Skip to main content

February Message from the Ministry Team

Image
By
As Christians, I think we are all aware in varying degrees of the constant tension of living between the “now” and the “not yet”.  We were perhaps reminded of that as we approached the end of one year and the beginning of a new one, and as we remembered and celebrated the first coming of Christ and looked forward to his second coming.  2015 was certainly an eventful and challenging year for many, and likely we all have tremendous hopes and expectations for what 2016 might bring.  The question is, how do we prepare ourselves for what the future might have in store?

I think at times I am an expert at procrastination.  It is very easy to have an attitude of “Oh, it’s ok – it can always wait until another day.”  Then when another day comes it’s all too easy to find another excuse to put something off. 

In Luke Chapter 12, from verse 35 the passage speaks about watchfulness…“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him.”  This places a responsibility on all of us.  We are called to be alert, to be ready for action, to have our lamps lit.  We are called to be faithful and prudent.  If we are ready, we will find on the master’s return that we will be served servants rather than being serving servants – we will have a share from the feast of the wedding banquet.

This passage speaks against the risk of complacency.  Are we prepared?  Are we ready?  Have we been good stewards of our master’s household?  Have we made effective use of our time and talents in serving Him and those around us?  We need to learn to be “tomorrow people”, ready for our Lord’s return.                                                                           

How do we keep our lamps lit?  By being clothed in Christ, making sure we have a plentiful supply of oil for the lamp, and that comes by seeking to know God’s will, and by growing in our knowledge of Jesus Christ.  That comes from lining our life with God’s word, and by being faithful in prayer.  We have, if you like, been blessed with a spiritual muscle…the question is, do we use it?

The season of Lent began on Ash Wednesday (February 10th).  It is a great time for us to engage in reflection and self-examination and to get our spiritual house in order.  Engaging with the season can help us avoid putting things off, prepare us for the celebration of Easter, and equip us in keeping our lamp of faith burning brightly.  One thing that I do in Lent is prayerfully meditate and reflect on Psalm 51.  I invite you to join me in this discipline this Lent and encourage you to discuss the passage with your brothers and sisters in Christ.   


Rev Mark
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Share the joy of Christmas with older people

By
The most important Christmas Card you’ll send this year Methodist Homes (MHA) are asking YOUR CHURCH to share the joy of Christmas with older people this year.  Could you take the time to write just one extra Christmas card which will be passed to an older person cared for by MHA?  To take part, please refer to the further  details and an order form . Instructions of how to take part, as well as special Christmas cards designed by an MHA resident for your church members to write their own messages of goodwill and friendship, are included in the Christmas Friendship Appeal pack. “May I express my gratitude for your lovely idea of asking folk (including children) to send Christmas cards. We appreciate the warmth and concern of the whole idea.”  MHA Resident
Post a Comment
Read more

Holiday at Home 2016

By
July the 4 th is Independence Day in the USA. It was also Independence day for the people of Bradford North Circuit. Holiday at Home descended once again on St. Andrew’s Church. This year, we had more guests than ever before. We had new guests from Baildon, Saltaire and St. Andrew’s. Monday 4 th July The day began with everyone getting to know one another. The Agape area was soon buzzing with conversation. Vast amounts of cakes, buns etc. along with gallons of tea were consumed. Shortly after we moved into the church for lunch. Once again our food providers at St Christopher's did us proud. The word DIET was banned for these three days. The fresh cream trifle was to die for. We also care for our helpers! After Lunch we enjoyed games. Believe it or not, Snakes & Ladders was popula...
Post a Comment
Read more

Swishing Party

By
Swishing Party 7.00 - 9.00 pm Tuesday 7 August 2012 Thackley Methodist Church BD10 0RH Never heard of it??? This is how it works ... you bring good quality items of clothing/accessories/shoes etc from your wardrobe and for each item of clothing you will bet 1 ticket - this/these ticket(s) can be used then to purchase any item of clothing you decide on at the Swish. These items can be brought to Thackley Church on Monday 6 August between 6.00 and 7.00 pm. There will be a 'look and trying on' session from 7.00 pm - 8.00 pm and you will be able to have refreshments. Absolutely NO-ONE is allowed to claim items before the swish opens at 8pm. You can leave with as many items as you want - but each additional item will cost £2 Entry to the event is £5 and this will include refreshments.
Post a Comment
Read more