A Prayer for All Saints’ Church
Heavenly Father, please help us at All Saints to better serve our community and bring your message to everyone in a way that glorifies you and enhances the lives of those we touch. Amen.
THE RECTOR'S PAGE
From Adrian...
I meet up, occasionally, with friends I used to teach with. It is ten years since I left Staffordshire University and, probably, fifteen years since I was actually teaching computing, so I am well out of date - don't ask me what's wrong with your laptop please!
One colleague was testing me out. He said he didn't like Jesus's parable of the prodigal son. It was grossly unfair to the second son who stayed at home, and on that basis alone, he would not wish to be a Christian. You may recall the story. A man has two sons, one wants to have half his father's wealth and then goes off and blows it all on wine, women, expensive food and making friends. Ultimately he has nothing left and (note as a Jew) he is forced to eat the food given to the pigs he has to look after.
Finally he goes back to his father in the hope that he can be a servant - where at least he will get a good meal.
The key is in the next bit. The father, without access to mobile phones etc., is always on the lookout for his son, whom he thinks may be dead. When he sees him he rushes out to him and hugs him with love, for what was lost is found, what was dead is alive.
It did not matter that half his wealth has gone, that the boy had deserted his father, that he has been living a life of debauchery and religious uncleanliness (according to the law). The father 'kills the fatted calf'. The second son, who has been exemplary, has never seen such a party. How unfair, says the second son, how unfair says my colleage.
Well whoever said that God was fair. Fairness does not enter into the Easter story, after all the exemplary Jesus died on a cross, and life-long Christians still die in pain. Hey, God is not fair. The unreoentant life-time brigand crucified next to Jesus was promised aplace in heaven. How is that fair?
But this profound love of God is not fair, it is unconditional, it goes on and on. It overcomes all things.
On Saturday I took the service at Emberton remembering the dreadful war in Ukraine. Last week the UK parliament fell into chaos as it tried to get the right words to stop the war in the Holy Land. There is such a chasm between the deep love of God expressed in the parable of the prodigal son and the lack of love of warring tyrants that it is difficult to believe that, at least in theory, we worship the same God. No Hamas, No Mr Putin, No Mr Netanyahu, your gods are not the God of profound self-sacrificing love that I know, and it's no good pretending otherwise.
Adrian.
Adrian Low, Priest for the Lamp group of parishes
The Rectory, High Street, Haversham, MK19 7DT
rev.adrian.low@gmail.com 07883717642
PLEASE CHECK OUT THE NEW LAMP GROUP WEBSITE!
All Saints' church is normally open during the day and you are welcome to visit. However, it will currently be locked until 14th January. If you need to access the church, please contact one of the wardens (details below).
Sunday 17th March
6:00pm Evensong
Thursday 28th March (Maundy Thursday)
7:00pm Maundy Thursday service, a meal and foot washing
Friday 29th March (Good Friday)
9:30am St Leonard’s, Little Linford – Good Friday Meditation
Sunday 31st March (Easter Sunday)
11:00am Holy Communion
Sunday 7th April
6:00pm Something Else on Sunday (SEOS)
Sunday 14th April
11:00am Holy Communion
Other events you might like to come to:
Monthly Lunches
Following on from our very successful Lent Lunches we are now back to our usual lunches held on the first Thursday of each month in church. We will be supporting different charities each time, and all are very welcome, starting at 12.30pm.
Every Thursday
Our Churchyard working party on Thursday mornings is now back! Coffee is served at 11.00am for visitors and workers in the church. All are very welcome.
All Saints' News
PATHWAYS
The Diocese of Oxford magazine
USUAL PATTERN OF SERVICES
1st Sunday of the month
6.00pm Something Else on Sunday
An evening service with a difference. It uses video, soundtrack, and readings. This service offers a very different way to present some key biblical messages which we hope will deepen understanding and offer new perspectives. Please do give it a try.
2nd Sunday
11.00am Holy Communion
A Communion Service using modern liturgy. The children meet in the Gathering Area in church for Children's Church at about 11.45am.
3rd Sunday
6.00pm Evensong
A Book of Common Prayer Sung Evensong with sermon. Hymns are taken from a selection of books.
4th Sunday
11.00am Café Church or Parish Praise
A Family Service in the Gathering Area at the back of the church, with a short talk suitable for all ages, together with refreshments.
Please check news and prayer leaflet for further information, or the Church Notice Board for any changes.
To arrange Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals at All Saints’, please contact the Revd Prof Adrian Low.
The Parochial Church Council and Friends of All Saints' encourage the use of the Church for other community events, such as concerts, theatrical evenings, workshops, etc. Please contact the PCC Secretary in the first instance.