A 'work in progress' sign on a countryside path

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 with 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

Lord, you are amazing and wonderful.
You are dressed in the beauty of the world you created.
You control the skies and the waters.
We praise you for your countless creations,
for the stunning beauty you have made.
You made them in your wisdom.
We praise you, Lord.
Amen.
(Taken from Roots)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflection from 13 October

Readings – Genesis 1:1-13 and Psalm 29

 

I have entitled my sermon this morning ‘God looked and saw that it was good’ and I’m sure God is looking at us right now and seeing that it is good. I mean, just looking at these children here and the commitment that they were making, I even felt this is good and all about God. God is looking at you and saying, “It is good.” When you obey your parents or your leaders, or play well with others, God is looking at all that and saying it is good.

 

This is a statement we see repeated many times in the creation account in Genesis as God paused to evaluate the work of his own hands. It all looked good. But when I look at it now, I wonder exactly what has gone wrong. We find ourselves in a place or a world where no one would have wanted to belong. Just think of yourself in the Middle East right now or in Ukraine. Who on earth would want to be in these places with what is happening there right now. Of course, no one. And you wonder exactly what has gone wrong to these countries or the world at large. Something must have gone wrong some way.

 

But at some point, God looked at it and said, “It is good.” He said, “it is good” when looking at his creation, and yet it still had many loose ends and touches of disorder that still needed to be attended to. In spite of that, God still looked at it midway and was able to say, “It is good.” And why, I always ask myself, if there were loose ends, then that is of disorder that could have been attended to at that time, but were left like that. Why did God not attend to these at that time? I’m sure if he had done that we wouldn’t be having the troubles we are having in our world today.

 

But he didn’t. He just left it like that and I struggled to put my head around this for some time until a pin dropped and some new understanding dawned. Another look at this text showed me that creation and all its beauty was never meant to be a one day affair. It rather was a long-term project in the process of becoming. It did not come out beautiful at once. And someone once said, “If you don’t like me now, please be patient with me. God is still at work in me, and when he is done, I know you will like me.”

 

A 'work in progress' sign on a countryside path

 

We all are a work in progress. God is working on us. Bear in mind that it took him not one day to create the world. There was evening and morning day one, day two, day three, until the world was. But at every stage, God would look at the world with all the imperfections and touches of disorder, loose ends that were still there, and was able to still say it is good. And now I know why he could say that. And I also know why he left some loose ends and touches of disorder in this world. He did that for a very good reason, and I hope you will understand, that he did that so you and I can also participate with him in this process of creation. He honoured us. What an honour to be made a co-creator with God in making this world a better place. Something that someone can look at and say it is good, because there is your touch there, because you have done something to the world. So God left it like that so that we can participate in this process of creation.

 

It was an honour that, unfortunately, has also become the tragedy of humanity. With so much power and talent. But see how these are now being misused and abused, creating bombs and guns to kill one another when God gave us this knowledge and abilities to continue tying up with these loose ends that are in the world and all the touches of disorder rather than to create war machines and destructive systems that we see today. That’s not why God gave us the intelligence and the wisdom that we have today. He looked at the world before it was perfect because he knew what he had deposited in humanity to make it perfect, so he could still look at it and say, “it is good.”

 

God wants us to be involved in bringing order and making this world a better place, but it seems we are letting him down somehow. I want you to look at it this way. After creating land, he left it for the land itself to produce vegetation, seed-bearing plants, trees and grass because he knew that the land could do it. He also wanted his creation to participate in the process of making the world a better place, and now he’s asking you and I to play our part, because he knows we can do it. He already has deposited something beautiful in us, so the beauty of this world can be seen. I want you to look at it this way. This is how I’ve looked at it and think it’s good that God left some loose ends and touches of disorder. Imagine if we didn’t have all the challenges and the loose ends, the entireties of this order that we have in this world today, imagine how things would be. And believe me, this world would be the most boring place to be. A place where there would be no moral choices, creativity or excellency. It would be boring.

 

Now the challenges we have today are bringing out, or should bring out, the beauty and the intelligence of God’s creation. That’s why they are there. The beauty that God saw right at the beginning, before everything was there. We can make this world a better place if we play our part. And he wants to see us now tying the loose ends where things are not right, where people are killing one another, where people are fighting one another. God is wanting us to begin to tap into that which he deposited in us to go there and begin to tie those loose ends to make our world a better place.

 

One day he wants to celebrate you and I for what we can do, or what we are doing, in this world. I tell you that every achievement or breakthrough in doing all that in this world is our way of participating in God’s creative process; scientific discoveries, peace advocates and community development are all working to make this world a better place. When it’s all in our heads to do that, God is expecting us to do that. So, this world can be a happy place. He is therefore looking at our efforts now, what you and I are doing today in this world. He is looking at it, and should be able to say it is good because of your intentions, and what you are trying to do and accomplish in this life. You may not do it all, but when I’ve done the best I can, God will say well done one day.

 

Two people planting trees

 

Just play your part. Your little bit will make a difference. We don’t all have to be intelligent or creative to make a difference, you know. That simple smile. A visit to someone who needed it, a show of love is enough and that’s all that makes our world go round. God is not asking us to do what we cannot do. But of course, we still need that those intelligent people, the intelligence, the wisdom that we have, to be able to subdue the earth and control the earth. And also tie the loose ends that are still there. Just think of the glaciers, earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis that are happening in this world today. They are bearing testimony to the disorder. And the touches of the loose ends that are still there in our world, they are there. And for us to be able to deal with that, we need the wisdom and the intelligence that God has deposited in people. Sadly, that it’s being abused. If things go wrong, we don’t want to think that God has let us down. But, by and large, we are letting ourselves down. And for this to be achieved, the beauty and the intelligence of humanity has to come out so that we can control all these disasters that are happening today. We may end those wars that are raging in our world today.

 

We are only human. Let’s not be discouraged. This evil world might have compromised our actions and we are not exactly where we are supposed to be and all we can do now is to try and try again. To do our best. And God will look at us and still say, “It is good.” I know we can improve. if you have said a good thing yesterday, but you still can even do better. And the good thing you have done can even be done better. That’s why we want to keep working and trying and trying again. I therefore will let whoever God wants to choose to help encourage and correct me so the best in me can be seen. I will welcome that. And this is why we are here as the people of God to support one another, encourage one another so that we all can bring out the best in us.

 

We all are still a work in progress and our world is also a work in progress. But if we do what God is asking us to do, it will become the place that we have always wanted it to be. All we need is to use our God-given knowledge and intelligence to make this world a better place. And with us also playing our part, we will all be going to look at the world and say, “It is good.”
Revd Wilbert Sayimani

 

 

 

 

Readings for 20 October

Mark 10: 35-45

The Request of James and John

35 Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want you to do for us whatever we ask.”

 

36 “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.

 

37 They replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”

 

38 “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said. “Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with?”

 

39 “We can,” they answered.

 

Jesus said to them, “You will drink the cup I drink and be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with, 40 but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.”

 

41 When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. 42 Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. 43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

 

Further readings from the lectionary this week are as follows:

  • Isaiah 53: 4-12
  • Psalm 91: 9-16
  • Hebrews 5: 1-10

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our worship

We meet at 11am for our Sunday services, which are also live-streamed on our YouTube channel. If you wish to view our services online, you can find them at https://www.youtube.com/@christchurchuxbridge

 

You can also view a recent service on our church website. Our service this week will be led by Christ Church member and trainee URC lay preacher, Neil Mackin. 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

20 October – Neil Mackin (Christ Church member and URC lay preacher)

27 October – Revd Wilbert Sayimani – Holy Communion

3 November – Christ Church worship group

10 November – Revd Dr Jonathan Hustler (Methodist minister) – Remembrance Sunday (10.50am)

 

 

 

A cartoon depicting two praying mantis sitting and having a meal together. The caption reads "What me? Oh no, I'm done praying. I thought you were still praying."
(Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc – www.reverendfun.com)

 

 

 

The Wind in the Willows

Wednesday 30 October – Saturday 2 November 2024

Winston Churchill Theatre, Ruislip

​Take a trip down the riverbank with the musical of this family favourite.

 

Based on Kenneth Grahame’s best-selling children’s book, with a script by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, The Wind in the Willows follows Mole, Rat, Badger, and the impulsive Mr. Toad, whose insatiable need for speed lands him in serious trouble. With his beloved home under threat from the notorious Chief Weasel and his gang of sinister Wild Wooders, Toad must attempt a daring escape leading to a series of misadventures and a heroic battle to recapture Toad Hall.

 

​Full of wit, a gorgeous, soaring score from Stiles & Drewe, and heartwarming lessons of friendship, this riotous comedy is perfect for family audiences.

 

 

A flyer advertising 'The Wind in the Willows' with a picture of a car with a toad on top of the bonnet. The text reads "WOS Productions presents 'The Wind in the Willows' Poop Poop! Join the musical adventure! 30 October - 2 November 2024. Winston Churchill Theatre, Ruislip. Wednesday - Friday: 19:3-, Saturday: 13:30 and 18:30. Adults: £18; Concessions: £16; Children: £14. www.wos-productions.org.uk; 07391988077. Book by Julian Fellowes - Music by George Stiles - Lyrics by Anthony Drewe. Based on the book by Kenneth Grahame - Original Production produced by Jamie Hendry. "The Wind in the Willows" is presented through special arrangement with and all authorised performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW), www.theatricalrights.co.uk"

 

Several people from Christ Church are appearing in this production: Louise (Mole), Sophie (Hedgehog Child/Ensemble), Lawrence (Mr Squirrel/Ensemble) and Caitlin (Horse/Ensemble).

 

Tickets can be booked online at www.wos-productions.org.uk or by phone (07391 988077) (booking fees apply). Audience members requiring wheelchair spaces should contact the WOS Box Office (07391 988077).

 

Show times

Wednesday 30 October – Saturday 2 November 2024

Wednesday – Friday times: 19:30

Saturday times: 13:30; 18:30

 

Tickets cost £18 for adults, £16 for concessions and £14 for children. A group family booking is available – groups of 6 or more that include at least 2 children will receive £1 off each ticket. Contact the WOS Box Office to find out more!

 

 

 

 

Children’s Corner

A codeword puzzle
(Taken from the Roots activity sheet © ROOTS for Churches Ltd (www.rootsontheweb.com) 2002-2024. Reproduced with permission.)

 

 

 

 

Dates for your diary

 

2024
30 October Welcome Wednesday
13 November Welcome Wednesday
24 November Congregational Meeting
27 November Welcome Wednesday
11 December Welcome Wednesday
2025
8 January Welcome Wednesday
22 January Welcome Wednesday

 

 

Praying for other churches

This week we hold the following churches in our prayers

  • North Hillingdon Methodist
  • Ickenham URC
  • All churches in Uxbridge

 

 

 

 

Closing prayer

Companion God, show me how to follow you, out in the world.
Fire me with your courage.
Touch me with your humility and bless me and all around me as I face the reality of our everyday service to others.
Amen.
(Taken from The Vine)

 

 

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‘Look-In’ – 18 October 2024
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