Hello everyone,
Welcome to the latest issue of our church newsletter. Our newsletter is sent out regularly to share reflections from services, Bible readings and church news to our church family. You can find previous issues on our church website here. We would love to hear from you and are always looking for uplifting and encouraging content to share in future issues of this newsletter. If you have any ideas or content that we can share, please do email them to Louise (publicity@christchurchuxbridge.org.uk)
Opening Prayer
Loving God,
we thank you for sending us your Son, Jesus.
Help us to see that he shared this earthly life fully,
its joys and sorrows, triumphs and defeats, bliss and pain.
May we draw comfort from the knowledge
that he is with us in good times and bad,
and understands all our experiences.
Praise to you, O Christ.
Amen.
(Taken from Roots)
Reflection from 19 March
Reading: Psalm 23
The last line: ‘and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’ So I’m imagining, if I can have theological licence, that David is thinking of heaven. He said ‘forever’, that means infinity, so he’s talking about his world here and his world after. ‘I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.’
And I was one of the people that went in The Queue. I still can’t explain it. I’m still trying to process it. Does anybody know what The Queue is? There is only one queue that happened recently – after the Queen’s death. That is The Queue. 22 hours. A lot of us perhaps identified with the Queen for different reasons. I identified with her because I was very close to my grandmother. And so for me, that was the grandmother that I could talk about on the streets, in the café, in church, someone that I could relate to.
I remember the year before I was watching her birthday on the TV. I had my drink, I had my chocolate, I had my remote control. And I was just flipping through channels. I heard people say, ‘oh, I flew in from America to celebrate with her’, ‘I flew in from Canada’, ‘I flew from Australia.’ And I’m thinking to myself, I’m just sitting down and I live in London. It’s 20 minutes to get to central London. Perhaps I just need to spend £20 and go. But I took it for granted that she would be around the next year or year after. I’ll go to the Queen’s birthday next year. You take people for granted. Right in the centre of London, 20 minutes journey, £20 travel card. Celebrate with her. I’m in my living room. I assume she’s going to live forever, but we’re all mortal.
But then you can see somebody one minute and the next minute they’re gone. There’s that shock and you go ‘what happened? I just saw her.’ My friend had called me and said ‘Did you see? That was one Elizabeth shaking another Elizabeth’s hand.’ I said, ‘Oh, that’s true. That’s Elizabeth Truss and Queen Elizabeth.’ The Queen was acknowledging that Liz Truss was now the PM. And then just days later, she had gone.
On the first day when they had the lying in state, I said I’m not going to go there. Why would I go there? That crowd, all those people? And then the second day I said the same, and the third day, and then on the last day, when they said do not join The Queue anymore, it just occurred to me, that this is closure. So I thought well, I can’t join The Queue anymore, but I’ll just go to be in central London and just be with people. When I got there, the people at the end of The Queue said, ‘look, just join, you never know, at least if you made it halfway, at least you have the experience.’ So I joined The Queue, and I did see her coffin and say goodbye.
thought about her experiences through life, thinking about what I knew of her. A little girl not trained to be queen. An uncle was meant to be the king. Her father just wanted his nice little family. The shock of losing her father and not having the time to process that loss, suddenly she’s going to be Queen. And I just remember that face and that voice. “I dedicate to you, should my life be short or should my life be long, to serve you.”
In Psalm 23 we read ‘you anoint my head with oil’. Although we were not shown it during the coronation, the Queen was anointed with oil. And anointing with oil was a way of representing the Holy Spirit in the person’s life. And the same thing was true with David – someone anointed David to be king. And so the Queen took on the role, reigning over England and the Commonwealth. Her children went through divorces. She stayed on. Princess Diana died. The people wanted the Queen to relate to them and she responded with humility. She got it wrong at first; she thought we could grieve in quiet, but when the people called on her to grieve with them, she came out and related with them. Throughout various scandals, she kept on ruling and serving. She died in her 90s, after 70 years of service, and just like David in the Bible, Queen Elizabeth kept on a journey, her Christian walk.
The message I would like to share with you this morning is it won’t always be nice. It won’t always be touchy feely. People will die around us. We’ll go through a roller coaster ride. We’ll have good days and bad days and we’ll have ugly days. What we need to remember, as Mr Wesley said, is that God is with us. And we need to stay on that path. And stay on that journey. And stay on that walk of faith. So that the plan and the purpose of God is finished in our lives.
We are not here by ourselves. We’re here through the grace of God, and when we look at ourselves, we can get all overwhelmed and disheartened. We can think ‘why me?’ There’s a war in Ukraine and the cost of living crisis, and then we’ve just lost somebody, or we feel unwell.
The good news is you’re not alone. The good news is that this too shall pass. Stay strong. Stay focused In the grace and the faith and the holiness of God. Whatever comes your way may it be well with your soul. Amen.
Ade Benson
Readings for 26 March
John 11: 1-45 (NIV)
The Death of Lazarus
Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 (This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.) 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.”
4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”
8 “But Rabbi,” they said, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone you, and yet you are going back?”
9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. 10 It is when a person walks at night that they stumble, for they have no light.”
11 After he had said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.”
12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” 13 Jesus had been speaking of his death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.
14 So then he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.”
16 Then Thomas (also known as Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”
Jesus Comforts the Sisters of Lazarus
17 On his arrival, Jesus found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. 18 Now Bethany was less than two miles from Jerusalem, 19 and many Jews had come to Martha and Mary to comfort them in the loss of their brother. 20 When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home.
21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”
23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”
24 Martha answered, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27 “Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”
28 After she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet entered the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. 31 When the Jews who had been with Mary in the house, comforting her, noticed how quickly she got up and went out, they followed her, supposing she was going to the tomb to mourn there.
32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
35 Jesus wept.
36 Then the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
37 But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?”
Jesus Raises Lazarus From the Dead
38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said.
“But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odour, for he has been there four days.”
40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”
41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.
Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
The Plot to Kill Jesus
45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.
Further readings from the lectionary this week are as follows:
- Ezekiel 37: 1-14
- Psalm 130
- Romans 8: 6-11
Our worship
We meet at 11am for our Sunday services, which are also live-streamed on our Facebook page. If you wish to view our services online, you can find them at www.facebook.com/christchurchuxbridge. You do not have to be a Facebook user to watch them – our services are publicly viewable. You can also view a recent service on our church website. Our service this week will be a communion service led by URC minister, Revd Maggie Hindley. You can find the order of service here.
If you are unable to join us in person or online for our Sunday services, but would like to receive a recording of them on a memory stick to watch at home, please let us know.
Forthcoming services
26 March – Revd Maggie Hindley (URC minister) – Holy Communion
2 April – Neil Mackin (Christ Church member) – Palm Sunday
6 April – Christ Church worship group – Maundy Thursday, 7pm
9 April – Joanne Mackin & Louise George (Christ Church members) – Easter Sunday communion, 9.30am
9 April – Richard Reid (Methodist local preacher) – Easter Sunday, 11am
16 April – Revd Andrew Pottage (Methodist minister) – Holy Communion
Lent reflections
Tuesdays, 12.30pm – 1.30pm
28th February to 28th March 2023
Bible passages, discussion, quietness, reflection, prayer using Churches Together material and “Worship in Stillness”, by Susan Sayers.
Session themes:
28th March: Parenthood and adoption – God who heals.
The sessions will also be available to join via Zoom using the following details:
Meeting ID: 975 3521 4949
Passcode: cclent
Holy Week
Sunday 2 April
Palm Sunday service, 11am
Our Palm Sunday service will be led by Christ Church member, Neil Mackin.
Thursday 6 April
Maundy Thursday service at Christ Church, 7pm
Meeting to worship together over a simple supper of soup, bread and cheese. All are welcome. Please let Louise know if you are considering attending so we have an indication of numbers for food.
Friday 7 April
Good Friday Walk of Witness, 10am
This year’s Good Friday walk of witness will start with a short service at St Andrew’s church, followed by a procession through the town centre towards St Margaret’s church where the walk will conclude with a short Passion play. All are welcome.
Sunday 9 April
Easter Sunday Holy Communion, 9.30am
Our Easter Sunday communion service will be a short service led by Joanne Mackin and Louise George. This will be followed by hot cross buns in the meeting area.
Easter Sunday service, 11am
Our 11am Easter Sunday service will be led by Methodist local preacher, Richard Reid.
Good Friday Walk of Witness
This year’s Walk of Witness will take place on Good Friday (7th April) at 10am, starting at St Andrew’s Church, Hillingdon Road, Uxbridge UB10 0AE and making its way through the town centre, finishing at St Margaret’s Church where a short Passion play will be performed. All are welcome to join us for the walk and for hot cross buns afterwards at St Margaret’s.
Appeal for Stewards
The Walk of Witness will run more safely and smoothly with the assistance of volunteer stewards. We are looking for a couple of stewards from each church if possible, please. Stewards will need to arrive at St Andrew’s by 9.45am on Good Friday to allow time for a briefing before the walk. Their role will be to help encourage walkers along the route to follow general instructions given to all, provide assistance with crossing the road at Vine Street and to help ensure that the walk proceeds as safely as possibly. They will be provided with hi-vis tabards to wear on the day.
If anyone would be willing to volunteer to steward on the walk, please let me know.
Louise George
From the Methodist Circuit
The latest issue of ‘Circuit Life’, including a ‘Spotlight on Christ Church’ article is now available at https://tinyurl.com/circuitlifemar23
Lent course
Revd Dr Dong Hwan Kim is currently running a Lent course reflecting on the Lord’s Prayer. He has shared some videos on YouTube reflecting on this which can be accessed through the links below:
INTRO: https://youtu.be/uc-bZDGYHag
Session1: https://youtu.be/p5QYXJup47k
Session 2: https://youtu.be/6g0A0iEyfGs
Session 3: https://youtu.be/kjUVImiSo88
The Crisis of the Cross
A “crisis” is a turning point: Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection marked a turning point in history. Revd Dr Lynita Conradie invites you to join her for Holy Week to explore this turning point, accompanied by Bishop John Davies and John’s gospel; details below.
Monday 3 April
7.30 pm on Zoom
ARREST (John 18: 1-13)
Tuesday 4 April
7.30 pm on Zoom
FALSE AND GENUINE SECURITY: PETER DENIES JESUS (John 18: 12-27)
Wednesday 5 April
7.30 pm on Zoom
TRUTH AND SUBVERSION: JESUS IS BROUGHT BEFORE PILATE (John 18: 28-40)
Thursday 6 April (Maundy Thursday)
8 pm at Cannon Lane
THE PERSON AND THE NATION: PILATE’S DECISION (John 19: 1-16).
This will include Holy Communion and Tenebrae (the shadows)
Friday 7 April (Good Friday)
10.30 am at Eastcote
STATIONS OF THE CROSS (with David Adam), also available on Zoom
Sunday 9 April (Easter Sunday)
9.30 am at Eastcote
11 am Pinner
RESURRECTION
IMPORTANT NOTE
If you are willing to do a reading on Maundy Thursday (seven needed), please get in touch with Lynita. More readers for Good Friday would also be welcomed.
Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3856522264?pwd=aVRhNjExTHd5TUdHVkRIaEtzSkNFdz09
Don’t lose your vote!
The rules around voting in general elections in Britain and for local elections in England and Wales are changing. In addition to being registered on the electoral roll, from 4 May 2023 you must also produce an approved form of identity card at the polling station to be able to vote.
Deadlines for May 2023 elections are as follows:
Monday 17 April: Register to vote
Tuesday 18 April: Apply for a postal vote
Tuesday 25 April: Apply for a Voter Authority Certificate
Thursday 4 May: Polling Day (remind others to bring ID)
Accepted forms of ID include passport, driving licence, blue badge, concessionary travel card, Identity card with PASS mark and biometric immigration documents. You can still use your photo ID if it’s out of date, as long as it looks like you and has the same name.
If you or someone in your community doesn’t have ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate. You can apply online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate or by requesting a paper form from your local council. To apply, you will need to give your name, address, date of birth, National Insurance number and a passport-style photograph.
You do not need photo ID to vote by post. You can download a form to apply for a postal vote at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote This form then needs to be returned to your local Electoral Registration Office, which for Uxbridge, is as follows:
Electoral Registration Officer
Phase II
Civic Centre
High Street; Uxbridge
UB8 1UW
You can find out more about the changes in the rules around voting on the poster displayed at church or online at https://jpit.uk/voterid
Children’s Corner
Praying for other churches
This week we hold the following churches in our prayers:
- Wealdstone Methodist
- Wembley Park URC
Closing prayer
Lord, be with us on our journey of life.
As we travel with you in the coming days,
may we share your love and compassion
with those we meet whose path is hard.
Transform us, and transform them, with your life-giving love.
Amen.
(Taken from Roots)
