Agnostics Anonymous

 

Come and debate with the vicar!

 

Many people find it difficult, if not impossible, to believe in God. They have so many questions about religion and its place in the modern world. These often centre around such issues as:

• wars and violence perpetrated in the name of religion
• the conflict between religion and science
• the amount of innocent suffering in the world
• the feeling that Christianity is anti-life
• the sense that the Church is hung up about sex and homophobic
• the belief that religious faith is for wimps
• the disunity of Christians and the fact that many do not practice what they preach
• the way the Church bangs on about sin and guilt
• the belief that the Church is out of touch and stuck in the past

...... the name just a few! The case against religion is strong. Why should anyone believe in God? Some people consider themselves very spiritual but cannont buy into the package of the institutional church and all it baggage. Why don't you bring your questions, your rants and your difficulties?

I will be in "The Eight Bells" on the High Street in Long Crendon on the following evenings (and maybe more!) not with all the answers but with a desire to listen, learn and engage in discussion.

On Mondays at 8.00pm

September 24th, October 1st, October 15th, October 22nd

John Wynburne

New Cross

Many years ago, one of our stone crosses fell from the roof of the church.  Now, thanks to the estate of Patience Clowes, we have a beautiful new cross.

Harvest Supper

Tickets are now on sale for the St Nicholas' Harvest Supper in the Village Hall on Saturday, September 22nd at 7.30pm. A 2 course meal including wine or beer costs £10 which also includes entertainment. Contact Claire Lazaruk on 208087 or Angela Gray on 202105.

Police Warning

We have been sent this warning from the police via Archdeacon Karen.

There has been a series of Frauds committed in the Northampton and Milton Keynes areas over recent weeks using precisely the same method. The offender targets church members, approaching people at or outside churches or church halls appearing upset and frantic for help. He tells them that his mother has died that morning on the island of Jersey and that he is in desperate need of funds to get out there to identify the body and bring her home. He explains that his mother was a member of their church and lived locally until recently. He quotes the details of several of the churches local ministers to add validity to his story but these people happen to be on holiday at the time so it appears that he has done some preparatory research.

He is described as follows: White Male aged 30-35 years 5’4” to 5’8” tall with a slim build Fair hair cut about ear length Last seen wearing a blue hoody with white writing and dark jeans This male is EXTREMELY plausible, cries when recalling memories of his mother, gives his name as ‘John WILLIAMS’ and passes a mobile phone number when asked. He will even quote addresses that are local.

Please can details of this crime series be circulated among the Church community, encouraging any persons who come across this male to call 999 immediately? Anyone who has any information regarding this man can call the Police non emergency number on 101
Northants Police reference – NP/23988/12
Ed Allington Partnership
Crime Prevention & Reduction Advisor
Milton Keynes Police Station
302 North Row
Witan Gate East
Central Milton Keynes
MK9 2DS
Tel 01908 686294
ed.allington@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk

The Venerable Karen Gorham Archdeacon of Buckingham
The Rectory
Ford Road
Stone
Aylesbury
HP17 8RZ
Pho: 01865 208264
Fax: 01296 747424
email: archdbuc@oxford.anglican.org

Sound Proofing

Last week some specialist sound proofing material was installed in the upper room above the kitchen. Hopefully this will allow the children to make the most of Junior Church without worrying about disturbing the adults in the main body of the church.

A Patch of Blue under the gray summer skies

This July the Patch of Blue theatre company have been on tour with a production of last year's five star Edinburgh Fringe Festival production of Godspell by Steven Schwartzs.

For those of you who don't know the show, the plot line is essentially that of the gospels but Schwartzs takes the parables told in the Bible and creates a universal message; people who are lost and distressed coming together through love and community, and of course some cracking show tunes. It is a musical that seems to have to been intended for this company's vision for interactive and intimate theatre and these ideals are expertly brought to life by St Andrews based directors Alex Howarth and Caroline McCaffrey.

The performance I saw was on the 19th of July in Cuddington, Buckinghamshire, a small village, proud of its 'best kept' status, yet we were transported in the opening scenes to a disordered junk yard. Despite the curtained stage available this production was set on the floor, with cushions and settees for the front audience rows, blurring the divide between actor and spectator. Twinkling fairy lights lit the enigmatic scene, where bunting met rusty fridges and broken doors. As the cast gradually entered, alone and seemingly desolate, alongside the audience, a hush descended. Amidst our silent anticipation Jesus flicked on a lighter and began.

Emily Thompson, playing Jesus, spoke quietly into a pregnant crowd. A female Jesus. The feminine touch was ideal, she became like a mother encouraging and calming her boisterous children, as though from ignorant toddlers to enlightened adults. Thompson was subtle with her words, always speaking as though imploring so that rather than raising her voice she made herself worthy of silence. From this, and the less formal setting, the production had a raw and sensitive quality throughout; intimate and enchanting.

Technically it was astounding. The choreography, could not be faulted. From slow and sensuous waltzes to unimaginably speedy ensembles they blew me away. Musically they were unanimously impressive. The vocals were pitch perfect and the use of so many instruments by so many actors was more than inspiring. My performance highlight was in the song All Good Gifts where three guys played one guitar, one using it as a drum, another making the chord shapes and the third playing the strings. This couldn't have been achieved without technical ability, absolute trust, unity and sensitivity. This image epitomised the production for me.

The Patch of Blue theatre company will be showing their talent once more at the Fringe this August in what promises to be an extraordinary production of The 25th Putnam Annual Country Spelling Bee,which has already graced a West End Stage at the Twitter Theatre Awards. We wish them well.
                                                                Emily Hill, former cast member.

Confirmation Thoughts

On June 10th we had a wonderful celebration in Chearsley. Just as we might have thought that the Jubilee had left us all celebrated out, along came another one.  But this was different, this was much more local and for 5 of our regular congregation at St Nicholas in Chearsley, and one from St Mary's, it was much more personal.

I believe that coming to a decision to confirm our baptismal vows [for that is what the Confirmation service is] having worshipped as an adult and having thought about it over many months or years, makes it a much more resonant occasion.  It is true and meaningful choice, and it is generally one that has been thought hard about.  It can open a person's mind to go further and explore more, which is always a good thing and to be encouraged.

I know that our new members from Chearsley and Long Crendon churches have been given a superb book to read, Living Jesus, by Bishop John Pritchard.  If you have not read it you should, it will hopefully open your mind and make you think.

I hope that all who attended the service, led by Bishop Alan, will have got something deeply special out of it, not just those being confirmed, but all of us sitting watching, and hopefully remembering.

So as we go out in peace to love and serve the Lord, may we all do so in the remembered joy of our own Confirmation, however long ago.
In the love of Jesus Christ,   John Scholefield LLM