The Chocolate Cathedral.

Dear friends,

Here’s a quick quiz question for you: Which of the 42 UK cathedrals has a chocolate pot for its font?

No, really! I know for some the idea of being baptised in a vat of molten chocolate might appeal, but I’m afraid this particular large burnished copper vessel now contains (merely) cold water, the red-gold of the polished metal glowing warmly in the light from the clerestories above as you enter the nave. The vessel itself was a gift to the Cathedral from a local (sadly closing) confectionery factory, the Cathedral being happy to find a second life for it, as a large shiny feature to draw your eye, reminding you of the life that Christ brings to the heart yearning for sustenance. (Read on for the location)

Scripture is deficient in chocolate references, but this particular font had me thinking about the sub text; is baptism a “process”, in the same manner that chocolate beans are “processed” before they can be made into cocoa? Are candidates for baptism just “product” to be “consumed” by the church? Certainly perhaps from the eyes of the clergy, baptisms can appear to be a “procession”, in that they happen one after another, after another. For each candidate, however, whether infant, child or adult, their baptism is a singularly unique moment, a once in a lifetime step of commitment to Christ, and following in His Way. Far better to regard not baptism, but faith itself as a process – a journey of discovery, growth and change. Our baptism marks our own “yes!” to God’s plans for our lives. Every baptism that we subsequently share in, whether as a family member, or as a member of a regular congregation, (or even as the minister!) can then remind and refresh each of us of our own commitment to Christ. Are we walking the walk, fighting the good fight, or have we, like the good seed among the thorns, become distracted and diverted from God’s will for our life? Let us today jump into the stream of God’s goodness, feet first, whatever our age, knowing that many have gone before us, and many will come after. Chocolate is extra.

Worship Services for Sunday 6th September

9.30am All Age Service at St John’s Stoke Row with Mr Peter Ferguson

11am Morning Prayer at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Mr Brian Turner.

Midweek zoom service: Wednesday Evensong at 5.00pm  410 935 129

Classical Guitar concert at St John’s Stoke Row.

Please note in your diary: I’m very pleased to be able to invite you to a one-off Tea Concert being held at St John’s Stoke Row, on Saturday 12th September at 4pm. Dr Fernando Aguero will entertain us with his classical (Spanish) guitar for about an hour, and there will be tea and cake afterwards. Entrance is £10 on the door. Dr Aguero teaches the guitar throughout South Oxfordshire, and we are very excited to work with him. Do come and hear his playing in a building which has the perfect acoustic for the instrument, on St John’s wonderfully comfy seats. Everyone from across the Team is very welcome.

Members of Checkendon PCC are reminded that our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday September 15th, at 8pm in Church. Members of the Langtree Team Ministry Council are also reminded that the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 29th September at 8pm in the Lion’s Den community room, Woodcote.

The garden is looking exhausted, bedraggled, and spent. The harvest of beans (climbing, not cocoa!), courgettes, cucumbers, and tomatoes, (all outdoor) has been considerable, thanks to the watering can. The welcome rain comes to greet the children (possibly also exhausted, bedraggled and spent after a summer outside?) as they return to school. Please remember staff and students in your prayers this week, and especially those starting, or changing, their school. We continue to cry to God for the suffering in Nepal, Ukraine, and the Middle East. Peace be upon all God’s people.

Your Rector, Canon Kevin

(PS: Its Norwich Cathedral. More next week.)