Zetland Park Methodist Church Pastoral Letters
April 2015
Easter
Ever since hearing my mother speak of the experience of witnessing a total solar eclipse when she was 5 years old I have wanted to share that same experience, so far without a realistic opportunity presenting itself. For Mum it was clearly a dramatic experience and despite her young age the intensity of the memory never left her - she was transformed by it! Alas, the one which took place this month (March), which saw totality as near as the Faroe Isles, did not come to my attention until after all the affordable trips there had already long been booked up! To have been "so near and yet so far" from fulfilling a life-time ambition leaves one feeling as gutted as I was about failing to find the time to complete my MA two years ago. Alas opportunities come and go ... passing you by if you don't grab them with both hands. Since the next total solar eclipse in Europe is not until 2026, a couple of years after I have retired, we shall have to wait to see if health and opportunity hold up!
Two points from this silly story from my life:
1) At Easter we celebrate again the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Reading the Bible accounts leaves you in no doubt about the life-transforming experience upon those disciples who witnessed it. Yes, doubt to begin with but then transformed into confident and strong witnesses of what humanly seemed impossible. Their confidence was infectious and their energy and joy unquenchable. It was the driving force behind the incredible growth and expansion of the early church. Some Christians today are like that - but many have some doubts or questions which perhaps stop them from knowing that transformation, that confidence, that inner joy. If you are one of these, don't worry, just keep walking in faith and trust and one day you will find that same life-transforming event has happened. Even for the Wesley brothers it took years and years of faithful (even if not very fulfilling) ministry before their 'Aldersgate experience' transformed them. Be inspired by the transformational experience resurrection faith has on others but keep seeking it until you experience it yourself - or even experience it again!
2) Never miss an opportunity that God lays in your path to experience him, and life, more deeply. Too often in church our doing - oh, yes, I know there is always so much to be done - our doing gets in the way of our being! Go on retreat, read a good Christian book, go to hear a celebrated preacher, take time to talk with other Christians about your shared faith - and yes - your doubts, too! And above all take time to talk and listen to God. Also remember that life, family, your friends, your relaxation, your skills - everything which makes you you - are gifts from God to used and enjoyed to the full! Don't make the same mistake too many Ministers do - of neglecting yourself! My piano and organ playing skills are now on their knees just because over so many years I haven't taken time to enjoy playing, which is tragic really, but probably now beyond repair! As was said, "Rome wasn't built in a day", nor will be the kingdom of God. It is a process of happening, of people discovering and growing, of the church serving and witnessing! Resurrection faith is about how we live, not just about what we do!
May the joy of the risen Christ be known to you.