Hillside Parishes Magazine
Hillside Parish MagazineFebruary 2009Journeying on together I wonder if you’ve seen BBC2’s “Around the World in 80 Faiths” on Friday evenings with Peter Owen-Jones, an unconventional vicar from Sussex. The title says it all and throughout the series, Peter undergoes a series of strange and often exhausting religious and spiritual experiences in rapid succession, in which he must stand very firm indeed in his own faith. Sometime during our lives, most of us will have made some kind of special journey, with a special purpose. Its meaning lives on with us and continues to bring joy and energy as we revisit the experience with stories, photos, meals, phone calls and so on. Perhaps we went “down-under” to visit family, or perhaps to a far-off place to experience breath-taking natural beauty; and as the news is constantly reminding us, many of us young and old, have travelled overseas as a result of war and conflict. Such journeys can make a great impact on us and be a time of spiritual testing. It seems true that all journeys then, have the potential to shape our personal and collective spiritual landscape, whether we choose them or not. In our faith we share in the great journeys of the Jewish people, Abraham, Isaac and Joseph, the Exodus and the forty years spent wandering in the wilderness. In the Christian tradition we particularly remember the journeys made by Mary, Joseph and Jesus, and then in his maturity, Jesus’ difficult journey to his Passion in Jerusalem. The way in which we remember is done collectively, as well as individually, for the purpose of Jesus was to show us how to live well together as community, and this as part of the development of our personal relationship with God. Like the photos and phone-calls, we literally re-member, or put back together again from our deep memories, the memory and meaning of Jesus, in stories, songs, rituals and shared meals. If we allow ourselves, we are touched by the ways in which the memory of our own stories often parallel those of our Lord, and we “see” how we are part of a bigger story with a loving God at the centre. Our faith in our God grows, and we are able to experience new life. As we move into the season of Lent, there are opportunities to hear talks and presentations about different kinds of special journeys made by three speakers (there is more information further on in the magazine). There is also an opportunity, for those who wish to, to make a deeper kind of journey in Lent groups. These are for anyone, of any tradition or none, and are arranged by the Churches Together groupings of which we are part. If you are thinking of joining one, why not invite a neighbour or friend along, and perhaps share a lift. This year the main scriptural texts form the basis of shared reflections, prayers, learning and exchange. Information about both the Talks and Lent groups is available further on in the magazine, and on posters and from your church’s PCC members and Church Wardens. Last month I briefly mentioned the Diocese of York Mission Statement which is called “Living the Gospel”. This month it is printed in full on the Front Cover. I hope you will find it helpful and that you will continue to think and pray about it as we begin to shape our own mission in the parish. With my prayers Ian Houghton Reader in Training
Yours in His Name, Bob
The magazine of the parishes of Boltby, Borrowby, Cowesby, Felixkirk, Kepwick,
Kirby Knowle, Knayton, Leake & "The Siltons". Also circulated in
Upsall, Thirlby & Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe. |
My name is Robert (Bob) Sidgwick, I am married with five children and ten grand chidren. I live in Carlton Miniott, where I have lived since 1985, on leaving the Army after 22 years. I am in training to become a Reader and I am in my third year of training. This part of my course involves me being attached to a different church than my own and shadowing the vicar.
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