A time to laugh and a time to cry

I was surprised to receive only two emails raising questions following my last posting on this blog.  I had taken up the topic of welcome at church and given two examples.  These presented two extremes.  No one took issue with the story of the two old men who completely ignored a visitor.  However, the emails I received both suggested that some might find the welcome I received at a church in Herefordshire somewhat overwhelming and uncomfortable.

I suspect that we will have various attitudes to what kind of welcome we might find appropriate.  This too might vary depending on our mood on arrival at the church door.  The real point that I was seeking to make was that some people seem to have the ability to be good hosts (could that be a gift?) and that these are the people who should be responsible, not just for a moment of welcome, but for the whole aspect of hospitality at church.  A good host would know how effusive to be.  They pick up the signals given out by body language and respond appropriately.

I have a good friend who has an aversion to being hugged as she goes to church.  If she arrives at the same time as others she will slip past and into church while the 'welcomers' are engaged hugging others.  Her other strategy as someone holds out their arms to hug her is to offer her right hand stretched out stiffly for just a hand shake.  People soon take the hint.  In England the practise of greeting people for the first time with a kiss on the cheek (or is it both cheeks?) seems to be increasingly common.  This too is common in many churches but it isn't always appropriate.

There are some of us who still practise initial greetings with a handshake and saying "How do you do?" which is not actually a question to be answered! The correct response is to answer with "How do you do?"  Of course many people of younger years now have the habit of greeting people with "How are you doing?" which is a question and for which the normative response should be "I'm, good thanks" which, of course, does not actually mean that you are good!  I also find it strange to be greeted with the words, "Are you all right?" which seems very common in the East Midlands of England where I live.

Perhaps this variety of forms of greeting also emphasises the importance of using appropriate and possibly trained people to greet folk coming into church.  For some people an overly intimate greeting or welcome might feel actually threatening.  I know this is true of some women who have suffered sexual abuse. Some want to slip in quietly and sit on their own at the back.  To encourage them then to act differently is not being hospitable.

I remember that some research I was doing about growing rural congregations included a story of a Devon Parish Church that was a new building in the heart of the community.  This had replaced an old building on the outskirts of the village that had burned down.  The new building was more 'in the round' and brilliantly lit  from windows high in a dome above the centre.  Light scattered into every corner.  But one woman commented, "Where do I go to cry?"

But it's not just the initial welcome but the whole tone of the meeting that is also significant.  It is unlikely that whoever is leading worship will know precisely what has been going on in the lives of each member of the congregation.  But God does know, so we need to try to cultivate sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and watch out for signals from body language.  A bright an cheery opening might be just what is needed sometimes but not always.  And that leads me onto the topic of humour in church.

Every public speaker knows that people learn well when information is communicated with humour.  But there are times when it is appropriate and times when it is inappropriate.  When I was President of the Congregational Federation I was the guest Minister at a certain church one cold winter day.  I was ushered into a small cold and damp Ministers vestry (or office) to wait on my own until some time later I was gathered and taken to the choir vestry.  On my way I caught a glimpse into the church where the small congregation were scattered and looked very cold.  To my delight the choir vestry was warm and cosy, so I observed wryly that perhaps we should invite the congregation to join us.  This provoked many chuckles and the odd hearty laugh.  Then a censorious voice uttered "Can we remember where we are!"  Immediately the laughter ceased (should we have laughed at this comment?)

Does, I wonder, solemnity equal misery?  Can we be joyfully solemn?  Is there a time to weep and a time to laugh?  Are both appropriate in church?  Of course, the informed answer has to be yes.  This then brings me to the question posed in my previous posting: "Did Jesus have a sense of humour?"  The implied accompanying question is can this be discerned in the gospels?

I think the answer to both questions is "Yes". Often Jesus used hyperbole or exaggerated speech in order to make points.  We can see that in the story of the Good Samaritan and in his conversation with Nicodemus. I can imagine in the former example a slight pause after the words "...a certain Samaritan.." and perhaps a wry smile.  In the latter either Jesus is teasing Nicodemus or being plain sarcastic in his comments.  But many times when we read scripture aloud we make the tone of Jesus' voice stern and challenging.  Try reading is again with a slight touch of wit as Jesus responds to Nicodemus' comments.

Using humour carefully can actually help to make a serious point.  Of course there were times when Jesus would have sounded very serious.  I would include in that his words about the cost of discipleship, which involves self denial and taking up a cross.  But might there have been a smile on the face of Jesus when he talked about turning Galilean fishermen into fishers of men? (Matthew 4:19)  You can decide for yourself, of course, but just try reflecting on how we read scripture aloud publicly and don't turn Jesus into someone who never laughed at a good joke.

I love the story of Nehemiah which isn't only about restoring walls and gates; there was spiritual restoration as well.  The people wept as they realised how far they had strayed from God's ideal.  But they were urged to cease from weeping and told that "the joy of the Lord is our strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).  When the kings of the earth conspire against God we are told he laughs (Psalm 2:4).  Isaiah speaks of God's people giving him joy (Isaiah 68:19).  I love the words of Zephaniah 3:17, quoted here from the AV

"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, 

he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, 

he will joy over thee with singing."

Right now your heart might be heavy with sadness.  If that is so then know that God knows and cares.  He also weeps with those who are sad. He also promises that joy will come again.  One day he will wipe away all tears from our eyes and in his presence there will be fullness of joy.

From the diary:

• Several of the weeks of August are less busy with engagements but still plenty to do.  It is a chance to catch up on correspondence.  It is also an opportunity to take time to sense God's presence and guidance, and a time to prepare for the busy time to come.
• After my regular weekly time at HMP Gartree Doreen and I will be travelling to south Wales for the funeral of an uncle who was well in his nineties.  Like my father he would have had an initial influence through the Salvation Army but spent most of his adult life in a Baptist church.  He loved the Lord and through his eighties and into his nineties loved nothing more than speaking about the Lord to others.  I ask you prayers for those in his family who have not yet come to that same wonderful relationship with God through Christ.
• This Sunday, 24th August I will be ministering at Yelvertoft.
• Sunday 31st August I will be taking the Sunday service at HMP Gartree and I value your prayers that I might sense what God wants to say on that occasion.

Thanks to those who ordered copies of the Yelvertoft Pudding Recipe Book.  They will be on their way to you this week.  We still have some left at £5 with all the money raised going to the Air Ambulance Service.

Thank you for your fellowship around God's throne of undeserved generosity. (Hebrews 4:16)

Barry

A proper welcome

Most of the folk that receive this news or read by email it on my blog are confident Christians and I suspect that the majority, like me, will have never been inside a betting shop.  I think I might find it a strange experience.  Some betting shops have painted windows that prevent one from seeing inside.  I actually don't know much about betting but I know that when betting on horse races there are things called "Odds" which my schoolboy maths should help me to understand.  But I have heard people talking about "Each Way" and "On the nose" and "Accumulators".  Then there's "Ajax " (and it's not a cleaner), and what is meant by"Bar Price"?  It all sounds too complicated for me!  I just wouldn't know what to do if I went into a betting shop.  I would feel conspicuous.  People might stare at me!

I guess that's the way some folk feel about going to church.  After all you can believe in God without going to church, in the same way that you could enjoy watching a horse race on the TV.  Some churches have coloured windows so you cannot see in from outside.  They have their own distinct jargon and use words that mean nothing to most people (Grace!  That's a girl's name isn't it!).  How do you know when to stand, sit or kneel?  As for singing... you can forget that!

Perhaps it would help if we stop and ask ourselves what the church experience means for ourselves.  It might be worship, or Bible teaching, or fellowship and friendship, or all three, or something else.  But if we put ourselves in the shoes of those neighbours or friends that don't go to church, what might they gain by coming?  And how might we help them discover the good things that church has to offer?

In my mission consultancy work I usually ask the people in the church where I am working to describe their church.  Almost invariably they will say, "We are friendly and welcoming".  But when I ask them to describe how they would welcome a friend turning up unexpectedly at their home we discover that this is vastly different from how they welcome people at church.  Let me describe two experiences I have had.

The first was when I was part of a team conducting a series of outreach meetings for several village churches in Essex. Part way through the series we arrived at one church after having had a couple of week's break.  We were shocked to find that the local church members had not put up any posters or distributed the leaflets we had left them.  There were two elderly men in the church (possibly the entire membership) who explained that it was no good putting up posters or giving out leaflets as no one comes from outside anyway.  The mission team got on with the task of getting the publicity out.

At the first meeting a few folk from another village church turned up and took seats near the front of the chapel.  The two men turned up and took their seats at the back on either side of the chapel.  We were just about to start when a lady walked in who we did not recognise.  The two men turned their back on her but the folk at the front gave her a cheery welcome to come and sit with them.  That night we learned that this woman was seriously planning suicide, but she welcomed Jesus into her life instead.  As she left the two men again turned away from her.  One of them told me "She won't come again; they never do!"  She did attend every meeting and has gone on in the faith

I visited a village church in Herefordshire.  It had a reputation of being a growing church with a strong local membership and I was there researching its story.  On the Sunday (my first day) I followed others into the church through a new main entrance into the bright atrium that bridged the chapel and the hall.  Here I was met my a man and woman who instantly recognised that I was a visitor.  They introduced themselves by name, welcomed me and engaged in warm and friendly conversation, clearly wanting to know more about me.  There was a visitor's book on a stand and I was asked if I would like to write in it.

The woman then invited me into what was a large hospitality area from which a side door led into the main chapel.  Here there was a man handing out hymn books and notice sheets.  I saw him discreetly pick up another card which I correctly guessed had information for visitors.  The lady introduced me by name to the mad at the inner door who then asked where I would like to sit but suggested I would get a very good view from the gallery.  I agreed and he then left his post, still chatting to me in a warm and friendly way and informed me that there was a farming family to whom he would like to introduce me.  Out of the corner of my eye I spotted a woman rise and take his place at the door.

On arrival in the gallery I was again introduced by name to the family who, I was informed had attended the church since it was a much smaller congregation.  Again, interest in who I was, where I lived, and what I did made me the focus.  I felt thoroughly included, and at home.  After the service I was looked after throughout the time as we gathered informally in the atrium for coffee.  Lots of smiles and pleasant introductions.  The growth in congregation (possibly ten times its original size had as much to do with the hospitality shown to visitors as the worship style (fairly traditional) or the preaching.

Some people are just great at hospitality, and clearly these should be given the task of ensuring that everyone that comes through the door feels appreciated from the start.  Take a moment to think about your own church and consider whether the hospitality people experience there matches the best kind of hospitality that is shown by a good host receiving a visitor to his or her home.  Are you using the right people?  Strangely, one of the ways in which new people to our church seem to have settled is by accepting their offer to help wash up after coffee.

Why not add a comment on this blog describing the welcome people receive in your church.

From the diary

• A busy pastoral week has just past.  For example, on one day I visited the home in the village where a lovely man had just died.  I then visited the home of a man whose funeral I had conducted the week before.  I then visited a family back in Market Harborough for whom the local funeral director had asked if I would conduct a funeral (two Congregational ministers having moved to new locations recently).
• Over recent months an unusual situation had caused a considerable amount of distress to a number of churches.  The matter is far too complicated to go into here but it has presented a challenge to me to seek to understand the situation and act appropriately.  It has been yet another example that there is considerable cost to pay if you choose not to "pass by on the other side" ( The Good Samaritan - see Luke 10: 25-37)
• During the week I met with Lorna (a lay minister at our village Parish Church) to plan the outline for a week of mission to three villages as part of 'Hope in our Villages).  More information about that to follow.
• I will be conducting Sunday meetings at Yelvertoft this morning and next Sunday.
• The week is largely free from engagements (apart from Sundays and the regular ministry at HMP Gartree on Tuesday) but there are bound to be more challenging situations to address, pastoral work, and the inevitable administration.  This last item will include letters of thanks to those who have sent donations over the last few busy weeks.  We are grateful for the way your prayers and support keep our ministry going.

Something to ponder:  Do you think Jesus had a sense of humour, and if so where does it show in the gospels?

Thank you so much for your interest and prayers.

Barry

Reparations

Like many others I have been shocked by the extent of the destruction suffered in Gaza as Israel has responded to rockets fired from Gaza by Hamas.  It has seemed to me not unlike the blanket bombing of Coventry and Dresden in the Second World War.  Such terrible devastation is presented to us as inevitable and unavoidable. Israel claims that since Hamas places and fires its weapons from within domestic and other non-military structures these must be destroyed.  They seek to mitigate the action by sending a first non-exploding missile as a 'knock on the roof'.

But in the few minutes between the first and second missiles there is little time to evacuate the building and hardly any time to hold onto precious possessions.  On one hand such terrible destruction seems disproportionate to the damage caused by Hamas' rockets.  On the other hand Israel states that it has to stop the rockets and close the tunnels used by Hamas against a nation they see as illegally occupying their land.   Meanwhile almost 2,000 people have been killed, most apparently civilians.  One news report stated that over 10,000 houses, government buildings, universities, mosques, and schools were damaged in a month-long assault. In addition to this many factories have also been bombed and there has been significant damage to infrastructure.

The cost of rebuilding and restoring services in Gaza will clearly run into many millions of pounds if not billions of pounds.  It is on this that I wish to focus rather than comment on the claims of justification that the combatants assert.  Hearing on the news that Israel regrets the damage to human life and property made me wonder whether that sorrow was sufficient for Israel to foot the bill.  This got me searching the internet and Bible on the subject of reparations.

There are numerous references to reparation claims after WW2 on the internet but few references in Scripture.  However, the Bible is not silent on the subject and it does set out some principles.  The one particular passage that came to my mind occurs in Luke 19 in the story of the salvation of Zachaeus.  Here is a man who was a chief tax collector on behalf of the occupying force - the Romans.  While people usually shunned him he found that Jesus chose to associate himself.  We do not know what they talked about but the change in Zachaeus is expressed in these words:

‘Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, 

and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back 

four times the amount.’ (Luke 19: 8 NIVUK)

The Law of Moses sets out in Leviticus chapter six that restitution is normally 120% of that which was taken, though Exodus 22 suggests a more generous price. Whether one uses the Exodus reference or the Leviticus reference it is clear that Zachaeus accepted the responsibility he had to make restitution if he had taken more than he should for himself in taxation.

The principle of restitution or reparations ought to be applied to all aspects of sin; not just that which relates to property.  Is telling God that we are sorry for wrong things we have done or said sufficient if it is not then demonstrated by reparations?  Consider, for example, a situation where monies taken illegally from a charity.  Is it enough just to accept the consequences of Court action or should the offender apologise to the charity and its supporters and seek at the least to restore what he had taken?

Or consider a Christian leader who has serially sexually abused those for whom he held a position of trust.  Again the Courts might have imposed a penalty, and he might claim that he has repented.  But should he not also be prepared to, at the least, apologise to the victims and others affected by his actions?

Both those examples are drawn from among many real situations that I have come across through the years.  I am glad that I can also recall situations where monies stolen were repaid with interest, and where apologies have been provided properly. I believe that true repentance is always seen when it is followed by appropriate actions.  I know too that such expressions of repentance bring peace and blessing.

When I was just a child I did something wrong that was quite serious and motivated by malice.  Feeling scared of the consequences I suggested that the culprit was another young person who lived not far away.  Later, when I had become a Christian I told a minister about it and was told that if I had told God I was sorry that was sufficient.  But I was left with guilt which I carried for over thirty years.  Eventually, I arranged to meet with all the parties that were still alive and apologise to them.  While I was also prepared to suffer the consequences of my misconduct I was informed that there would not be a fine (as I had fully expected).  Although it was not my goal, I found an incredible depth of peace afterwards.

Zachaeus' intention to make reparations far beyond what the law required was clearly sincere, unlike a womanising man I knew who would bring his wife some flowers and chocolates after every time he had been unfaithful!  True repentance can be seen in a changed life that does not seek to justify the sins we have committed but seeks to make reparations, regardless of the cost.  For a government to state that they regret collateral damage and the death of innocent people costs nothing.  I wait to see who is going to pick up the bill.

Please take a moment with me to reflect on any hurt we may have caused but so far failed to put right.  Perhaps there is something we should do.

From the diary:

• Holiday at Home in Market Harborough throughout last week brought blessing to many older people in the community.  It was a blessing to work as a part of a team with people from various local churches. Pictures will appear later this week on www.ruralmissionsolutions.org.uk
• Last Monday's joint churches commemorative service in  our village of Yelvertoft was a very special occasion.  Our local Parish Church seemed full.  As we symbolically put out the candles they were replaced by a new light as I read from John chapter 1 about the true light coming into the world.
• Thank you for your prayers for the funeral service last Monday.  It was well attended and I pray that gospel words will touch and change hearts as necessary. As in all aspects of rural ministry I try to always evangelise pastorally and pastor evangelistically.  As Paul points out in 1Corinthians 13 ministry not characterised by love is pretty much a waste of time.
• The week ahead will be spent mainly on administration as there is quite a lot of catching up to be done. This Sunday 10th August I will be ministering at Yelvertoft in the morning and at Newton (near Rugby) in the evening.

As always, thank you for your prayers and support.

Barry

What is a living sacrifice?

As I look back over the many years of Christian ministry I have experienced I am thankful for many wonderful influences in my life.  As far a I can remember we used to get two Sunday School prizes each year: one at Christmas and a special one at our annual big anniversary celebration.  The prizes I received were all books about pioneer missionaries and I still have many of them on my bookshelves today.  These were not only inspiring stories; they were also role models.

A Christian school teacher brought to my attention the work of the Mission Aviation Fellowship at a time when the slaughter of five missionaries in the Amazon Basin hit the national news.  Their dedication and costly service was a challenge, and I was greatly moved by the words written in the Bible of one of them, Jim Elliuot.  It read  "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose."

It was therefore not surprising that on Easter Saturday 1963 I struggled to sing the hymn "When I survey the wondrous cross". I had just listened to a talk based on the gracious words of Jesus on the cross, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do".  I was already a Christian but that was the evening that I realised that Jesus suffered on the cross not just so that I could be forgiven, but also because he loved me.

I knew well the words of that hymn and I knew that I dared not sing the final verse unless I was sure that with God's help I could mean every word.  I prayed as I sang my way through three verses and then sang with all my heart, "Love so amazing, so divine demands my soul, my life, my all." From that moment I knew that God had the prior claim on my life.

In Romans 12 verse 1 we read, "Therefore, I urge you brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - which is your true and proper worship" (NIVUK).  The NT Greek translated "true and proper worship" is logikos latreia. Logikos  translates as that which is reasonable or logical.  Of the four occasions in which latreia appears in the New Testament, the NIV twice translates it as worship and twice as service.  It is our engagement in service for God that is the offering we give in an act of worship.

But a study of the Old Testament reveals that sacrifices made to God always had to be the best.  If it was not costly then there was no genuine gift to God.  It also has to be made willingly.  The previous chapters of Paul's letter to the Christians in Rome set out the wonder of salvation through the generosity of God, and how this message of salvation and eternal life is for all people, Jew and Gentile.  Chapter twelve begins with the word, "Therefore..." It is in the light of all that God has done for us and our salvation that to offer our bodies to him in service is the logical and reasonable response.

But Paul was not a mere theorist when it comes to theology; he was also a practitioner.  This is the man who endured horrendous things for the sake of spreading the gospel, who though he knew violence and death were ahead of him pressed on, not counting his life as precious to himself; this was the man who said he would gladly spend everything he had and allow his very self to be expended for the sake of the faith of others. (See 2Cor 11:24-28; Acts 20:24; 2 Cor 12:15)

Romans 12:1 also tells us that the sacrifice has to be holy.  That means set apart or separated to God.

When I began this posting some ten days ago I was reflecting on some of the challenges that face Christian leaders these days in their dealings with others.  These days employment law is such that for a manager to admonish a subordinate could carry risks of being sued if not done sensibly.  Raising your voice or speaking too firmly could bring a claim of constructive dismissal.  The same is true if you fail to give opportunity for advancement to someone judged to be lazy.  It's a crazy world.  And the situation is not that dissimilar in the realm of voluntary service.

Sadly some in Christian work resent it if asked to work extra hours or to tackle a difficult task.  Of course, those in leadership should act responsibly and never take advantage of others.  However, I fear that both Paul and Jesus might have been in trouble with the Human Resources Departments regarding what they expected of others.

Discipleship is not a 37.5 hours per week commitment; it is absolute.  And the needs of this world cry out for those who will give full commitment.  How can we pray, "Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as in heaven" and then hold back our gift so that we can spend it unnecessarily on things for self!

At the same time those in leadership should recognise the precious trust given to them and remember that in the kingdom of God there are no lords over others.

In Leviticus 1: 1-13 we read how a burnt offering was to be made.  Each separate part of what was offered  had to be washed and placed separately on the altar. No doubt this is what inspired Frances Havergal's hymn, "Take my life, and let it be consecrated Lord to thee"  Each succeeding verse expresses that sense of all our being offered to God.  Some hymns are hard to sing if we want to be sincere.

From the diary

• An appointment with my doctor has diagnosed a form of sciatica and tests are being carried out to try to find the cause.  Some mornings I have experienced almost unbearable pain.  Special neuropathic painkillers seem to be helping but have a side effect of making me feel tired!
• Our three villages and eight churches united Songs of Praise and picnic on 20th July was held under Hope in our Villages and proved a great blessing and a good witness.
• A talk on my ministry in prison given to a branch of the Mothers' Union was well received and also gave an opportunity to talk about the excellent work of Futures Unlocked.  One of our church members is a mentor with this organisation.
• A Rural Support Meeting for a network of church leaders in parts of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland was very encouraging with some wonderful stories shared.  These local networks are easy to arrange so if there isn't one in your area do please contact me as I will be happy to provide guidance to assist you.
• Sunday 3rd August, Yelvertoft Congregational Church
• Monday 4th to Friday 8th August, Holiday at Home outreach in Market Harborough.  This is an annual event set up by the local Methodist Minister and former Associate Evangelist in Mission for Christ, Brian Kennard.  People from various churches help to put together a great programme each morning.
• Monday 4th August.  Instead of being at Holiday at Home I will be taking a funeral service for someone from Yelvertoft.  Please pray that God's word will find a resting place.
• Monday 4th August - Special WW1 Commemoration Service in the village.
• Thursday 7th August.  Once more I shall be absent from Holiday at Home on important business.
• Saturday 9th August.  Prayer Walking in Derbyshire and Staffordshire.
• Sunday 10th August.  Yelvertoft Congregational Church in the morning and Newton URC in the evening.

Your prayers for these activities will be appreciated but please also pray as I reflect of my own offering of service to the Lord.  Pray that I might be all that God would want me to be and do all he would want me to do.  I pray the same for you, with thanksgiving for your love and friendship.

Barry