FROM ST GILES’ CLERGY

One of the fiercest early opponents of Christianity was Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, who eventually came to write many of the books of the New Testament.  Paul knew the story of Jesus' resurrection even before he became a Christian, just as many people today know the story.  While still an enemy of the gospel he was personally confronted by the risen Lord Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus, an event which had a profound impact on his life.  In addition to Luke's account of Paul's conversion in the New Testament book of Acts, Paul himself tells his own story in two other places in Acts.  On both occasions, Paul emphasises the power of God that knocked him to the ground and the brilliance of his glory reflected in Jesus Christ: "...a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me" (Acts 26:13). 

Paul links together his own spiritual transformation with the creation of the world, when God spoke light into being, and with the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.  All three are past events, objective and historical displays of God's power and his glory.  In 2 Corinthians 4:4b-6, Paul calls us to see: 

“…….the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.  For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.  For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness", made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ”. 

The Easter message that the apostle Paul and the early church preached, declares that Jesus Christ is the Saviour and Lord of life.  He died a voluntary death and suffered crucifixion as the Saviour of the world.  He bore our sins in His body on the cross, but He died as a victorious Saviour.  In His voluntary death, He won the victory over sin, death and hell, and was raised to the newness of resurrection life on Easter morning.  The New Testament always links his absolute sovereignty as Lord of life to that event.  The resurrection endorsed, proclaimed and demonstrated the victory that Jesus won at the cross.  He died as our Saviour, but He now lives as our Lord. 

Paul surrendered his life to Jesus as Saviour and Lord on the road to Damascus.  For the first time Paul could see clearly God's glory and power as it was reflected in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.  He also understood that the same glorious, creative power that spoke the world into existence and replaced darkness with light was in fact the explosive power and glory of resurrection that brought Jesus out of the grave.  God transformed Paul's life, and gave him a new perspective and dynamic for living.  You may not experience the same dramatic conversion as Paul, but by meditating on the scriptures your life can be transformed by God as well, if only you are open to His call. 

It is a thing most wonderful,
almost too wonderful to be,
that God’s own Son should come from heaven,
and die to save a child like me.
(W. Walsham How)

A blessed and joyful Easter to you all.

Ken Tombs  

 

FROM THE URC MINISTER

What is a couple celebrating at their Silver Wedding Anniversary?  Is it their relationship, their continuing life together, their shared activities and experiences, what they have achieved together and their enduring commitment for the future? 

That gives an insight into what the two churches in Ickenham are celebrating this year: their partnership, the benefits of joint activities and shared life, and the expectations of potential for the future as the relationship develops.

The wedding ceremony was significant at the start of the marriage.  Key moments and people from it may feature in the anniversary celebrations.  But the anniversary would not be celebrated with joy if it were not for the strength of the continuing relationship. 

Similarly the key parts of the special act of worship that took place in both churches for the signing of the Covenant in 1985 will feature again in the 25th anniversary service on 25th April.  But there would be no cause for this joyful celebration if it were not for the continuing and growing value seen in this partnership.

The same could be said of the celebration at the start of this month.  The point of celebrating Easter is the value seen now in the relationship with God.  That relationship was made possible through Jesus’ death and rising to life again.  He said He was making a new covenant.  The key moments and people of that event are recalled in the anniversary celebrations.  But the main reason for celebrating Easter now lies in the importance of an ongoing relationship with God through the living Christ.

There are opportunities to develop that relationship in the times of meditation, prayer and worship of Holy Week and the Easter Weekend, as listed in ICN.  May the joy of Easter live on for you, and grow among the people around you.

Bernie

 

FROM THE CHURCHES’ REGISTERS

Cremations at Breakspear Crematorium
Feb 22nd            Ivy May Marsh, aged 86
Mar 5th              Grace Martin, aged 87
Mar 11th            Raymond Paul, aged 84 (after a service at St Giles’)
Mar 15th            Eileen Walker, aged 93
Mar 18th            Elsie Ramsdale, aged 84 (after a service at St Giles’)

 

ST GILES’ CHURCH STREET PRAYER LIST

Each Sunday at St Giles’ Church we pray for all the people who live or work in a particular road in the Parish.  During April we will pray for the following roads: 

Apr 4th              Greenacres Avenue
Apr 11th            Halford Road
Apr 18th            Haslam Close
Apr 25th            Heythrop Drive

If you live in one of these roads why not join us at our 8am or 9.45am services?  You will be most welcome.

 

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE BEREAVED

There will be a special Memorial service at St Giles’ Church on Sunday 16th May at 3pm for those who are bereaved.  The names of the departed, whose funerals were conducted at Ickenham URC or by St Giles’ Church staff between the beginning of April 2009 and the end of March 2010, will be read out during the service. 

The speaker will be Revd Dr. June Hughman, Uxbridge Town Centre Minister, and members of the Bereavement Support Group will be present.  After the service, the congregation will be invited to have refreshments in St Giles’ Church Hall.

Anyone who would find this service helpful is welcome to attend.