The New America

Dear friends,

If you, like me, were astonished and horrified by the so called diplomacy of the week that is passing, may I offer you an insight that a good friend shared with me.  This is a Brit who works for a very large US company, and who has spent at least half of his working life in the US. When I asked him how he understood the appeal of the newly elected President he said: “Its really quite simple. Trump is about making as much money as possible, as quickly as possible. And he knows that the richer he makes America, the richer he will become. Once you understand that there is really nothing else, everything will become clear.”

Seen this way, the shouting match in the Oval Office is a wake up call for all of us. The Ukrainian president, along with most of the leaders of Europe, was under the illusion that the US values his people’s freedom and right to self determination. The US administration however, now takes the view that Ukrainian freedom has been over priced. There is money to be made, either from Ukraine itself (mineral rights?) or from Europe (why give away arms when you can get Europe to buy them?) or even Russia (what will you give me if I give you Ukraine?).

However the old adage “everything has a price” will only take you so far in life. Lennon and McCartney saw this when they sang “Can’t buy me love.” St Paul saw it in the self-giving of Christ (Philippians 2:5-11) who exchanged the glory of God for the ignominious death of a slave. His subsequent exaltation is at the gift of God, not through his own self aggrandisement. We pray for the USA, that, in seeking greatness, it will recognise that this is more than just heaps of dusty dollars. Let it be an object lesson to each of us to find room in our hearts for the things that money can’t buy.

Ash Wednesday Team Service: 5th March, 7.30pm at St Leonard’s Woodcote.

Worship Services for Sunday 9th March

9.30am Morning Prayer at St John’s Stoke Row with Mr Peter Ferguson

11am Holy Communion at St Peter and Paul, Checkendon with Canon Kevin Davies

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

Lent begins.

The Church of England’s Lent Theme for 2025 is Living Hope. Why not download the app to your phone, and a five minute daily reflection, prayer and reading will be emailed to you throughout the season. You can take part each day at a time to suit yourself.

For those of you who have a little more time, I’ll be making one or two recommendations throughout the penitential season. This week, a video to watch. The Chosen is an (US made, but crowdfunded) immersive drama series that is working through the life of Christ. Each episode lasts an hour and it is free to watch. Have a look at this episode from season three. What do you find challenging, and what do you find interesting? If you have any comments you’d like to share with me please email me with them.

The funeral of Sara Hall will be held on Tuesday 11th March, at 11.15am at Checkendon. Those who remember Sara are very welcome to attend.

Finally a reminder to everyone at Checkendon  – there is a church and churchyard working party on Saturday 29th March from 10-12. Everyone is welcome!

May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in him.

Canon Kevin.