Newsletter: February, 2007

Fishers of Men

“Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” (Luke 5:8)
Being selected for a particular role is something that most of us have experienced at some time or other. As children we may be chosen for a school team, or to act in a play; as we grow older the choice may have more far-reaching effects when we are selected for a place at a college or university, or endeavour to find employment. Even without the stresses of competition, the process often brings with it feelings of anxiety: will we be able to do what is required, have we the talents, skills or potential to fulfil the expectations of others, or even ourselves? The moment of truth, when we are asked to take on something new, can lead us to ask many questions in the light of the selectors’ judgement, as we consider the implications of commitment.

In St Luke’s Gospel chapter 5, Peter, an ordinary fisherman from Galilee, receives a personal commission from Jesus. He is chosen to undertake a new role - catching people instead of fish. At the outset it does not appear that Peter seeks selection for anything: he probably does not even realise that there is a vacancy, but his reaction to what Jesus does reveals his potential for the task which lies ahead of him.

When Jesus tells this professional fisherman to put out into deep water and try again for a catch, which has eluded him all night, he does as bidden, despite his obvious doubts. When there are more fish than the two boats can safely hold, Peter says in astonishment: “Go away from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” It is only after this that Jesus tells him not to be afraid and that a new career beckons.

Peter’s response to the power of God, glimpsed, but not quite understood, in Jesus’ actions is something he shares with other “giants of faith” whose spiritual journeys are recorded in the Bible. Prophets and leaders alike are often reluctant to answer God’s call because they do not feel worthy of the tasks assigned to them: they seem overawed when first called to action by God. What enables them to overcome their feelings of inadequacy and rise to the challenge?

When Peter confesses his sinfulness — and unsuitability — in the presence of inexplicable power, he shows quite clearly that he is aware of God. He has no illusions about his own worthiness to be favoured by Jesus’ invitation to join in the work of salvation. He clearly knows he is not up to it. Yet Jesus is not put off by Peter’s protestations, perhaps because they are the words of an honest and humble man, whose response shows he is open, whether he realises it or not, to the transformative action of God.

Two thousand years later, our own challenge to participate in God’s mission of reconciliation, to assist in building the kingdom of heaven, is unlikely to be as direct as Peter’s. For today it is the unseen prompting of the Holy Spirit, not the embodied presence of Jesus, which inspires his followers on earth. Yet the attitude that Peter displays is essential for any disciple, however great or small the role to which they are called by the Lord. Peter’s declaration that he is a sinful man reveals an understanding of the proper relationship between human beings and their creator. He acknowledges and offers for healing the pride, which places his small human ego at the centre of the universe, admits there is a being far greater and wiser than his own. Setting sail as instructed in his boat, contrary to his acquired human wisdom, he allows God to be God and his obedience and trust are rewarded by a glimpse of transcendent possibility. Jesus' commission to him is not, of course, a promise of “happily ever after”, as Peter will soon discover.

Our commission to participate in the work of God may seem less clear cut, but the implications are much the same. As the season of Lent approaches, perhaps this is a good time for us to consider the renewal of our commitment to the path of discipleship. What is being asked of us? That same openness to God, remembering always the superior understanding and love of God, who works with us to overcome our failings. Trust in the discernment of a God who, despite our doubts, can transform our world, replacing the meagre pickings of human self-reliance and pride with the superabundant harvest of the eternal, God-centred kingdom of heaven.

FROM THE VICAR
February’s ice and sleet freeze the toes right off your feet’, as Flanders and Swann wrote. As I write, that is exactly what we have been promised over the next few days and I expect the rest of the month will be chilly as well. It is also the month which marks the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday on 21st. Despite the hot-cross buns I saw in the supermarket today, this is actually the start of a period of prayer, bible study and reflection. It is a time when we are called to reflect on our journey of faith, celebrate our growth and acknowledge our failings. In times past, it was a period of lengthy fasts and prayer vigils. We live in a gentler age and seek instead to hear the voice of our spiritual vocation teaching us about our past and guiding our future. This discipline prepares us for the festivals at the end of Lent, which is the proper time to enjoy the buns.
Mark Ewbank

ELECTORAL ROLL
The Parish Electoral Roll (nothing to do with the Register of Electors for voting) is required to be updated every six years. However General Synod has decided to bring it forward to this year instead of 2008. Anyone wishing to be included on the new roll will be able to obtain an application form from Church on Saturday afternoons or after services during the period from Sunday 25th February to Sunday 1st April allowing sufficient time for the new Roll to be available for inspection before the annual meeting on Sunday 22nd April after the 9.30am service. It may even be available for downloading from the website.

JAM JARS
Runnymede Borough Council now has a very efficient recycling scheme for glassware including jam jars but there is a real need for them during the coming year. Standard 1lb jam or honey jars and hexagonal jars of any size are the ones that are required for a variety of preserves — lids are not required. Please bring them to church for Beryl Russell to take home.

LENT GROUPS
Arrangements for the Lent Bible Study groups this year are still being finalised. Only has has been confirmed and that is on Sunday evenings at 8.00pm at 10 Englehurst (led by Andrew Sheer). More details of others as they emerge will be available in church and on the website.

SATURDAY AFTERNOONS
As you may know, we keep St Jude’s Church open for visitors each Saturday afternoon between 2.00 and 4.00pm. To do this safely and adequately requires at least 3 people at all times. To keep this running, we must have a rota of people who would take a turn — obviously the more offers we have, the less often each one would have to do. If you can help with this, say, once every two months, please contact the Churchwardens (telephone numbers are shown above) or by email to saturdays@stjudeschurch.info. Your help would be appreciated.

FROM THE REGISTERS
Holy Baptism:
(7th January) Nina Matthews; (14th) Dylan Calvary

Funerals:
(8th January) Angela Riley; (11th) Florence Margaret Singars; (18th) Ben Leach; (22nd) Fanny Matilda Bold.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
The theme this will be United Under God's Tent which has been written by the Christian Women of Paraguay. The local service will be in St Jude’s Church on Friday 2nd March at 2.00pm. All are invited to join this worldwide occasion — not only women! The speaker will be The Revd Sue Loveday.

COFFEE MORNINGS
There will be a Coffee Morning in the Methodist Church porch in Victoria Street on Saturday 3rd February from 10.00am. All are welcome.

Coffee Mornings outside St Jude’s Church are taking a break now until gets a little warmer (in April or perhaps May). Many thanks to all of you who have supported these.

CALENDAR FOR FEBRUARY 2007