VICAR'S LETTER FOR JANUARY 2008.

A very joyful and healthy New Year to all in Middleton and beyond who read our Magazine.

Imagine the scene: I am getting ready to take a service in church and I am stopped by someone who wants to know more about Jesus – not later, but NOW!! (This has actually happened, but not just before a service taking place). In the interests of the Gospel, I would have to stop and talk to the enquirer and either arrive late for the service OR, trust that the members of the congregation would have enough experience between themselves to cobble together an act of worship. I am sure we have that talent in our congregation and God would not be offended if the Vicar did not arrive!

My point is; where can people go to make enquiries about faith and belief. Where can they go to talk about their experiences? They can’t do it in church – too many "churchgoers" and church business around. They can’t ring the Vicar – he’s too busy. What about a bookshop – where do you start with so many books on the shelves? They don’t want to speak to the Vicar at parish events – not appropriate; he’s trying to relax (not true!!).

Well the answer may be to hold a monthly meeting where folk can ask their questions with others in the same boat. Such a group would NOT be for existing churchgoers with fixed ideas about faith and worship. T he kind of folk who "know what they like, and, what’s proper in church" already have their answers and would be intimidating to enquirers.

So if you are someone who is dying to "ask the Vicar about such and such," or, you may want to discuss a fixed point of view you have then contact me and we may be able to sort something out. This letter is really focussed on the person who doesn’t, or only rarely, attends church but has a real interest in things religious and spiritual. I am not here to discuss other faiths and beliefs, but I can in relation to Christ and his place in our lives and communities, church or otherwise. Take up the offer and get in touch.

Robin.