great way to serve in the church. Every week we get between 18-25 families coming along, it's an awesome number of people that we are able to reach with God's word and love in a simple yet worthy way.

 

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Diary of an Apprentice - Week 12 

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 4th February 2022

 

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Diary of an Apprentice - Week 10

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 4^th February 2022

Hi all, I usually give you a fun fact at the end of my blog, but today I'm revealing it early... lucky you!
Music is class! I love listening to music, especially Christian music that glorifies and worships our great God. But The Beatles is my guilty pleasure too.. :)

Listening to music that brings true glory to God is what I'm going to talk about today... I'm going to throw out some of my song and artist recommendations and explain why I don't listen to certain artists.

Being on Guard
Listening to worship music is awesome, it's a great way to worship and praise God and be encouraged to keep 'fighting the good fight of faith' - 1 Timothy 6v12. We are actually called by Paul to sing out praises to God:

"Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."  - Ephesians 5 v 18 - 20

But if we carry on reading Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we see that we are told to be on guard, to protect our hearts from the sinful lies of the devil:

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."  - Ephesians 6 v 10 - 13

So, in light of that, we can see that we need to be guarding our hearts against unhelpful music just as much as we are guarding our hearts against false teachings. To do this, I try to make sure that I only listen to the music of artists that I have researched first. Mostly, I try to find out what they believe and which church they belong to. I try to learn more about these churches and what their doctrines are before I choose to listen to their music because I want to protect myself from the risks of having false teachings and heresy preached to me, even in the lyrics of music.

I want to encourage everyone to be more aware of what they are listening to and subjecting their ears and hearts to; please protect yourself from the schemes of Satan.

To those who claim that they are wise enough to discern between true and false teaching in music so believe this does not apply to them, I still would recommend that you research before you listen. If we choose to listen to music that speaks of things scripture does not say, then it could be said that we are being complicit with the idea of people preaching false truths. Rather, I believe, we should be actively standing against anything that is against the gospel of Christ Jesus.

An example of this in action for me would be my choice to no longer listen to a very big, very well-known band in Christian culture, called Bethel Music. They are a huge church in America that produced music for their own services and have since released them to the public ear. I loved their seemingly gospel-centred songs but was completely oblivious and ignorant to the blatant heresy they preached until a wise, godly friend pointed it out to me. I decided to do some research for myself and found that the leader of the Bethel church made this statement:

"Jesus performed miracles, wonders, and signs as a man in right relationship to God, not as God. If he performed miracles because he was God, then they would be unattainable for us. But if he did them as a man, I am responsible to pursue his lifestyle."

This statement then explains why his church, Bethel, believes in the Prosperity Gospel (that it is God's will for you to always be well and healthy and that large enough faith and monetary donations to religious causes will bring this health). From scripture, I knew this was all entirely untrue. They say Jesus was not God, but he was. Jesus was, and is, fully God - only he can miraculously heal. They say the [prosperity!] gospel implies we can achieve merit through our own works, but we can't. We can only receive good gifts through the grace of our loving God.

Since learning this I've chosen to boycott their music for 2 reasons: 

• I don't want to risk subjecting myself to false teaching. It's much safer for me to listen to the music of artists who love Jesus and preach directly from the beautiful truth and goodness of scripture.
• I don't want to be, in any way, encouraging the heresy they believe or encouraging others to believe the heresy they preach. Heresy is serious. 

This is what I believe from my own research, but I urge you to do your own, don't take my word for it.

On a brighter note, taking into consideration what I've just said, here are some of my recommendations with a Spotify playlist link should you be interested!!

Song recommendations:  https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ZMgQtEiOstOFEIRRE8xxG?si=10799c11db9f49d5

• Yet not I but through Christ in me - CityAlight
• It is well - The Worship Initiative
• His Mercy is More - Matt Boswell
• Nailed to the Cross - Rend Collective
• You're Beautiful - Phil Wickham

Artist Recommendations:

• Rend Collective
• Phil Wickham
• Sovereign Grace Music
• Keith and Kristyn Getty
• The Worship Initiative / Shane&Shane - These are generally covers of other artists' songs. They are an awesome band for those who no longer want to listen to a certain artist but have songs they really love and know do not speak false truths.

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Diary of an Apprentice - Book Review 2

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 21^st January 2022

Our most recent book on the apprenticeship reading list was suggested by Nathan, it focused on Christian hospitality.

'The Gospel Comes with a House Key' by Rosaria Butterfield.

"Those who live out radically ordinary hospitality see their homes not as theirs at all but as God's good gift to use for the furtherance of his kingdom. They open doors; they seek out the underprivileged. They know that the gospel comes with a house key."

Rosaria spoke zealously of the vital importance of 'radically ordinary hospitality'. 'Radical', in that, it is no longer the social norm in today's age to have our homes open for all, at any time. So, she explains that we need to act radically. And 'ordinary', in that, it needs to become normal - or, ordinary! - to have all people welcome to our homes at any cost.

The book spoke of how important hospitality is as a Christian, both in giving and receiving. Before reading this book I was under the very narrow impression that hospitality is something that you either give through the openness of your home; or something that you receive by being welcomed into someone else's home. But in actual fact, there are appropriate moments in which both are true for just one person at one time. I'll explain...

You can give hospitality by welcoming people lovingly into your home and providing a space where Christ's love is central. BUT. Whilst you give hospitality through your home and love, you too can be on the receiving end of hospitality from those very people who you have welcomed. It gives the opportunity for the guest to also be hospitable to the host, taking on some of your burdens (as the host) and showing support to you, just as you are showing support to them (as the guest).

This was a huge revelation to me, it was an idea that I had never even considered. An idea that really convicted and challenged me. Butterfield expressed such passion for hospitality throughout this whole book that I began to really desire and long to show earnest and full hospitality in my own everyday life.

This was a book filled to the brim with practical ways in which we can show hospitality to our neighbours; both believing and unbelieving neighbours. It described the whole spectrum of practical ways to show hospitality: FROM, huge ways like literally getting more house keys cut and giving them out to huge proportions of your church family. Or, making your home a safe place for the vulnerable to find peace and rest through adoption. TO, doing acts as little as folding the washing when being invited to someone's home who is noticeably very busy. Or, simply listening to someone talk about their struggles and burdens.

This book makes it abundantly clear that regardless of the end of the spectrum that you are practicing hospitality on, you are able to show the immense love of Christ towards your neighbour.

I was both encouraged and challenged, on repeat, by this book; and if you want to be encouraged and challenged too I really really urge you to give it a read.

I (obviously!) have a copy on my bookshelf that is begging to be opened again. So if you are interested, please let me know, you can read this one - AND, it gives me a chance to put its words into action! Win-win!
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Diary of an Apprentice - Day in the Life of...

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 17th December 2021

This week I thought I'd try something a little different to mix it up... You're going to join me on a day in the life of 'Apprentice Hannah' on a Wednesday - a particularly busy day for me.

So, here goes...
09.25 am - Wake up (5 minutes before a Zoom prayer meeting in my pj's...)
09.30 am - Zoom prayer meeting with Si, Fergus and Nathan (my co-apprentice): we spend 30 minutes reading a Psalm, discussing what it meant and then praying for one another.
10.00 am - Quiet time with God: currently I'm going through the 'Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies' devotional and the 30 day devotional on the book of Ruth from Keswick ministries. I'm really enjoying reading through a book that I've never looked at before and I'm learning so much about the parallels between this story and the story of Jesus' birth (that I didn't even realise existed!!).
10.30 am - Crack on with jobs that I've been procrastinating against: housework, preparing CYFA, pathfinders and NWP talks, sending emails and drawing up the fortnightly social media post.
(In the past, at 11.30 am I would open up the church building and set up toys for the Mum's bible study).
12.15 pm - NISCU lunch clubs @ Whitehaven Academy (one for yr7s and one for yr8s).
02.00 pm - Usually I have pastoral visits with Si: meeting various elderly or lonely people in their home to catch up, read some scripture together and pray. But, Si was unavailable this week so instead I took this extra time to sort out Christmas presents!
04.00 pm - Zoom Line management meeting: this sounds much more fancy and formal than it really is. This just involves me and Nathan discussing our past week with Si and planning for the week ahead. If we have finished reading a book together then we discuss our opinions here too.
05.00 pm - A home-cooked meal with the Walker Family! Sadly, this also did not happen this week because Si wasn't able to, but instead, it gave me lots of time to start preparing my talks for GGANG and CYFA after the Christmas break.
07.30 pm - Caroling around Hensingham: a one-off addition for this week involved going singing around Hensingham with the church family, chilly but heart-warming.
09.00 pm - Arrive home, and then usually I would prepare my bag for the next day's trip to Leyland but we are off until January now so instead I flopped into bed :) zzz...

I'm sure you will agree, very busy. Sometimes I really dread Wednesdays because I'm constantly on the go and I get quite exhausted. But it has been a really great way to force myself to rely on the energy and strength of God, not on myself and my own finite strength.

I recently challenged myself to commit a bible verse to memory to think of when I am struggling during these fast-paced days. I chose a short, but encouraging and powerful one:

'My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life.' - Psalm 119 v 50.

When I remind myself to think of this verse I feel particularly motivated to keep striving to glorify God with my day because I know that Jesus' promise (that he died for my sins and will return in glory to bring me up to heaven with him) will preserve my life to be everlasting. Thank you Christ that no matter how exhausted I feel, I can - and should - lean on you to hold me up and to grant me the energy and passion I need to work to bring glory to your precious name.

Hannah's fact of the week:
I mentioned this fact in my first blog, but I thought I should elaborate... I love being up a mountain or on a lake! So yes, I absolutely love spending time in the outdoors, but the twist is - I'm lazy :( I love the idea of being at the top of a mountain looking out onto the rest of the Lake District but it takes great mental persuasion to get myself there... The mighty John Stoker is very good at getting me (/forcefully dragging me) into the outdoors and despite my reluctance at first I'm always super duper grateful after it :) Thanks bro, love you!

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Diary of an Apprentice - Week 7 

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 3^rd December 2021

I moved house! I moved into my new home with Caitlin and it is beautiful. 

Sorry, I was so excited to tell everyone that I moved house that I forgot to say hi. Hi everyone! :)

I have to admit, the kitchen is kind of freezing but it's so pretty and the cold was nothing a gifted pair of slippers and a dressing gown couldn't fix. Living in Keekle now, I'm much closer to church and to work as an apprentice in general (especially saving lots of petrol money), so I've been able to get involved with lots...

This week I've been volunteering at Cornerstone and also taking a Cornerstone bookstore to Tiny Tots. It was a great opportunity to offer Christian books to the parents of the 'tiny tots' - I've found making conversations with these mums and dads really scary but the bookstall was a great, easy conversation starter. It was a clear answer to prayer, prayer that ways to get to chat to the parents would arise. Thank you Lord. So, what else have I done this week? Well, I've also been along to Pathfinders and to CYFA again. At CYFA, I was giving the teaching this week. Sunday, was actually my birthday and I thought that having to do something that made me nervous - like giving a talk - on my birthday would be a real chore. But in actual fact, I enjoyed chatting to the CYFA members a lot - it's a small group, but a seriously encouraging group. At Pathfinders, Nathan (my co-apprentice) was giving his first teaching to the group. He was speaking again on the 'I am' statements of Jesus and this week he was looking at 'the resurrection and the life'. It was nice to see a close friend whom I've grown up with, spreading the good news of Jesus passionately. 

On Wednesday, I attended the lunchtime club led by NISCU at Whitehaven Academy. I'm really enjoying building close, trusting relationships with a couple of specific girls - it excites me to know that the Holy Spirit is working in both my heart and their hearts to bring us closer to one another and hopefully eventually closer to God. Relationships take a lot of time, effort and patience to build up - but when they are being built upon the cornerstone of a love for Jesus and desire to share him with everyone, it suddenly becomes so much easier to keep trying and waiting. Thank you Jesus for continually providing me opportunities to spread your good news - you are amazing. 

After getting home from the North West Partnership on Thursday, as normal, I attended 'Living Room'. We have just finished going through the book of Hebrews. At first, I found it really difficult to stay concentrated and to take away something from the group. But, as we neared the end I was gaining more and more. For example, in our last session, we had a really eye-opening discussion about greed and the contrast between worldly and biblical views of money. For December, we are going through Robin Ham's Advent Devotional 'Finding Hope Under Bethlehem Skies'. Everyone at 'Living Room' is using this book for their quiet times in December. Every Thursday, we will meet to chat about what we've learnt. I'm looking forward to hearing what everyone has to say.

Hannah's fact of the week: 
I think I come across to a lot of my friends and family that I am a strong extrovert who loves to socialise and spend time with others. And, don't get me wrong, I do love spending time with those I love, but it really does exhaust me. When I'm at home I spend a lot of time alone, enjoying my own company. So, perhaps you could say I was more of an introvert? Who knows? 
My Father in Heaven does!

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The Rocking Carol

 

Neil Smalley, 6th December 2021

 

    In September, 1946, just after my 5th birthday, I started school, and that Christmas, for our Nativity concert, we all learned the Rocking Carol. I was enchanted, intrigued- puzzled, even, but all very enjoyably so. What puzzled me was where were we going to get a coat of fur? I didn’t know anyone who possessed such a treasure, because to lend baby Jesus such a rarity, we would have to borrow it from someone living on a much more elevated plain of existence than the one we inhabited.

    Although it didn’t mean anything to me that the war was over, and we were still under rationing, I was still vaguely aware that our lives were very much restricted. I was aware that there were some standards of living, possession and behaviour that belonged to people on the wireless and in stories, but they were in a different world from our ‘one up and one down’ inner city slum yard house, with outside toilet shared with another family, and one air-raid shelter in the yard for 24 households.

    The nearest I could get, in my mind, to a coat of fur was Bella Wagstaff in the top corner of the yard. She had what was identified as a fox fur tippet. Imagine a strip of dark fur (definitely not fox coloured) three inches wide about two feet long. On one end dangled two boneless legs, with claws, a narrow face with glass eyes and a black shiny bead of a nose, while the other end sported two similar legs with claws, plus a very modest, wisp of a tail. Not at all fox-like; not at all impressive, in fact it was rather repulsive in a sad sort of way. Even baby Jesus would have been startled by it, or perhaps frightened, and been sick over it.

    Now the rocking bit, I really enjoyed. I’d seen Lillian Gregory (lived on ‘the Front’- road in front of the yard) sitting on the step and rocking her baby girl, Winnie, so I knew how to do it properly, gently, not like Harry Garfitt. He looked like he was going to chuck baby Jesus over the school gate. In fact most of the other kids were the same. You could tell the ones with younger siblings- ones like Alice Scholey. She had several, and was obviously her mother’s second in command. She was ‘Mary’ and even at five years old, she was an expert at lifting baby Jesus up across her shoulder, and patting his back to ‘wind’ him.

    The bit that really grabbed me by the throat, the heart, even, was the last phrase- ‘…darling, darling little Man’. We were saying that to Jesus! In the short time we had been at school, we had sort of adjusted and got used to vicars, teachers and such going on in their sort of ‘bible speak’ like Holy and merciful Father, and creator of the universe, omnipotence, and lots of thees and thous and thines, and often in a singy songy smarmy voice, like singing badly through their noses, and here we were talking to baby Jesus like Ivy Mazlin did to her little brother, Billy- like he was one of ours!- One of our own! I could just hear Ivy singing out ‘Come ‘ere our Jesus! What ‘ave you got on your face!’

    And this is what we are in danger of losing, as we grow up- The fact that Jesus is ours; brother. minder, pal, leader of our gang, role model, best mate. You know you can rely on him to talk sense, advise, back you up, not leave you in the lurch, nor fob you off, never let you down.

    I suppose I’ve moved a long way on from the Rocking Carol, but so has Jesus. We never did find him that coat of fur. Never mind. As Christina Rossetti says in ‘In the Deep Mid-winter’ = What shall I give him? Give him my heart.
    
 

 

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Diary Of An Apprentice - Week 6 

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 19^th November 2021

An interesting blog post is in store for you readers this week, I’ve had a very eventful week!

So it started off relaxed and enjoyable. I had much less to do than usual which was a nice change to bring me some much-needed rest. However, the Lord had other plans.

In fact, the Lord had very, very different plans… I actually lost control of my beloved car, Burtie, and crashed into a stone wall :( many sad faces. I completely wrote off the car, losing the entire front end. BUT, where there is trial, there is blessing! Neither I nor my passenger were hurt at all; we remained entirely unscratched despite the state of the car. We were protected by the loving, sovereignty of the Lord. Yes, I was massively shaken after the event and I found it hard to focus on anything other than the idea that we - and many others - could’ve been seriously hurt, but it forced me to remember that the Father is always in control. Everything is part of His divine and perfect plan. He was also reminding me that He is with me in EVERYTHING. Never will He leave me and never will He forsake me (Deuteronomy 31v6). He was with me when I lost control of the wheel. He was with me when I drove into the wall and spun. He was with me when I got out of the car, shaking. He was with me through the generosity of passersby stopping to look after us. He was with me through the gentleness of the policeman. He was with me in the days after, sorting insurance, transport and a new car. Thank you Jesus, you never leave me to fend alone.

I realise that this seems irrelevant to the 'Diary of an Apprentice' but it's actually had a huge impact on my working week. I've had to be much more organised with transport to and from all the various activities I'm involved in throughout the week. Therefore, it has been an extremely humbling experience. I've been forced to rely on the compassion of others and the provision of the Lord rather than on my own abilities.

Another plot twist to the story of my week involved the one and only, Coronavirus. Thankfully, it was not myself that COVID managed to infect, but unfortunately it was one of my brothers in Christ - David. It turned out to have a much greater affect on my week that I had expected:

• I had to step in during our 11am church service on Sunday to present the visuals. I have done this on many an occasion for the 9am service, however that service has much less to present. For the 11am, I had to learn the new skill of presenting videos rather than just powerpoints and learn how to link what I was doing to the 'Audio' team.
• I had to do last-minute preparations for the mid-week youth group, Pathfinders. That involved finding an appropriate leader to come alongside me and JB (the other Pathfinders leader) and coming up with a game that would be enjoyed on short notice. I wouldn't say the game went spectacularly, or as planned, but the kids seemed to enjoy it with the new variations that they invented themselves!
• In this coming week, I now need to prepare a talk to present to the 'Pathfinders' next Tuesday as David will still be in isolation then. During the teachings at minute, we are going through the 'I am's of Jesus'. So far we have looked at 'The Good Shepherd', 'The Bread of Life' and 'The Way, The Truth and The Life'. I intend to bring some teachings on the statement from Jesus: 'I am the Light of the World'. I'm actually looking forward to learning more about this statement myself, it's really encouraging knowing that Jesus brought light to a dark, sinful world.

Prayer points for me this week would be that the house move goes smoothly and that I would be able to use my time wisely and effectively to finish all the jobs I have this week without lazy procrastiation. Have a lovely week :)

Hannah's Fact of the Week:
I am missing a knuckle in my right hand! It seems non-existant in my little finger but I figure, surely, it must be there somewhere... Right? And seemingly not having this right hand knuckle makes my pinky-finger much much smaller than my pinky-finger on my left hand. A very weird quirk, but I love it. If you see me at church, youth groups or around Whitehaven and you want to see this peculiar sight, feel free to ask!
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Diary of an Apprentice - Week 5

 

Hannah O'Donnell,  5^th November 2021

Hello all, I've had an especially hectic week this week which I thought would get too much for me to bear, but the Lord sustained me! This week has been a reminder that regardless of how much you have to do, the Lord is sovereign, He never gives us more than we can cope with if we are leaning on Him.

So this week has been a week of firsts:

• the first GGANG (girls' bible study) session
• the first Tiny Tots session after COVID-19
• my first attempt at leading Springboard (Sunday school for 7-11s)
• my first meeting with one of my mentors (the legend that is Phil Sisson, one of St John's wardens)
• my first preparations of a talk for Pathfinders (youth group for Y7-9) next week.

I have to say, doing things for the first time is something I find especially difficult and terrifying, but, through the strength of Jesus, I made it through the week injury-free! In fact, I really loved my first experiences.

I loved the first, ever GGANG meet-up. A superb number of 5 teen girls came along (with more expected next week) and immediately clicked, this small (-ish) number was perfect for everyone to be able to feel comfortable and willing to chat away. This week was simply a week of getting to know one another and finding out what we will be looking at for the next 5 weeks - the 'Essentials' book and resources by Lee McMunn - as well as playing plenty of icebreaker games... there was A LOT of laughter. Both Caitlin and I were very encouraged by this positive start and are feeling much more confident and excited to get going properly next week. Prayer for the coming week that preparations would be Christ-centred and that the next session would be positively received would be awesome!

The first post-pandemic Tiny Tots meet-up also took place on Tuesday morning. The morning went better than any of us could have ever expected or hoped for and it was a real morale-booster for all of us leaders that this new style of Tiny Tots was appreciated, valued and enjoyed thoroughly. Thank you Father that you are in control and have prospered all of the time, effort and planning that has gone into getting this vital group up and running again. Roll on the rest of the year.

My first attempt at leading Springboard was enjoyable and, I think, well-received. There were definitely a lot of improvements to be made for this Sunday coming, and it was a humbling experience to have to make many extremely last-minute changes (literally) but it forced me all the more to trust in the ability of Christ, not my own strength, to provide a loving, gospel-centred teaching despite the late changes.

My first meeting with Phil was lovely and much needed. The biblical wisdom that flows from her tongue was a huge reminder that all I do this year and beyond must have a cornerstone foundation of the truth of the gospel. Being able to freely speak about my current experiences of being the ministry apprentice this year was very appreciated, and having someone wise who I can go to for prayerful advice and support, I know, is going to be something crucial to my year.

Finally, my preparations this week for giving my first talk at Pathfinders on Tuesday have been going well. I've noticed how much of an impact the North West Partnership Course is already having on me and how I approach preparing teachings now. The greatest reminder I've had, almost ingraned into me now, is the power of prayer. Prayer before you read the passage. Prayer after you read the passage. Prayer before you write anything. Prayer when you get stuck or confused. Prayer when you are lacking the motivation. Prayer when prayer is answered. Prayer after you have finished preparations. Prayer in the lead up to giving the talk. Prayer with everyone before you teach. Prayer after you speak. Prayer, prayer, and more prayer. If the NWP has taught me anything (which it certainly has taught me masses) it's the power and certain requirement of prayer. So, on that note, if you would be praying that my talk at Pathfinders goes well and is received with gratitude, I'm confident God will listen. 

Hannah's fact of the week
I am soon to be moving out of my parent's home in Workington to live with the mighty Caitlin Holburt! I'm incredibly excited to be moving on the 20th of November to Whitehaven, not only because I'll be much closer to all of the jobs that come with the ministry apprenticeship but also because it means I get to spend more time with a valued friend whom I love lots.
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Diary of an Apprentice - Week 4

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 29^th October 2021

Hi everyone, I'm back to update you on my last few weeks!

I've been pretty manageably busy recently; youth work, preparing talks, NWP in Leyland, preparing for GGANG (the girls' bible study I'm setting up), volunteering at Cornerstone Bookshop, putting together social media posts, going to a Rend Collective concert, having a few days of family holiday, meetings, meetings and a couple more meetings! I've really enjoyed my last few weeks. 

Rather than bore you to death with the minute details of everything I've been up to recently, I thought it would be nice to find out what I'm enjoying most as the ministry apprentice so far, and what I enjoyed most about this week...

So, this week, I've really really enjoyed attending the North West Partnership (NWP). It takes a lot of concentration for long (-ish!) periods of time, that I struggle with a lot, but it is also extremely exciting and interesting getting to learn more about the mind-blowing intricacies of God's Word - something I've never done before.

Last week, we were learning about the Patriarchs of Israel: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. But we were looking into how these three Fathers of the Jewish people were foreshadowing the coming of Jesus and how salvation through works is disproved:

• Abraham - he was promised by God that he would have many descendants. This is a story we all know very well, but we are often quick to pass over verse 12 of chapter 15 which reveals that Abram fell into a 'deep sleep' of ' dreadful darkness' after he is promised as many descendants as there are stars in the sky (15v5). At the NWP it was pointed out that this could be pointing to the darkness that fell once Jesus died on the cross (Mark 15v33)... A clear show that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
• Isaac - he was taken by Abraham to be sacrificed under the Lord's instruction. This is a story that we all know very well, but we are often quick to pass over verse 6 of chapter 22 which reveals that Isaac had to carry the wood - that he was going to be sacrificed on - himself, up to the top of Mount Moriah. This is very blatantly paralleling the story of Jesus making his way to Golgotha, forced to carry his wooden cross that he was going to be sacrificed on (Mark 15v21). Carrying the burden of the sins of the whole of humanity... A clear show that Jesus was the fulfillment of the Old Testament.
• Jacob - he tricked Isaac into giving him Esau's birthright. This is a story that we all know very well, but we are often quick to pass over the idea that it isn't always the 'good guy' that is chosen to fulfill God's promises. Jacob was the descendant of Abraham, used to continue the line of God's people, even though he was wicked. This proves that it isn't through the merit of our good works that God blesses us and fulfills his promises to us, but rather through his boundless mercy and grace... A clear show that we cannot be saved through our own works, but only through the power of God.

More widely, in the apprenticeship as a whole, I'm really enjoying the opportunity to meet new people. Meeting new people is something I find particularly terrifying and difficult, but this job is really forcing me to rely on the Lord that he will provide kind and welcoming people to help me to feel comfortable reaching out. Thank you, Jesus!

Hannah's fact of the week
I am a vegan, I love eating really tasty plant-based food! But it also means I'm a bit of a pain at restaurants, meals I've been invited to and in day to day snacking... :(  Regardless, I would recommend a plant-based diet to anyone and everyone!!!! It's so much more than leaves and tasteless veg, there are endless vegan recipes to relish in. I challenge you this week to eat one vegan meal! (It helps the planet so much too YAY).
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Diary of an Apprentice - Book Review

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 12^th October 2021

This week I finished my first book on the apprenticeship reading list: 'Revolution in World Missions'. I thought it would be beneficial to share some of the challenging ideas that K.P. Yohannan brings to light.



'An incredibly convicting and challenging read.'

Every time someone has asked me how I have found reading this book, that has
been my immediate overwhelming thought. K.P. Yohannan is not scared to be
brutally honest about the shortfall of Western countries and what we should be
doing to properly serve as followers of Christ...

The book describes how God is doing great work in Asia, despite the many
challenges.

"Through an indigenous organisation in Thailand, where more than 200 national missionaries are doing pioneering village evangelism, one group personally shared their faith with 10,463 people in two months. Of these 171 gave their lives to Christ, and six new churches were formed…Remember, this great harvest is happening in a Buddhist nation that never has seen such results. Reports like these come to us daily from national outreach teams in almost every Asian nation."

The ‘Revolution’ described, is that it's people from their countries doing the mission work, with no need for western missionaries. The author says that they are able to work more effectively, because they already know the language and the culture.

The revolution in missions needs to continue, argues Yohannan. The role of western churches should be to support those financially, who are already there and better positioned to do the work. He writes:

“Three months ago, I travelled to one South Asian country to visit some of the brothers we support. In one country, I met a Western missionary who had for 14 years been developing some social programs for his denomination. He had come to this country hoping he could establish his mission centre, and he had been successful. As I walked into his mission compound, I passed a man with a gun, sitting at the gate. The compound was bordered by a number of buildings with at least half a dozen imported cars. The staff members were wearing Western clothes, and a servant was caring for one of the missionary children. The scene reminded me of a king living in a palace with his court of serfs caring for his every need. I have, in 18 years of travel, seen this scene repeated many times.

"From conversation with some of the national missionaries,” I continued, “I learned that this missionary and his colleagues did live like kings with their servants and cars. They had no contact with the poor in the surrounding villages. God’s money is invested in missionaries like these who enjoy a lifestyle they could not afford back home—a lifestyle of a rich man, separated by economy and distance from the national missionaries walking barefoot, poorly dressed even by their own standards, and sometimes going without food. These nationals, in my opinion, are the real soldiers of the cross.”

Is that what missionaries are called to live like, or are they supposed to immerse themself into the culture of the country they're in, living in the same circumstances as those they want to reach? Granted, living in poverty without access to clean water, clothes or homes would be immensely difficult, especially having lived comfortable
lives in the West - where we often take basic 'necessities' for granted, but that doesn't mean we can't adapt. We need to be careful about insisting on western ways of mission. This book was K.P. Yohannan's experiences of mission work in India. It clearly describes the work his charity - 'GFA World' - is doing to enable the shift from foreign missionaries doing the work, to national missionaries who understand the culture and the challenges of living in third world countries and the benefits this brings.

Of course, there are some situations where it is right for people to travel from one culture to another to share the gospel and the book also says this.

The book caused me to ask, is the money being directed as I would hope and expect? In a gospel-reflected, Christ-glorifying way? Or does the organisation put their time, efforts and wealth towards giving the 'missionary' a comfortable and luxurious lifestyle - taking advantage of the poverty in the third world nations they are intending to evangelise towards? Are they being clear about where the money donated is going and where it is helping? I could also bring this right down to my own life. I don't have to be abroad to be a missionary - do my actions match what I am trying to share from my life... Am I being a loving servant to others or am I using the title of being a 'Christian' as a means to seem like a 'good' person, to gain popularity or to gain respect amongst true followers of Christ? A real challenge for me, indeed.

So, having now read this book, the challenge to me was how to apply it to my own life. Jesus came to earth to serve others and we should be longing to follow his example, living as a servant to those who don't have what we do. Whether that is someone on our street or someone that lives thousands and thousands of miles from us. In his book, Yohannan speaks of how we can be a servant of Christ and of his people from anywhere on the planet; not only through mission abroad. We can be servants through direct evangelism in our own communities, through showing the love and care of our Lord Jesus Christ, by being generous with our money to all kinds of missionaries that are doing the Lord's work elsewhere and with our time spent in persistent prayer.

Yohannan makes it clear that each of us can be a servant of Christ, serving however God has called us.

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Diary of an Apprentice - Week 2

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 4^th October 2021

A busy and productive week. Thank you, Lord, for giving me energy and motivation to get jobs done that perhaps I was procrastinating on. 

Hello again! This week has been a busy week of getting stuck into all of the youth work in and around St. John’s and learning more about time management. 

My week started off with prayer meetings with Si, the associate vicar here at St John’s, talking about how my week had been and what I had planned for the upcoming week. We prayed about things that I’m nervous for and thanked Jesus for the blessings I’ve been graced with this week. For example, I was praying for energy. After my first couple of weeks in this new role, I’ve been quite exhausted and worn out from the new lifestyle. So prayer that Christ would sustain me and give me chances to have real rest was a big one! We also thanked Jesus for how well my first week at the North West Gospel Partnership Course (NWP) had been, I was incredibly nervous to meet so many new people, but God provided many many friendly faces for me to chat to without fear. Answered prayer? Check!

This week I’ve also been part of a huge amount of youth work. I attended Explorers and Pathfinders on Tuesday, NISCU’s Year 7 Lunch Club at Whitehaven Academy and an evening church youth group in Wigan on Wednesday, CYFA on Sunday evening and doing lots more planning and preparation for GGANG (the girl’s bible study I hope to set up soon). I really, really love getting involved with youth ministry and getting to build relationships with the young people. I feel as though I can relate to some of their worries and fears as well as the sins they struggle with the most at the moment - I’m able to provide Christ-inspired wisdom that I have learnt going through similar, if not the same, situations. Many people who know me personally would also agree with me when I say I'm pretty much on the same maturity wavelength as 12 year olds so that's handy when attempting to have fun and build good friendships! :) This week was my first week of doing ‘the teaching’ at a youth group: at CYFA we are going through the Youth Christianity Explored course (CY) and Si asked me to lead it this week. I was nervous, but also very excited to get my first talk under my belt; praying that there would be lots to learn and that I would be humble enough to understand what could’ve been improved/changed. It went as well as I could've hoped, for a 1st attempt. I felt confident and comfortable and the CYFA members were willing to get involved and answer questions which really encouraged me too - giving talks at youth groups was something I thought I would find terrifying and hate doing, but actually, I'm really looking forward to Si asking me to do it again! Praise God, you equip us and the Holy Spirit gives us the words to say - it is never my own, so I never need to fear.

The rest of my time was enjoyed through time spent with friends and time spent reading, two of my favourite pastimes. Overall, a super week, a week where it was easy to praise and thank God because it was enjoyable and positive. But, I'm aware that as the year goes on, I will be given more responsibilities and duties to take on. So, starting now - in preparation for that - I'll be praying that when I'm exhausted and I recognise my mental health is declining I will be able to throw myself at scripture and see all the blessings I have. I ask that you would be praying for me too.

Hannah's Fact of the Week
I LOVE SPORTS SCIENCE. When I say LOVE, I mean L.O.V.E. There is something about learning about the way the body works together to create movements and how our brain can affect our performance and so on that just completely fascinates me. God created us so intricately and intelligently, I will never ever be able to fully comprehend it and that blows my mind. I love it SO SO much, haha! To carry on my studies of sports science, on Saturday, I attended a university open day at Leeds Beckett Uni. The facilities were awesome and have made me really excited to get making decisions about my future beyond this year. Prayers that I would be wise and have glorifying Christ at the centre of my decisions would be greatly appreciated.

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Diary of an Apprentice - Week 1

 

Hannah O'Donnell, 27^th September 2021

Hi all! I'm Hannah, the new ministry apprentice for 2021/22 at St John's. I'll be updating this blog weekly to keep you updated on what I've been up to and what the life of a female ministry apprentice looks like. But, before I get into that I'd like you to get to know me better. So, key facts about me... 



#1 I LOVE Jesus - phewph!
#2 I love sport (especially netball).
#3 I love spending time with family - I have LOTS of teeny cousins.
#4 I'm an adventure seeker - being up a mountain or on a lake is my happy place.

Each week I'll be bringing you a new fact about me so you can continually be getting to know me better.

My main hopes for the year include:
• to grow in the knowledge of the Bible I have a mahoosive love for Jesus, but my knowledge is majorly lacking - that very often keeps me humble.
• to reach teen girls with God's Word and my love of Jesus. I'm hoping to set up a weekly teen girls bible study called GGANG (Girls Glorifying A Needed God) where we will all feel comfortable to learn, chat, ask questions and pray together.
• to grow in confidence - whether that's in 1-1 conversations with those I don't know or whether it's giving talks on the Bible to young people and women.

These three hopes also lead onto my prayer points for the beginning of the year. If you feel you could be praying for me, I would appreciate that hugely! :)

So, moving onto more about what the life of an apprentice looks like... My first week has been a gentle start, getting used to the hours of the job (not a regular 9-5 job but rather a variety of jobs throughout the day), starting off with a few youth groups after the summer break and getting to grips with the practicalities and logistics of running a church. Already from my first week, I've learnt a massive amount about what goes on behind the scenes and how much work goes into holding groups and services each week. My take-away for the week is feeling grateful to Christ for how he has blessed our church at St John's with such Christ-loving, servant-hearted people with a wide range of gifts and skills to best spread the GOOD NEWS of the gospel. I’ll be praying for clarity on the best ways I can use my God-given talents to glorify Him here at St John’s this coming year. 

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Books Addressing Mental Health

 

Si Walker, 3^rd April 2021

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Following our first talk on The Christian's Mental Health, here are a few select resources relating to anxiety and depression.

When the Darkness Will Not Lift by John Piper

This my top read for those struggling with depression, or wanting to get a better idea of how to help others. It is a short book and could be read in one sitting. The gospel drips off every page and for someone struggling to find hope, this book could be very refreshing.

Battles Christians Face: Tackling Big Issues with Confidence by Vaughan Roberts

The chapter in 'Battles Christians Face' on depression is worth buying the book. It is just 16 pages. Vaughan gives a fantastic brief introduction with a handful of helpful but not trite tips that are rooted in the Word. For the person asking, 'does the Bible have anything to say on this?' this might be the place to start.

Victory Over the Darkness: Realising the Power of Your Identity in Christ by Neil T. Anderson

This book is excellent for addressing the root causes of emotional problems and deals with how to let the truth captivate you, as opposed to the devil's lies. It is a very practical book, which will unpack some of the things a good Christian counsellor would want to go through. The one word of caution, is that Anderson has written books which take (for simplicity of explanation) a very pentecostal approach to the devil and demons. This book is not one of those, however, and I believe it could be highly beneficial.

I'm Not Supposed to Feel Like This: A Christian Approach to Coping with Depression and Anxiety by Williams, Richards and Whitton.

This is something of a workbook, with places to take notes and answer questions. It could be a helpful way to help identify what is triggering anxious feelings as it gives you various ways of processing what is happening in your thinking and experiences.

Do get in touch if you would like any further recommendations.

 

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A Lent Reflection

 

Neil Smalley, 11^th March 2021

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A lent reflection by Neil Smalley, a member of St John’s.

Wandering through my mind, seeking the garden, and he let me find it. I didn’t want to say or ask anything; I just wanted him to know that I had come. To say I wanted to share anything would be presumptuous. His disciples were scattered, still, or sleeping under the trees, and I was left in Judas’ place. I needed him to know I wouldn’t run, as they had done. I just wanted to feel his last still moment of quiet envelop me, among the trees, moonlight above, dew-damp grass below.

His shadow moved from behind a tree, into my mind, and caught me unawares, exposed in my petty guilt, my hollow vanities, my shabby little sins. My serpent skin, glittering, beguiling, scaly jewels without, but all clammy, malodorous corruption within - the deceit I wear to hid my shame - all stripped away by his gaze; not condemning, not accusing, not even pitying, but more sympathising. Loving, in fact. The way my Mother looked when, as a child, I had fallen from grace, in her eyes. Disappointment, forgiveness, unqualified love, all in her one, untutored glance. As to her, all I could say to him was “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry!”

A cloud crossed the moon and drew down, around my shoulders, a cloak as dark as the tomb, dank cold as the stone. I feared the garden was blighted by my step, the blooms dashed by my glance, fruits poisoned by the vapour of my lingering guilt.

Then his loving gaze burned off the dark and cold, as the morning sun restores warmth to the day. There was joy as he said “Your time for sorrow has passed, and the guilt, and the forgiveness. All you have now is love and grace and joy. They are in all you have. Yes, you will fall again; you are not perfect, and there is still evil to be fought. There will always be those who will never let my wounds completely heal. When children suffer, my heart bleeds. When innocents are deprived, I hunger and thirst and shiver and sicken. When the old are neglected, I weep and grieve. My work of redemption is never-ending.

But you I have made safe. I have ransomed your soul from iniquity. My Father will not let you perish. With his love to assure you, with me to guide you, and the Spirit working within you, you will find peace. Love is the key. Love every man, woman and child as your own, as your Father loves you, and you cannot fail them. Uphold them, and you glorify the Father, you honour me, and you justify the gift of the Spirit. Remember only that love is the key”.

The trees stirred in a whisper of breeze. A thread of light ran across the rim of my mind, and I was alone; in stillness and silence, and at peace.

 

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Advent Poem

 

Si Walker, 11^th December 2020

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An advent poem by Neil Smalley. Neil was a long-time resident of the Norfolk Broads and now lives in Cumbria.

Advent

This bright, still, frosted day, I walked the marsh, to drink in the last of November’s calm, before December makes the snow and fur fly.
Beyond Coldharbour’s steaming cattle, and on, past Womack Mill.
And there, in a grassy sea, my rime-capped boots brought me to
An old abandoned shearing shed. ‘Picture meat’ if ever I saw it.
So standing off, I quickly sketched the aged lines of board and post,
And after marking the line of the sun, I put away my pad and jumped the dyke
For a closer look at this interesting ruin.
I found, on circling, it opened fully to the east,
And inside, sheltering from the north east whisper,
A donkey and a bullock stood, side by side, munching quietly
On the long dried hay which trailed between the nosed-smooth bars
Of the frail and failing manger-
Held up, only by habit and shadow, on the back wall.
Both beasts turned to look, calmly, not moving, not eating now.
I reached for my pad again, but stopped.
Their eyes told me, kindly but firmly, I had no place in this hallowed ground.
Another time, perhaps, but for now this place is sanctified and prepared for others.
These humble creatures, these honoured guardians would wait alone,
Another moon, perhaps, until a bright-starred night
Would bring the Gentle Travellers to share their stable.
A pause, a brief rest, before continuing their journey
To the redemption of Mankind.

 

 

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Wow! What a way to die!

Fergus Pearson, 15^th August 2020

How do you want to face death? Have you given it much thought? Here’s a prompt to think about it today!

I want to introduce you to Hannah Wilberforce. She and her husband William were aunt and uncle to the famous William Wilberforce, the politican who was the main player in Britain’s abolition of the slave trade in 1807.

I want to show you Hannah, facing death. This is not her wild death-bed ramblings. Rather, it is the sober, thought-through opening sentences she gave to her solicitor:

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The Twofold Work of God's Word

Si Walker, 10^th August 2020

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Let’s take a look at Psalm 46 to see the contrasting ways that God’s Word works.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.
He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields[d] with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Did you see the two occasions when reference was made to God speaking in the psalm?

Firstly, in V6, God lifts his voice and the earth melts.

This is a dramatic image, if you think of the way wax collapses away as the heat source meets it, offering no resistance. Cliffs might collapse with a crash, but wax simply slips away. The world, which seems so strong and impressive, has to listen to the voice of the creator. And when Jesus calls ‘time’, that will be it.

Secondly, this same voice which causes the earth to melt, also speaks and says ‘be still, and know that I am God.’ For, the Lord who is a fierce lion, is also a gentle lamb. To the proud and ungodly, they will melt away in the judgement, but when the humble believer from every nation approaches him, he says, ‘be still.’

I think of the child who is so thrilled by the strong hands of their Father, which throw them into the air and catch them, but also feels safe as they hold his hand walking down the street and spot the dangers around them. Praise God for the twofold character of God’s voice in this Psalm!

Because God speaks in such a way, he is truly our strength and refuge.

You might like to listen to this beautiful song, ‘Jesus strong and kind.’

 

 

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Only One Life

Si Walker, 9^th August 2020

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Click the image below to watch

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Who can interpret history?

Si Walker, 29^th June 2020

The Book of Revelation, the final Bible book, shows us how things stand. The Apostle John has a vision of heavenly things (hence revelation) while in prison for his faith.

‘Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy top open the scroll or look inside it. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ Revelation 5:1-5

The scroll contains the true interpretation of history and how it is that things will be played out in the final days. It concerns such things as natural disasters, Revelation 6:12-14, and the fate of the kingdoms of the world, 6:15-17.

Although you and I try to understand world events, perhaps especially at this time, we cannot. God has given us the broad brush strokes of what to expect in his Word, but we don’t hold the divine detail. The owner and interpreter of history is designated as the lamb. The scroll is taken from the hand of the one who sits on the throne and given to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; Christ. He, v6, is also the lamb that was slain. All heaven declares that this one alone is worthy:

V9, ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals…’

V13, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the lamb, be praise….’

Christ is the only one with a true handle on history that has been given to him by his Father. We are not pure enough to be able to handle the truth about everything and to stand as definitive interpreters. As the famous line in the film comes: ‘You can’t handle the truth!’ Everything we say and think is only provisional. God might prove us wrong tomorrow! But Christ sees and knows everything. And what a comfort that he can say ‘All things have been committed to me by my Father.’ Matthew 11:27. We don’t have to carry the burden of this broken world. He has it all and so we need to be on his team. We need to stand with him, knowing how wonderful and powerful he is. All heaven thinks that. And one day he will stand and judge this world.

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Who can interpret history?  

Si Walker, 29^th June 2020

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The Book of Revelation, the final Bible book, shows us how things stand. The Apostle John has a vision of heavenly things (hence revelation) while in prison for his faith.

‘Then I saw in the right hand of him who sat on the throne a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming in a loud voice, ‘who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?’ But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth could open the scroll or even look inside it. I wept and wept because no one was found who was worthy top open the scroll or look inside it. Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! See the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.’ Revelation 5:1-5

The scroll contains the true interpretation of history and how it is that things will be played out in the final days. It concerns such things as natural disasters, Revelation 6:12-14, and the fate of the kingdoms of the world, 6:15-17.

Although you and I try to understand world events, perhaps especially at this time, we cannot. God has given us the broad brush strokes of what to expect in his Word, but we don’t hold the divine detail. The owner and interpreter of history is designated as the lamb. The scroll is taken from the hand of the one who sits on the throne and given to the Lion of the Tribe of Judah; Christ. He, v6, is also the lamb that was slain. All heaven declares that this one alone is worthy:

V9, ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals…’

V13, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the lamb, be praise….’

Christ is the only one with a true handle on history that has been given to him by his Father. We are not pure enough to be able to handle the truth about everything and to stand as definitive interpreters. As the famous line in the film comes: ‘You can’t handle the truth!’ Everything we say and think is only provisional. God might prove us wrong tomorrow! But Christ sees and knows everything. And what a comfort that he can say ‘All things have been committed to me by my Father.’ Matthew 11:27. We don’t have to carry the burden of this broken world. He has it all and so we need to be on his team. We need to stand with him, knowing how wonderful and powerful he is. All heaven thinks that. And one day he will stand and judge this world.

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Ascension Day - Informal 

Rev'd Fergus brings us an informal talk on Ascension Day; a biblical reflection on what the ascension means for us now, and how the Church and New Testament emphasised it in a way we don't today.

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Good Friday reflections 

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Is Britain sawing off the branch? 

 

The old saying goes, ‘don’t saw off the branch you are sitting on.’

Tom Holland is a historian who is deeply sympathetic to Christian things, but he would not describe himself as being a Christian. He has fond memories of going to church with his Godmother who was deeply influential in his early life and a keen church goer. But in terms of current experience, he is not in the place of having signed- up Christian faith. And yet, Holland is deeply concerned about the trajectory that Britain is on in doing it’s very best to diminish the influence of Christianity in public life. Failing to see that what we have- in terms of valuing life, protecting the weak, and investment in all people- is a deeply Christian mindset.

You see Holland has studied other ancient cultures and he compares the Roman and Greek ancient civilisations with the values we have in the west in his book, Dominion: The Making of the Western mind. Speaking of these empires he says: ‘It was not just the extremes of callousness that unsettled me, but the complete lack of any sense that the poor and weak might have the slightest intrinsic value…Assumptions that I had grown up with- about how a society should be properly organised, and the principles that it should uphold- were not bred of classical antiquity….’

You see Britain has been radically shaped not just by Christian moral values, but by the gospel of Jesus, so that we now think in a way that has its origins in those things. Even the way humanism has sought to say we must move on from God, is framed in very Christian ways, talking about the intrinsic value of every human life and the potential for good in everyone. Even ideas of being awakened or ‘woke’ to the evils around us sound very like conversion experience when they come so zealously. Assuming some people are blind to the truth but need to see! Some more restrictive twenty- first century societies would take that as an insult and ban such dialogue.

These are all deeply Christian things! The Roman empire, basically worked to establish the rights of every powerful person to have sex with whoever they liked whenever they liked. Welcome to Hollywood auditions, as an example of how things are returning to these days. Holland writes: ‘Only the titanic efforts of Christian moralists, the labour of a millennium and more, had managed to recalibrate this.’ Abstinence and restraint was the Christian message. Holland goes on: ‘Implicit in #MeToo was the same call to sexual continence that had reverberated throughout the Church’s history.’ But now that voice is being challenged.

You can say that we would have arrived at these values without Christianity, but I think it would be rather like saying that BREXIT would have happened without a referendum. It would be blind to the fact that we are shaped by social- historical factors.

The point is to say, I personally think the evidence is most overwhelming in favour of a reading of British history that has Christianity as the overriding force. And it is not to say Christians or the Church at large is without blemish. Far from it! But Christianity is the huge shaping force:

‘Even in Europe- a continent with churches far emptier than those of the United States- the trace elements of Christianity continued to infuse people’s morals and presumptions so utterly that many failed even to detect their presence.’

But perhaps the most remarkable thing, is that Holland is making these observations, rather than someone like myself, who is a paid up Christian.

So, if this is the case, do we really want to keep on sawing through the branch we are sitting on?

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