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Uncertainty seems to be the dominating trend in the news and the world at the moment. The financial markets are still very unsettled and anyone seeking to buy or sell a house has an intimate knowledge of the uncertainty of both prices and availability of mortgage deals which affect how long the whole process of relocating takes. The people of Zimbabwe are still awaiting, as I write this, the declaration of the result of the elections that occurred several weeks ago and a decision about the leadership and direction of their country. Uncertainty gives birth to both hopes and fears. The protests that have accompanied the Olympic torch in many countries has thrown up uncertainties over whether the Games themselves in Beijing will be overshadowed by concerns about the Chinese handling of Tibetan issues and human rights. A large number of children in London and in other places have found that they have been allocated schools, if at all, that mean complex, long journeys to a school that hadn't been chosen by them or their parents, leading to uncertainty while an appeal is lodged. How should we deal with uncertainty? I wonder if it is actually a positive thing as it makes us reflect on the contrast with the certainties that we know, helping us to define what is really important in life and the things and people that matter to us. Who and what we can rely on and who and what we trust even in the face of uncertainty. Or do we just worry. As a Christian dealing with doubts and uncertainties is part of the journey of faith. God has revealed Himself in Jesus as a Father who loves us and calls us to follow a way of love in our lives. He promises that he will never abandon us and will give us the strength we need and equip us with the gifts and skills to serve Him in one another as we put love into action. Through the events of Easter God dealt with all that can separate us from Him and opened a new way of knowing his presence through the Holy Spirit. The disciples had to wait trustfully for this to happen, not being certain of how or when it would occur. They did so meeting together regularly to pray and praise God, to lay before him in their worship their love for God, their thankfulness for all their blessings and their concerns. This is a good pattern for us to follow too – not to try and deal with uncertainties in our own strength but to draw closer to God in regular times of worship with others and in our private prayers till He either changes things, or shows us the way forward or gives us the understanding that leads to peace of mind and heart. Being able to remain serene in the midst of uncertainty and doubt is a choice to trust God and not worry. It is a powerful witness to faith but needs constant practice in the current climate of uncertainty. I know that I choose to trust God, but then find I'm not very good at letting go of the tendency to worry; but with God's help, one day I will succeed, of that I have no uncertainty.
Thursday 1st May 9.45am Ascension Day Communion We celebrate Christ's return to heaven at the end of the 40 days of Easter following the Resurrection by symbolically extinguishing the Easter Candle as part of our Communion service at St. Mark's, Fairfield. All are welcome to join us in this simple service that used to be celebrated by most churchgoers, (I remember having time off school each year on Ascension Day!) but is now largely ignored by the world in spite of its continuing importance. Sunday 11th May 3pm Clent Hills Pentecost coincides with Christian Aid Week and the 30th anniversary of HADAC – the Hagley and District Association of Churches, so something special is planned. Weather permitting we will have a picnic and an open air service to celebrate these three important things on the Clent Hills above Nimmings Car Park. Please bring your own picnic and ground sheets or picnic chairs. The Christian Aid part of the service will commission those who are going to take part in house to house collections and other fund raising activities and each of the churches that are part of HADAC will participate in celebrating this milestone in the history of local ecumenism. More details next month but please put the date in your diaries. Fairfield Plant Sale Saturday May 17th 10am – sold out The annual Fairfield Plant Sale is another opportunity to purchase quality bedding plants at really good prices in aid of St. Mark's Church stonework repairs. Grand Draw tickets and light refreshments will also be on sale.
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