The Rock of Refuge

Dear friends,

Grey skies, pouring rain, and nothing on the radio save political woes. We vote for a different tune but find the song remains the same even though the choir has been changed.  The prophet Jeremiah knew the agony of life shattering disappointment when he said “the summer is ended, the harvest is over, and we are not saved.”  (Jer 8:20) He was bewailing the fact that the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem had not been broken – help from Egypt was not sent – and that the city’s end was now only a matter of time. “We hoped for peace, but no good has come, for a time of healing, but there was only terror.”  The prophet does not mince his words – Judah’s calamity is that she has thrown away her faith, such that even God is repulsed by their behaviour. “..they are all adulterers, a crowd of unfaithful people….every brother is a deceiver, and every friend a slanderer….no one speaks the truth.” (9:2,5)  (If you can bear it, and wish to read further, Jeremiah, chapters 7-9, in the NIV, puts even  the tabloid press in the shade.)

Contrast the faithless context of Jeremiah’s time with the faithful attitude of the Psalmist, who also find himself under personal attack, in Psalm 71. “In you O Lord I take refuge…you are my rock and my fortress…..do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!” (Ps 71:1,3,12). Faith in God is a lifelong disposition, and can bring forth hope and praise, even on the dullest of days, and under the most terrible of circumstances. “You, who have made me see many troubles and calamities will revive me again; from the depths of the earth you will bring me up again.” (v20) By contrast with the liars and deceivers of Jeremiah’s day – and possibly our own – the Psalmist’s lips are singing God’s praises, and speaking of His righteous help. And, also, there is the hint of resurrection, the light on the horizon of that still greater help which the Psalmist hoped for.

Worship Services for Sunday 29th September

10.30am Team Service of Holy Communion at St Mary’s Ipsden. Celebrant – the Revd John Blair, Area Dean of Henley. A great chance for an autumn get together as a Team, to enjoy worship, and refreshments afterwards.

Midweek zoom service: Wednesday at 5.00pm  410 935 129

Put your armour on

…against all the doom and gloom, and the powers of darkness that stalk this earth. Hold onto Christ, the saviour of your life. St Patrick, the 5th century saint and missionary to Ireland (and also the Lake District), went though much worse, and his “breastplate” prayer still comforts, encourages, and empowers. Here is a lyrical and gentle version in the Celtic tradition. But do not be fooled by the velvet coat and glossy presentation. The words reveal a faith built on rock, which endures through the worst of times, as well as the best of them.

Thank God for your ministers, lay and ordained, church council, and Team ministry, who work together to resource our churches and our communities. May Christ be with and over us all.

Do join us on Sunday at Ipsden. The waters should have receded by then! There are Harvest services to look forward to on October 6th, but more of this next week.

Your servant for Jesus’ sake

Canon Kevin.