Newsletter: November, 2003

Faith and Healing

“Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.” (Mark 10:52)

Every experience in life offers us a gem of insight. Sometimes it is the merest glimmer of a simple trinket; other times it offers the sparkle of a scintillating diamond. Flying is not for everyone but in that moment when we leave behind a grey and overcast airport we experience one of its own gems. As the plane breaks through the clouds, the now white cotton-wool clouds, we see the sun in all its radiantly brilliant brightness, set against the sky’s boundless blue. It’s a magic moment and in it the sun reminds us it is always here with us, even if we cannot always see it.

C. S. Lewis, writer of the Narnia Chronicles, expressed similarly illuminating sentiments when he said: “I believe in Christianity as I believe in the sun ­ not only because I see it but because by it I see everyone else.” The sun is indeed always with us, whether we see it or not. In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus, along with the multitudes, is on his way to Jerusalem. Most are making their way to attend the Passover but Jesus is heading for Jerusalem and, undeniably, for his Passion. He has just spoken about his coming suffering and death (Mark 10:33, 34). .

He knows to what he is being unswervingly drawn. Jericho, some fifteen miles from Jerusalem, is abuzz with Passover pilgrims. Jesus’ disciples and those others drawn by his teaching and healing gifts, those anxious to be close to him, add to the hubbub that is pre-Passover Jericho. As they cross the city heading for Jerusalem, by the city gate is a blind beggar, Bartimaeus. That well-developed and compensating sense of sound and presence heightened in nearly every blind person tells him that something is afoot. What’s happening? Who is this surrounded by an eager buzzing crowd? “Jesus,” he is told. Bartimaeus calls out to Jesus ­ and calls out even louder when bystanders remonstrate with him; he is determinedly not going to miss this moment. .

And Jesus has heard him. He stops. Suddenly the hubbub has become an oasis of calm. Is that really his name Jesus is calling? It is a wonderful moment. Bartimaeus leapt up and answered Jesus’ call. When Jesus asked him what he wanted Bartimaeus instantly answered: “My teacher, let me see again.”He wanted to see again ­ and his faith in Jesus was such that he knew this was possible and knew that, through Jesus, his sight would be fully restored to him. But why did he say “let me see again”? Had he once had his sight, but lost it? Had he earlier followed Jesus but then drifted away? Was Bartimaeus asking for recovery from spiritual blindness as well as physical blindness? Whatever the specific reason for his plea we note, as Mark makes clear, Bartimaeus followed Jesus immediately “on the way”. With Bartimaeus’ very real faith, that clearly meant the way of true discipleship, and following Jesus to Jerusalem, to Gethsemane and to Calvary..

Bartimaeus’ faith and Jesus’ call had allowed him truly to escape from his world of darkness, the darkness arising from eyes that do not see and a heart that is not yet wholly committed to Jesus. Are we like Bartimaeus ­ having once seen and known what is essential in our life but finding it now clouded and out of sight (perhaps even out of mind)? Are we ready to be persistent in calling out to Jesus so he is aware of our need for healing? Are we, like Bartimaeus, ready to throw off our cloak and whatever else might hinder us in responding to Jesus’ call? Are we listening for his call? Have we Bartimaeus’ faith, the faith to follow Jesus at all times, even to the cross and beyond, and not simply for those brief moments when it seems comfortable, important or beneficial to us?.

Lorna Smith

NEWS IN BRIEF
The Flower Festival which took place over the first weekend of October was based on the hymn All things bright and beautiful and it certainly lived up to the theme. As well as the other Churches on the Green, we were delighted to have a window decorated by members of Bishopsgate Evangelical Church and the Crusaders. Exhibits included flowers from all round the world and each season of the year (even spring tulips were there!). Our own Junior Church produced a very imaginative display based on autumnal country flora including an owl made from Honesty seeds.

The event was organised by Vera Long and raised a total of £1006 for the Parish Centre Appeal.

ST JUDE’S SCHOOL
St Jude’s School would like more people who can spare a little time to go into the school and listen to some of the children read. This is a great help to the teachers and is very rewarding for the individuals who help in this way. Offers should be made to Lorna, the Vicar, either by telephone or in writing.

ST JUDE’S PLAYERS
This year's pantomime will be Little Red Riding Hood by Paul Reakes (an author whose work has been performed several time before with great success) and will be performed on 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th & 13th December at the Social Hall. This is truly your local pantomime and offers very good value for money. Please make a note of it now and remember to book your tickets nearer the time.

PARISH CENTRE APPEAL
Total raised so far £82,142
Total expenditure so far £9,181
Total promises so far £17,688
Money available for project £90,649
Balance needed £409,351

Raised last month
Flower Festival £1007
Donations £350

METHODIST CHURCH
There will be a Coffee Morning at the Methodist Church in Victoria Street on Saturday 1st November from 10.00am to 12 noon in aid of the Tear Fund. Traidcraft goods will be on sale as well as cakes, pies, books bric-a-brac, etc.

BISHOPSGATE W.I.
The Bishopsgate Women’s Institute will be holding a Coffee Morning on Thursday 13th November from 10.00am–11.30am at the Jurgens Centre. Cakes and handicrafts will be on sale (as well as coffee).

FROM THE REGISTERS
Holy Baptism:
(5th October) Samantha Jane Handley, Charlotte Emily Handley, Harvey Daniel James Fuller; (12th) Cameron Joshua Kenneth Wills.

Holy Matrimony:
(27th September) David Alan Goldsmith and Deborah Ann Randell; (11th October) Antony John Alderson and Rachel Jane Julien.

Funerals:
(17th October) Florence (Flo) Hodge.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

COFFEE MORNING
The next Coffee Morning outside St Jude’s Church will be on Saturday 8th November from 10.00am to 12 noon. All are welcome.

CONFIRMATION IN GUILDFORD CATHEDRAL
Please pray for the following who will be confirmed by Bishop Ian on Thursday 6th November — David Beer, Michelle Beer, Linda Crowley, Natalie Gray, Yvonne McLaren and Richard Marston.

LOOKING AHEAD
The Christmas Market in aid of USPG will be in St Jude’s School Hall on Saturday 22nd November at 2.00pm.

CALENDAR FOR NOVEMBER 2003
1 Saturday 5.00pm Holy Communion (All Saints Day) Methodist Church Coffee Morning 10.00am–12 noon
2 FOURTH SUNDAY before ADVENT All Saints (transferred)
8.00am Holy Communion (BCP) 9.30pm Youth Eucharist 3.00pm Memorial Service (F. Harrison and Son)
3 Monday All Souls’ Day 8.00pm Holy Communion said with hymns Commemoration of the faithful departed
6 Thursday 8.00pm Confirmation Service at Guildford Cathedral
8 Saturday 10am–12noon Coffee Morning outside Church 4.15pm Runnymede Choir Festival, Sung Eucharist at the Chapel of Royal Holloway College
9 THIRD SUNDAY before ADVENT (Remembrance Sunday) 10.50am British Legion Parade and Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial followed by a service in St Jude’s Church 6.30pm Evensong and Sermon
13 Thursday Women’s Institute Coffee Morning Jurgens Centre 10.00–11.30am
16 SECOND SUNDAY before ADVENT
18 Tuesday 8.00pm PCC Meeting in Church
22 2.00pm St Jude’s Church Christmas Market at St Jude’s School, Bagshot Road
23 CHRIST THE KING (Sunday next before Advent) 6.00pm Advent Carol Service, Chapel of Royal Holloway College
30 FIRST SUNDAY of ADVENT