Emberton, Filgrave, Tyringham, Little Linford and Haversham 

 

Given the appalling conflict in the Middle East, threatening to spill over to a regional war, one might be inclined to dismiss all religion as something to be absolutely avoided because so much of the killing seems to be justified in the name of God. Still I look at the atheism in Russia during Stalin's regime or in China during the Mao years, or North Korea now, and life with religion banned fares just as bad – often much worse. 

 

When I hear someone justify their atrocious acts because they believe they have God on their side, or because they have a God-given right, then I feel anger and a profound sadness – as if Jesus - in Christian eyes the personification of God – would risk endangering others before giving himself up to execution. His words: 'Love your enemy' remain utterly radical. 

 

Last Sunday's Bible readings included Jesus showing them a small child and saying anyone who causes a child like this to suffer it would be best if a millstone were hung around their neck and they were thrown into the sea. His reaction is a terrible and vivid image of what the cost of damaging innocence really amounts to. 

 

Take a step back and you realise these conflicts are not about God. Instead, religion is often a tool used by leaders to whip up popular hate. It is used to justify genocide, hostage taking, torture and reckless targeting. It is used to hide warriors in hospitals and schools, in theory as protectors, but actually for their own protection, bringing others into harm's way. 

 

In all this, my standing up in church and saying 'God is Love', can sound hollow. But you know, and I know, that only by Jew and Arab respecting each other's culture and living as peaceful nations, ultimately living in love without rockets and fear, can villages and towns be rebuilt. Only with Ukrainian and Russian living next to each other without threat and fear can the world move on. The journey to that place, though, when your family has just been decimated by a bomb or rocket, is a very long one. 

 

The story of Ruth in the Old Testament, is the story of a Moabitess who married a Hebrew 3000 years ago. They were cultures as wide apart as any today. Their marriage led eventually to King David being born, key to the nation of the Jews, and, 1000 years later, to Joseph, Mary's husband – remember Christmas! 

 

Please, don't give up on religion. In the billions of selfless acts across the globe every day, done because of a love for God, neighbour and enemy, that is where God's will is really done, and that is where I have hope for the future. 

 

Best wishes 

Adrian 

 

Revd. Adrian Low 

Area Dean and Priest for the Lamp group of parishes 

Haversham, Little Linford, Tyringham & Filgrave, Emberton 

The Rectory, High Street, Haversham, MK19 7DT 

rev.adrian.low@gmail.com 07883717642 www.thelampchurches.com 

 

 

 

 

6:00pm SEOS 

 

11:00am Holy Communion 

6:00pm Compline 

 

6:00pm Evensong 

 

11:00am Memorial Service 

If you have a relative or friend that you would like included in the list of those remembered, please contact Adrian, Kimonie, Louise, or one of your church wardens to assist in compiling these lists. 

6:00pm Compline 

 

Message from Louise. The last of my LLM training assignments is finally done 😊 and I will be licensed along with the other new LLMs at a service at Christchurch in Oxford at 11am on November 2nd. Anyone is welcome to attend the service should they wish, and it would obviously be lovely to have some familiar faces there. There are no plans to organise transport (it’s very expensive), so it would be a case of lift-sharing if you decide to come. There are some allocated seats (close to the action!), but I won’t know for couple of weeks how many I will get. 

 

6:00pm Something Else on Sunday 

 

9:30am Holy Communion (said) 

9:50am Remembrance Service (At the Clock Tower unless wet) 

6:00pm Compline 

 

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.  

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. 

 

For up to date Church news, please visit our Facebook page, as well as this webpage, and there will also be some posts on the WhatsApp group, Emberton Echo. https://www.facebook.com/AllSaintsChurchEmberton/ 

 

The Diocese of Oxford magazine 

 

 

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.  

 

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. 

6.00pm Compline 

A quiet short service of reflection to end the day. 

 

6.00pm Evensong 

A Book of Common Prayer Sung Evensong with sermon. Hymns are taken from a selection of books. 

 

11.00am Café Church 

A Family Service in the Gathering Area at the back of the church, with a short talk suitable for all ages, together with refreshments.  

6.00pm Compline 

A quiet short service of reflection to end the day.