St John the Evangelist

The Vicar Writes

January 2010

Dear People of St John’s

A new decade …
On 1 January 2010 we will be entering the second decade of the 21st century.  It’s hard to believe it is now 10 years since all the excitement when we celebrated the ‘new millennium’ with all its attendant hopes and dreams.  The custom of marking time in decades is a long standing one, and it’s common to highlight different characteristics of past decades: the ‘swinging 60s’, the ‘greedy 80s’.  We’re probably too close to the last 10 years to characterise them yet, although ‘terrorism’ might rate a mention in most people’s assessment as we look back on the last 10 years.

But perhaps it’s more important, particularly for Christians, to look forward to the next decade, and ask ourselves: ‘What have we learnt from the first decade of this millennium so that we can do things differently and so make our world a better, safer, and happier place?’    

‘But can we as individuals make any difference to the world around us?’ you might ask.  For Christians the answer must always be “Yes we can!” – the clarion call that swept Barack Obama to power in November 2008.

By the way we live our lives day by day, by the attitudes we share in everyday conversations, by the values express in our homes, schools  and in the work place, by the views we hold about our neighbours – in the community and in the wider world, and by the way we will vote in the forthcoming General Election – we do and will make a difference, for good or ill. 

Those of us who claim to follow Jesus Christ, in our beliefs and in our actions motivated by those beliefs, have a particular responsibility to weigh up carefully our words and actions in all areas of our lives.  Are we prepared to go against the stream of popular attitudes?  Do we strive, sometimes at great cost, to be people of reconciliation?  Do we care enough about the planet to change our lifestyle to ensure its future?  Would I be prepared to forgo a pay rise or bonus I don’t really
need (even if I think I deserve it)?  How well do I accept  (or even tolerate!) people who are different from me? Our answers to these questions will make a difference – to the life of your family, your community, your church and your world in the next decade.  It really is up to you!

St John’s Parish Centre
The new Parish Centre has finally taken shape over the last few months, and once the roof is complete, and the building ‘watertight’, work will begin on the inside – whatever the weather!  The attractive brickwork and the cream cast stone finishing have combined very successfully to make the centre a harmonious complement to the church. Despite one or two hold-ups with bad weather, we are still hopeful that the building will be completed by mid March.  The date for its dedication and opening by the Bishop of Edmonton is set for Sunday 25 April which Bishop Peter will combine with our Parish Confirmation – so please mark this date in your diaries now.

Swine Flu Pandemic
In the light of continuing consultation with the Department of Health, and with updated information on the course of the recent pandemic, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued a statement that the normal administration of Holy Communion may resume. 
      The Archbishops recommend that advice be taken from local health authorities. I have enquired from the Enfield Primary Health Care Trust about the situation in the borough, and have been advised that instances of the virus are not as extensive as was originally expected.  We decided therefore to resume administering Holy Communion in both kinds (the host and the chalice) from 20 December.  
       However it is suggested that those whose medical condition may be described as ‘vulnerable’ (people suffering from any kind of virus, women who are pregnant, or others whose immune system may be delicate), may wish to continue to receive Holy Communion in one kind only.  Those wishing to continue taking appropriate precaution for the time being should simply leave the altar rail after having received the bread.

        May God bless and keep you in this new year of grace.
                                                       Fr John

 

 

                                             

                                       

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