From the Vicarage - April 2021

Happy Easter 2021 from the Vicarage.

Some Easter faith incidents from last week give me some pointers to reflect with you all on the breadth and depth of our wonderful Easter faith.

Easter - It is known across the world.

Wow that was a quick reply on email, normally you can get used to waiting for a reply. Not so from the amazing Bishop Stanley of Tanzania. Prompted by some church family members I offered our prayers and good wishes for his people and ministry during the politically turbulent times in their country at the moment. The rapid reply with its customary African warmth and zeal for the faith was staggering. Isn’t the world a small place and isn’t the faith we hold so dear shared throughout the world?

Easter is not one of God’s bloopers!

No mistakes here. The resurrection happened; it is real and thankfully God did not make a mistake- even if on the Friday we call Good it looked at the time like it was dark and a hopeless failure. Even the disciples ran away and dispersed and Jesus’s nearest and dearest were grief struck. Easter day came and it is and was all true. Jesus is Alive. No mistakes here. There is a round of social media fun of outtakes and bloopers. I typically thought this would pass me by until last week at night prayer when the camera lens recorded the whole event with Jesus (a tasteful picture of the incarnation so I thought) standing on his head!!! Well at least I thought we as a Church are meant to turn the world upside down, but I was not sure about turning our Lord on his head! Oh dear – mistakes happen and of course the prayers continued and seemed to be appreciated. The life and death of Christ was not a mistake it was part of God’s amazing plan revealed to prove to the world that God is here and Christ is alive and with us forever more. May our many mistakes remind us of God’s gracious victory.

Easter values all work in Jesus’s name

At the conclusion of Paul’s magnificent reflection upon the Easter Gospel in 1 Corinthians 15 he declares “Therefore let nothing move you, always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord knowing that your labour is not in vain.”

I visited an elderly gentleman with one of the new ASE greetings cards for his birthday. So good to hear of how many Churches he had spoken at throughout the Diocese (over a hundred). I was laughingly put in my place with how many Vicars he had seen come and go. Sometimes it is hard to record the legacy of love and prayers as year succeeds to year but make no mistake the worldwide Christian Church rolls out its faith in Christ against all the odds of our many and varied human mistakes. Someone might never know the part you play but it will be recorded by the Lord himself who sees what is done in His name – and that will never be in vain. May future generations be grateful for the work we do in our community to live and declare the wonderful Easter faith in the Risen Son of God.

Yours In Christ

Mark

Mark's Blog - Friday 12 March

Dear Friends, 

Anniversaries are always significant and can of course be times of great rejoicing and also for some times of sadness when grief or pain surfaces though the everyday routines of life. We will shortly be approaching a time of National Remembrance on the anniversary of our countries first lockdown. The suddenness, forcefulness of the occasion which followed the government announcement will be remembered by many and so too will the passage of time, a year of ups and downs, pain and struggle.

As members of ASE we want to stand in prayer, love and solidarity for the many who have lost loved ones and for whom this anniversary of sharp pain and grief will bring back times of the inevitable dislocation that the pandemic has brought to our daily life.

We plan to signal this solidarity with some prayers and messages on social media and join where we are for the one minute silence at noon on Tuesday 23 March. I, with others will be doing this in our lovely church building and if you wish to join me, if you feel safe and are passing please do. We will keep silence, offer prayers and read and reflect from scripture. This short time might well be broadcast on our YouTube channel if you would like to stay at home and join us that way.

We also encourage you to come and tie a yellow ribbon to the Prayer Tree in the churchyard. There will be a box of yellow ribbons available on the day or you can bring your own. Or you may choose to plant a seed/bulb in your garden to provide hope for the future. There is also a prayer postcard that you may like to guide your prayers for the day. Download here.

If you would like to find out more about the National Day of Reflection click here.

May the Lord in whose hands we are guided keep our lives with gentleness during these times of solidarity with those we seek to remember.

Mark

International Women's Day 2021

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality.

We asked some of the brilliant women in our church family to tell us who inspires them, and how they draw strength from stories about women in the bible. Here’s what they said:

Tell us about a woman in your life that has inspired you (apart from your own mum!)

 I’ve been inspired by different women at different times in my life- a neighbour, friends, sister. Those who inspire me are determined to do right, empowered to lead, inspired to stand against injustice and motivated to do something practical about it. I am fortunate to be surrounded by strong, resourceful, wise, inspiring women who have also taught me that vulnerability is not weakness. 

‘My friend Catherine is one of the best women I know. She is an incredible friend, the best parent, the biggest cheerleader and a solid woman of faith. The most inspirational thing about her is her compassionate heart and selfless nature and I am always inspired by her.’ 

A woman who has inspired me is my friend, and our previous Senior Churchwarden, Sarah. She is a beacon for Christ: caring ‘can do’ attitude in every circumstance. 

‘My sister inspires me. She know exactly what to say when I need help or support. She also knows exactly how to wind me up but that’s sisters for you! No one can make me laugh as much as she can.

Is there a woman in the public eye that you think has been a great role model recently?

 I read Michelle Obama's autobiography during the first lockdown and couldn't stop telling people about it afterwards. Her intelligence, work ethic, strength and humility means that she is a true inspiration.

‘Jacinda Arden, the New Zealand PM leads her country with a wisdom and compassion that I feel we rarely see. She aspires to govern justly and to improve the lives of the people whom she serves. She is an inspiring working parent balancing home and family life with the responsibility of a leading a country.’

Michelle Obama is a hero of mine at the moment, she is iconic and paves the way for so many women, especially women of colour, and everything she does and says is inspirational. I just think she’s really cool. 

‘Doreen Lawrence: Despite grief and trauma she never gave up through the tragedy of Stephen’s death and turned this for good in working for justice.’

Jo Whiley. She has used her celebrity status to make real change and to get people listening. She has saved thousands of lives by simply speaking out! Amazing!

If you could give your teenage self one piece of advice, what would it be?

To have more confidence in my abilities and speak up more.

‘Get to know yourself and understand what you truly need to be content. You don’t have to fit into the mould of others’.

I’d tell myself to just chill, let things happen naturally and just love yourself. Love yourself as you are and eat all the things you love without the rubbish feelings. You deserve good things and you deserve good food!

‘Don’t give up- believe in who you are’.

Just do you! There is no ideal, no normal and certainly no one better! 

Is there a woman in the bible that you can draw strength from?

I've always felt drawn to Esther as I once played her in a play during primary school! She knew the greatness of her God and acted courageously to save her people, taking full responsibility for her actions.

‘I’m motivated and encouraged by the descriptions of the female attributes of God - comforting their people like a mother comforts her child (Isaiah 66:13),  like a mother hen longs to gather her chicks under her wings (Luke 13:34),caring for people like a midwife that cares for the child she just delivered (Ps 22:9-10, Ps 71:6, Isa 66:9) which remind me I am made female in the image of God. ‘

There’s so many women in the bible to choose from, but I was recently reading the story of Ruth and Naomi and I am always flawed by Ruth’s devotion to her mother in law and friend. “Where you go, I will go, where you lodge, I will lodge and your people will be my people.” Selfless, devoted and loyal love in friendship and I learn from that story every time how we as women can uphold and strengthen one another. 

‘Esther: she didn’t let outward  circumstances/appearances stop her’.

I think that Mary, the mother of Jesus is a total warrior! She was so young when she was given such an enormous responsibility. It just goes to show that women can handle anything!

From the Vicarage - March 2021

Fresh Air Faith

We come once more to the main historic events of the faith we hold so dear and seek to hold out to others, Holy week and Easter. These great historic momentous events happen by and large in the open air! The cross on which our Saviour hung was by a rubbish tip, but it was in the open air, the borrowed tomb by which our Lord greeted Mary was open to see in! Mary and Jesus were standing in the fresh air. We celebrate an open air faith!

Nothing of course beats fresh air which for many people has been such an encouragement in recent months with either an hour of exercise out of our homes or the full luxurious “unlimited exercise”! Now it looks like our doors and restrictions will be gradually lifted in the coming weeks and months. Do connect with us for our extra special open air fixtures on Good Friday (for the whole family and the community) and our early bird dawn service on Easter Day. Find out more here.

I am glad to know of a good take up for the Arise Sheffield prayer walking activity and also the start up soon of the amazing churchyard volunteer team. Fresh air and green therapy rolled into one- why not join them? I plan to.

Our amazing churchyard has many vantage points (God’s free fresh air gift of wonderful snow drops for example) and, I have enjoyed already many good conversations with regular members and passers-by! I also need to confess to something I did not put on my CV – experience of open air preaching. That is a story for another day but please be assured of my prayers and support as we journey on out of lockdown.

May our faith be kept fresh as with one heart and one voice we glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mark

Mark’s Blog

Mark muses with thanksgiving after his second PCC meeting!

What a wonderfully talented group of fellow leaders our current PCC are! They graciously listened to their new boss for his second PCC meeting, all finished in 75mins of Zoom time!

Here are some take away lines that I trust will bless you for your prayers and support of our Parish. The PCC and all those in local church leadership are deserving of thanks during these “road map” days.

 “A church we don’t just come to but go from”

We looked at how we can open safely soon but it cannot be stressed enough that we are church or can be in new ways where we are. New local connections and friendships all of which treated in prayerful careful ways might be a bridge for the gospel of Christ. So nice to have encouragement to join with other Christians for Arise Sheffield – keeping prayer at the heart of things.

“Social media analytics”

Is this one for insomniacs or is it wake up and smell the coffee? How can we improve our digital reach and indeed what is our strategy? All the latest research shows that a swipe or a few seconds watch might lead somewhere if the spirit is working. The front door of the churches welcome is now extended even further. Fancy offering support for this emerging audience or an easy read? More information available here.

 “And God placed all things under His feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the Church”

Ephesians 1:22 What a privilege to work for and be part of God’s church it can be or should be part of the renewal of all things. It is the view from above and one we need to hold onto when it is hard to navigate road maps that are so confusing and hard!

The view from above (Photo credit Hugh Coleshill)

Yours in Christ

 Mark

Mark’s Blog

Living and praying well through Lent

Someone said whilst Lent might have started this week it feels like we have been in Lent all year! We pray on with hope in Christ and for Easter as we specifically do now at this formal season of Lent. Thank you to the teams who are working hard to make it special this year.

I have found these scriptures and prayer points helpful. You might too..

Our leaders

1 Timothy 2.1-3

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

Father, you are the supreme King, and earthly rulers serve you.

• Thank God for the Queen’s presence over the course of the last year, and for her faith in Christ

• Thank God for the Christians in Parliament and in Government who have brought godly wisdom to challenges

• Ask for wisdom that comes from God alone for Boris Johnson and his Cabinet - to bring about peace

The Church

Matthew 18.20

For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.

Father, you have gathered us around your table, where we can commune with you through the sacrifice of your Son.

• Thank God for the provision of gathering in the third lockdown, and for the policy makers that secured this

• Thank God for the work and wisdom of ministers making it possible to meet, live and online

• Thank God for the religious freedom we enjoy in this country

• Ask that the Church would be inspired - nationally and locally - to bring hope to the nation

• Ask that God would spark a revival across the nation amidst this hardship

• Ask that God would deliver our nation from this virus and from spiritual apathy

• Ask that God strengthen church leaders and their families who are wearied by the pastoral burden

Social and economic challenges

James 1.17

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Father, you are the same God of grace, yesterday, today and forever.

• Thank God for his common grace that has enabled the upsurge in community spirit and voluntarism, and the role of faith based organisations in this

• Thank God for the wealth and resilience of our nation

• Ask for comfort and protection for those suffering from poor mental health, loneliness, abuse, addiction, relationship breakdown, educational challenges, and healing and restoration though your gospel

• Ask for a speedy economic recovery and to restore employment to those who have lost their jobs

• Ask for an end to lockdown

Vaccine Programme

Revelation 21.4

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.

Father, we long that your Kingdom come, when sickness and death will be forever banished

• Thank God for providing a means of fighting the virus, and the opportunity to show mercy to others

• Thank God for medicine and skilled scientists, their talent and dedication, and for volunteers

• Thank God for the speed of the vaccine programme

• Ask that the single dose strategy would not compromise efficacy

• Ask that the vaccine would bring an end to lockdown

• Ask that God would give the government wisdom in handling those uncomfortable with vaccination

The Revd Canon Mark Brown

Reflections

I came across this wonderful quote from Hans Kung, a famous thinker and theologian. It made me pause and think and I offer it for all the changes and chances of life during these days.

“To stay the same when everything else around you is changing is not to stay the same”

It reminded me of the pastorals where Paul writes to Timothy “but you keep your head in all situations”

Keeping going, (the grace of perseverance), or standing firm, (the grace of steadfastness) or even being still and knowing ( the grace of stillness ) might mean we are perceived as not changing, when all around us  is, but  the Lord who works in hidden gracious ways might indeed be transforming us and changing us from one degree of glory to another – to quote from the apostle Paul again.

I thank God for remarkable Christian servants both living and departed who remind us of these things in our stressed world of constant change.

 The Revd Canon Mark Brown

Photo credit: Hugh Coleshill

From the Vicarage - February 2021

Look to the Lord and His strength – Psalm 105:4

These words have been ringing in my mind and spirit as I am sure most of us could look to other places or even people. The countless testimonies of God’s people are that when we look to the Lord and His strength, He does indeed provide not just strength but also a measure of His grace and Himself. So may we look to the Lord and His strength. I will mention three areas where I have already seen this at work in All Saints through your partnership in God’s work, and I pray that these will abound more.

Prayer

In many and various ways we learn to pray, perhaps discovering new ways to keep this vital breath alive. The background and foreground of the pandemic may provide for the few some triumphs of increased prayer and vitality, but I suspect for most ordinary folks (like me I should hasten to add!) it is an added pressure and slog, perhaps like cycling up hill, not that prayer was ever a free wheel downhill jolly! We all need to find ways of sustaining this whether in individual daily prayer in different ways, prayer partnerships, prayer groups, or in many other ways. My mind is drawn at the moment to seeing how we can pray together more corporately. I hope to hear you say “with one heart and voice”!!

Care

How impressive to hear unasked for tributes from our members receiving practical care through food deliveries and phone calls. It has been lovely to phone and chat with some of you. Cold calling is a soulless exercise it seems to me, and we have call blockers on our phones but as yet no one has put the phone down when I chirp up “It’s the Vicar. I thought I would just ring and say Hi” I promise not to repeat all our conversations ( ! ) but it is so lovely to hear many people say how kind and thoughtful and caring people are from the Parish. Thank you too for your practical care for our own household in these early days. May our care which often goes unnoticed extend to many others.

Share

I shall be repeating this and I make no apology for mentioning it here with my first formal “From the Vicarage”. Our reason for being a Church family is to share the good news of God’s love in Christ. Time will tell whether our churches have adapted well enough to share in new ways. Not everyone will be a nimble digital spiritual warrior – yes they do exist, there is a whole department in the Church of England called Digital Evangelism, (!) but if the gospel burns strongly enough it will always find an outlet so let us continue praying and caring to find new ways amongst the traditional ways of storytelling and testimony to share the good news of God’s love in Christ. I have been very impressed and thankful for some lovely ideas to make our Lent, Holy Week and Easter time accessible to others.

Our own suggested parish read for Lent which has some good insights into how to share God’s story, is Living His Story by Hannah Steele SPCK . (Details below) I shall be reading this and if you fancy a short zoom discussion about how you find the read and any related issues why not let me know. You could even find someone to go for a walk with to talk over what you are learning.

May we look to the Lord and His strength as we pray, care and share

Yours In Christ

Mark

Lent book: Living His Story - Revealing the extraordinary love of God in ordinary ways: The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book 2021 By Hannah Steele

SPCK Publishing Available as paperback £9.99 plus £1.95 delivery (Total £11.94) or eBook £7.99

or

Orders should go to Lesley Snell snells@blueyonder.co.uk or phone 0114 296 0432 or text / Whatsapp to 07910 419363. Please order by Sunday 14th February.