This week I’ve been captured by two news items. The Olympics, and the ongoing war in Afghanistan.
I can’t say I’m a sports fan by any measure, but there is something wonderful about athletes giving themselves in friendly competition to see who can bring home a medal. And although I was impressed with the 65 medals that Team GB brought home, I was deeply touched when Tom Daley and Matty Lee won the gold in the Men’s Synchronised Diving, and even more so when I saw Tom Daley sat in the stands knitting. He said that it helps to calm his nerves and give him the edge. Whatever his reason, the picture of him knitting away while he watched the games sits in stark contrast to the gender roles that are codified in law by the Taliban in Afghanistan. At the Olympics a gay man sat in the stands knitting, and then wins gold. In Afghanistan a woman is stoned to death for not covering her face in public, a young man is forced to walk miles in bare feet as punishment for listening to music, and petty theft is punished with hand amputation. As millions watched athletes giving their best, celebrating diversity and freedom, enjoying life – others were dying in the streets, victims of authoritarian regime; both sides underpinned by beliefs that I would argue have no place in a civilised world, nevertheless the 21st Century.
In one brief TV news spot both the best of humanity, and the worst of humanity, were on display. Yes, of course, the bible is full or barbaric wars, institutionalised misogyny, and every ‘ism’ you could think of. But it’s also full of love, grace, peacekeepers. truth tellers, and saints. The bible, just like the news, gives us a snapshot of the best and worst that humanity is capable of doing. – often in the name of God. The question I believe that it then poses for us is – who are you? Do you stand with the oppressor or the oppressed? Do you stand with the powerless or the powerful?
Jesus shows us that God sides with the powerless, the oppressed, the outcast, and invites us to do the same. I believe that God weeps with the oppressed, comforts the bereaved, and as the author of diversity applauds when we celebrate the rainbow tint of life that God creates.
So, what can you do? Well, you have a voice – use it. Use it in prayer. Use it to support. Use it to protest. Desmond Tutu said: If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality. Every word counts, and every word makes a difference.
I’m looking forward to the Paralympics later in the month. I’m already excited to see how we do. And I’m praying hard for those families in Afghanistan who have endured so much, only to see more coming down the pipeline. May God be with them. I know, in my heart, I am.
Much love
Michael x
You can email me at pastor@thevillagemcc.org.
Community Prayers.
Lord, we ask for healing for Robert, Tony P, and Simon as they continue receive aggressive treatment; Wendy and Sarah for their ongoing health; those of us who live with poor mental health; Charlie, as he recovers at home. Bless Stephen as he supports him, and bless all those who minister to our health needs. We lift all those we may not have mentioned, but who you know need your touch. Lord, please continue to be with us all. Amen.
If you would like to add a prayer to the newsletter then please email me at pastor@thevillagemcc.org. – Michael x
The Q-SPIRIT newsletter by Kittredge Cherry is always full of Christian Wisdom and inspiring LGBTQ+ news and articles. Read this month’s Q-SPIRIT newsletter HERE
Sunday Service
The word this evening is being brought by kate,
who has chosen a scripture reading from Psalm 130 (NRSV)
A Song of Ascents.
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord.
Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
to the voice of my supplications!
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,
Lord, who could stand?
But there is forgiveness with you,
so that you may be revered.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than those who watch for the morning,
more than those who watch for the morning.
Israel, hope in the Lord!
For with the Lord there is steadfast love,
and with him is great power to redeem.
It is he who will redeem Israel
from all its iniquities.
These are the words to join in with during the service.
Community prayer
Holy One, whose home is heaven, we praise your sacred name. May your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us when we cause harm, just as we forgive those who have harmed us. Let us not fall into temptation, but save us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours, now and forever. Amen.
Communion
One: God is with you –
ALL: AND ALSO WITH YOU
One: Let us open our hearts –
ALL: WE OPEN THEM TO GOD
One: Let us give God thanks and praise –
ALL: IT IS A GOOD AND JOYFUL THING TO DO.
One: Let us join together in the mystery of our faith.
ALL: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again.
Blessing
Let us send one another into the week with a blessing as we proclaim together that………
………we are people of God, called to do justice and walk humbly with God. We are the body of Christ; of many sexualities and gender identities, diversity at work in love and action. We are Christ’s hands and feet in the world. We seek to be honest, transparent, and true to our call. Just as Jesus has claimed us, may the Holy Spirit lead us, and God bless us, one and all, forever more, Amen
There’s a place where the streets shine
There’s a place where the streets shine
With the glory of the Lamb
There’s a way we can go there
We can live there, beyond time
Because of You, because of You
Because of Your life, because of Your love
No more pain no more sadness
No more suffering, no more tears
No more war, no more sickness
No injustice, no more death
Because of You, because of You
Because of Your life, because of Your love
Oh, all hate is washed away
And we can live forever
Now we have this hope
Because of You
Oh, we’ll see You face to face
And we will dance together
In the city of our God
Because of You
1995 Thankyou Music (Admin. by Integrity Music) – Amended.
Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour
Beautiful Lord, Wonderful Saviour,
I know for sure all of my days
Are held in Your hand,
Crafted into Your perfect plan.
You gently call me into Your presence,
Guiding me by Your Holy Spirit.
Teach me dear Lord
To live all my life through Your eyes.
I’m captured by Your holy calling.
Set me apart,
I know You’re drawing me to Yourself.
Lead me now, I pray.
Take me, mould me, use me, fill me.
I give my life to the Potter’s hand.
Call me, guide me, lead me, walk beside me.
I give my life to the Potter’s hand
Bilbrough 1987 Thankyou Music
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Pasto
ral Care Team – 07476 667353
Pastoral care continues. Call or text the church mobile and leave a message, and someone will get back to you. When the pandemic first broke we tried to reach out to everybody at least once a month. As time has gone on we have reduced our pastoral care calls to those who have either requested them or are at high risk. Of course we don’t want to miss anybody out so if you would like to connect then please let us know
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Giving to The Village MCC.
‘The Village MCC’ is self-financing, we do not receive any central funding. If you would like to support the work we do, there are a number of ways to do so.
Regular giving:
If you would like to set up a regular monthly Payment to The “Village’ Church, which is the best way for us to budget for our work, Please email the treasurer at; thevillagemcc@outlook.com, you will then be sent the details of how to do this.
Single donation
If you wish to make a single donation You can send a direct payment from your bank account using the following details From the UK:
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• sort code 77-91-29
• account number 40361660
• account name The Village MCC
• Please use the reference ‘Collection’
Please also email the Treasurer at thevillagemcc@outlook.com to let them know to expect a payment. • There is also a donate button on the Church Website at thevillagemcc.org if bank transfer is not possible. If you do not have access to the internet, you can still make a donation with your debit card. Please email the Treasurer at; thevillagemcc@outlook.com to arrange a phone call to make this payment.