Newsletter: May, 2003

The Good Shepherd For Today

Jesus said, “The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd.” (John 10:13-14)

At the end of the latest Harry Potter film Professor Dumbledore says: “It is not the abilities you have that make you what you are - it is the choices that you make.” Thus, a modern amusing film suddenly takes on the nature of a morality play! We probably know many people who are in occupations that they carry out with great ability. Skilled engineers, competent cooks, efficient computer programmers.

No doubt Jesus saw many shepherds who were working the right hours, and doing their job, but he highlights the difference between the ones who could quite fairly be described as skilful, competent and efficient, and those he describes as good. By doing so, he contrasts those with ability and those who choose what is right and good. The good shepherd has qualities and virtues that go far beyond the approach and attitude of what he calls the “hired hand”.

It would be quite wrong to assume that just because a person is paid to do a job, they have less interest and less dedication. However, we can all recognise the truth of what Jesus says. We often complain that levels of service are “not what they were”, and we get infuriated when we are forced to listen to recorded messages on our telephones. We want something extra, beyond what is efficient or economic. We want something that we can describe as good.

This is what Jesus describes as the qualities of the good shepherd. He knows his sheep. He protects them from the wolf. He is prepared to lay down his life for them. This word that Jesus uses - “good” - describes the difference between the able person and the one who chooses to give love and service. Jesus is not talking about one occupation - although the image of a shepherd makes us think about pastoral care.

He is speaking about an attitude, which should be an essential part of life for those who follow his teaching. Naturally, we think that Jesus is speaking of himself as the shepherd, and the Church as his sheep. We are those who get lost, who run into danger, and who become scattered.

First, there is a message to the Church in this. We must try to avoid losing contact with our master. We must try to keep together, rather than fragment our church into little groups that need to be brought into one flock. We must recognise the gifts that the good shepherd displays - the pastoral gifts that we are all called to show. Pastoral care springs from our faith in a loving, caring God. We do not employ a vicar, rector, or minister to carry out this task alone (a hired hand!).We are all called to share in the “shepherding” of the flock.

Second, there is a message to us all in the work we do each day. We are called to be good as well as competent. There is an extra responsibility that demands the commitment shown by the good shepherd. It is a care for those around us as well as a willingness to show integrity, and honesty, to go the extra mile. That is what makes the difference between the ones who are just doing a job because they are being paid for it, and those who are fulfilling their calling. We are all able to recognise that difference in others. Do they see it in us?

Third, there is a message to us in our homes. It is at home that we may be impatient and intolerant. Where we can acknowledge that we are tired, and let our behaviour show it. The good shepherd had to return home at the end of his tiring day in the fields and on the moors: Jesus would certainly not have suggested that he then could forget his principles and cease to care for others - to drop his attitude of care and love.

The picture that Jesus gives of the shepherd of his day is one that still applies to us, whatever our work and occupation. The concept of good work, done with honesty and integrity, is one that we can recognise. We can contrast it with jobs that are done grudgingly and with what we call "ill grace".

We can show these virtues in our church, in our daily work and in our home. In each of these places today we see the need of the grace of God. In our churches, we know that we should be one. Unity within each worshipping community, and unity in the whole Church of God. In daily work, and in international politics, we know the need of truth and of healing. In our homes, we know the need of honesty and purity. All of us who try to follow Christ are taught that we need to have, in every part of life, the qualities of the good shepherd.

Lorna Smith

NEWS IN BRIEF
This year’s Easter services in St Jude’s were memorable in that there were larger congregations than usual, the flowers in Church were stunning (for which we are very grateful) and five adults were baptised (three on Holy Saturday and two on Easter Day). They are now looking forward to Confirmation.

Bishop John will officiate at the Deanery Confirmation in St Jude’s Church on Wednesday 14th May at 8.00pm.

We are all delighted that St Jude’s Church is now visible from the main road through the village, following Runnymede Borough Council’s kind action in removing the Leylandii trees which had grown so tall. The site will be laid to lawns and flower beds soon.

WORKAID
Thank you to all those who gave carpentry tools and sewing machines to this appeal. This valuable equipment has now left St Jude’s and is on its way to the needy parts of the world.

ANNUAL MEETING
The Annual Meetings took place after the 9.30am service on Sunday 6th April. At the first meeting, Geoff Chew and Brian Hooker were returned as Churchwardens for the ensuing year.

The second meeting gave us an opportunity to review the previous year and say thank you to all those who have worked so hard. The Annual Report and Accounts were received — copies of these are available in Church.

We welcomed back to the PCC for a further three year period, Dawn George and Gordon Heafield, and we were pleased to elect two new members — Peter Lloyd and Susie Harben.

FROM THE REGISTERS
Holy Baptism:
(12th April) Michelle Styles; (13th) Holly Sofia Smith; (19th) Kay Robinson, Sarah Jane Whittaker, Samantha Annie Martin-Schneiter; (20th) Susan Patricia Hughes, Sarah Elizabeth Hughes, Robert Frank George, Darren Bradley George.

Funerals:
(4th April) Nicola Hearn.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

COFFEE MORNING
Last month’s Coffee Morning took place on a clear, calm and warm morning. The money raised (£190) has been give to the Barnabas Trust which is working within the Christian communities in Iraq.

The next Coffee Morning will be outside Church (inside if wet) on Saturday 10th May from 10.00am.

GOLDEN FANFARE
There will be a Flower Festival in the Guildford Cathedral from Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th June to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Further details may be obtained from the Cathedral Office on 01483 565287 or the Refectory (where refreshments are served) on 01483 560471.

ANNIVERSARY
The Methodist Church in Victoria Street will celebrate its anniversary in a service on Sunday 11th May at 2.30pm.

"A QUESTION OF FAITH"
A local Any Questions will be chaired by Lord Archer of Sandwell on Sunday 18th May at 6.30pm in the Jurgens Centre, Harvest Road. The Vicar will be happy to pass on to the Revd Tom Bayliss, questions submitted in writing, by Wednesday 7th May.

CELEBRATION
There will be a Service to celebrate the 300th anniversary of John Wesley's birth on 19th May at 8.00pm in the United Church, Egham High Street.

CALENDAR FOR MAY
1 Thursday 9.15am Holy Communion (St Philip and St James)
4 THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER 8.00am Holy Communion BCP
9.30am Youth Eucharist,11.30am Holy Baptism
6 Tuesday 8.00pm PCC meeting at St Jude's Church
10 Saturday 10.00am–12 noon Coffee Morning outside of St Jude's Church
11 THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 6.30pm Evensong and Sermon
Christian Aid Week begins
14 Wednesday 10.00am Holy Communion (St Matthias)
8.00pm Deanery Confirmation Service, Celebrant Bishop John
15 Thursday 8.00pm Churches on the Green Meeting at the Jurgens Centre
16 Friday 1.00pm Holy Matrimony
18 THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER Any Questions "A Question of Faith" , chaired by Lord Archer of Sandwell
6.30pm at the Jurgens Centre, Harvest Road
24 Saturday, noon and 2.00pm Holy Matrimony
26 THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 3.00pm Holy Baptism
29 Thursday ASCENSION DAY 8.00pm Holy Communion with hymns
31 Saturday 2.00pm Holy Matrimony