Author: Mark Jones

This prayer written by Rev. Bill Kyle has a special meaning for us as we first met Bill when we attended his church in London before and after we were married, indeed he was the Minister who officiated at our wedding 50 years ago.

Bill was a ‘follower’ of Leslie Weatherhead and strong on pastoral care. He set up the Westminster Pastoral Foundation before his tragically early death at 49. This prayer encapsulates something of his faith and his love for people that inspired us then and since.

That we may Accept the Nature of Life

The world which is our home is a place of light and dark, sunshine and shadow, laughter and crying, gaiety and drabness, a cradle of innocence, a mountain of
glory, a hill of anguish, a cross of agony, a tomb of death and a garden of life.

We try, O God, for innumerable and unknowable reasons, to hold those things
which seem satisfying and enriching – we strive to banish darkness, to be rid of
pain to forget death and to live without the ravages of experience and age.

All of us have moments when we fight realities we can never vanquish and, in
the struggle, a part of ourselves seems destroyed. The vision of Jesus Christ
beckons us to a world which has no authority to destroy us. “Fear not,” His calm
voice speaks, “I have overcome the world.”

Enable us to deal with each moment – to see meaning in grief as well as in
ecstasy – to find a deeper sympathy and tolerance through our suffering – to
enshrine an eternity of joy in a brief encounter; to find through all things seen-and
experienced that which can enable and bring depth to the dimensions of our
existence.

Save us from hiding in the corners of life like frightened children; may we
believe in strength when only weakness is our experience. Help us to grow in
mind, spirit and soul and may our immortality be not only a hope beyond this
mortality but may it be the light and joy, laughter and love that people find in us
now.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen

Our Monument

Summer is the time when many of us go away on holiday and attend worship in different churches in various parts of the country. It’s only when when I am on holiday that I can be led in worship, rather than leading others, and so I find holidays are very important in recharging my spiritual batteries.

It is always a pleasure to enter a church or chapel, even if it is just to admire the architecture of the building during mid-week. Churches can be islands of peace and quiet in a sea of noise and business.

One of the most famous churches is St Paul’s Cathedral. Christopher Wren was commissioned to build a house of God. The original intention was to improve the old St Paul’s Cathedral, but when this was destroyed in the Great Fire of London, Wren could begin afresh and build a cathedral entirely of his own design. It took thirty-five years to complete, and although he designed many other churches and buildings, St. Paul’s is his masterpiece. He is buried in the crypt and the words in Latin over his grave are translated “Reader, if you seek a monument, look about you”

None of us is building a great cathedral, so what will our monuments be? Can I suggest that they will be the way that we touch the lives of others, treat them with kindness and respect, and help people in need. This will be our legacy, our monument

Bible readings 1 Chronicles 22 :11-16;   Matthew 22:34-40

Prayer

Almighty God, we thank you for everything of beauty which has been created by those with skill in art or craft. We are conscious that many have used their abilities to your glory and our humble prayer is that we may dedicate such gifts as we possess to your service and to the service of our fellow men and women, through `Jesus Christ our Lord AMEN.

With every blessing

Gareth

Thank you to all who came and enjoyed the lovely sandwiches, delicious cakes and refreshing tea at St Thomas’s Afternoon Tea Party held yesterday (Saturday 12th July 2014). All money raised was going towards Sally Jones’ imminent trip to Bulgaria to carry out valuable mission work with children.

Over £105 was raised so a huge THANK YOU!

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