Sermon - 27 September 2020

Matthew 21:23-32 

Labelled for God

For years I parked my car in front of a neighbours house. This worked really well until he moved house and new neighbours moved in. So, being a good neighbor, on moving day, I popped round to ask if they wanted a cup of tea. We got chatting and then she said something about the car that was parked in front of her house.

It dawned on me that she didn’t realise that it was mine and she said “I think it belongs to the religious woman”… the religious woman! It really threw me…I was shocked. It came out like some sort of condemnation. I think I said something like “that would be me then”! It really made me think.

We do that, don’t we? … we label people according to the way they act, the things they do, the way they look or the things they say. Or even according to local gossip.

By the time Jesus entered the temple in the story we’ve heard this morning, he had built up quite a reputation. Not only did he have a huge following of the common people but he had become known as a trouble maker to the Jewish authorities.

Jesus had the chief priests and the elders summed up too and when they asked him who gave him the authority to do the things he did, he turned the questions back on them.  He asked them whether the baptism of John came from heaven, or of human origin?

They were in a lose-lose situation. They couldn’t say that John’s authority wasn’t from God because that would upset the people…big-time. But at they same time, saying that his ministry was from God would undermine the temple authorities.

So, they took the easy option and said they didn’t know.

Jesus then went on to tell the story of two sons, the first said he wouldn’t work in his father’s vineyard but he changed his mind and he did. The  second said that he would work in the vineyard but changed his mind and he didn’t bother. Jesus asked them which son did the will of his father? They didn’t hesitate in saying the first son.

Jesus was really quite clever and used the story to point out the hypocrisy of the chief priests and elders. He highlights the difference between those who pay lip service to God and those who, having set out on the wrong track, make amends and do the right thing.

The chief priests and elders may have looked the part. They taught the law and obeyed all the rules and considered themselves as the elite but it wasn’t enough. They failed to grasp the true meaning of their faith. They saw people like the tax collectors and the prostitutes as beneath them and outside of the law. Definitely not good enough for God.

So … what about us?  You look alright to me!

And that’s the thing, isn’t it? We can’t tell on the outside, what’s going on on the inside. We can’t tell by looking, whether someone is a person of faith or how deep that faith goes.

Jesus is making it clear that just by saying that loving God and wanting to be a part of his Kingdom isn’t enough. The chief priests and the elders stuck to the letter of the Law but they’d lost their way.

We too may believe the right things and say all the right words. We might attend church every single week. We might even do all the right things…but …has it become or is it in danger of becoming an empty routine? We all have good intentions but it can be so easy to become complacent or see our faith as a habit or just something that we’ve always done.

When the likes of the tax collectors and prostitutes met with Jesus, their lives changed.

Now, I may be making assumptions, but I’m guessing that Jesus is part of your life and that your life changed in some way as a result. And once you’ve accepted Christ…what then? One of the dangers is becoming comfortable and feeling that we have arrived. We might even think that we have all the answers.

Today’s Gospel message is a challenge to change and to grow. Many people don’t like change but I do, especially when I look back and see how God was at work. I love it when I see prayers answered and when I see people grow in faith.

Yesterday was exactly 10 months since I was licensed to the parishes here. One of the things that attracted me to apply in the first place was this…the parish brochure. It told me about the area, the three churches, the worship patterns, links with the community, church school, even what the vicarage was like. You can see, it has been well-read. Looking through it, I can see that I had scribbled a few notes and had high-lighted a few bits…

…you said that you wanted: 

• “a Priest-in-Charge to lead us on the next stage of our collaborative missionary journey.” 
• Someone “to initiate change” 

You said that you wanted to:

• nurture the green shoots of growth 
• to reach out to the community 
• to encourage young families to worship with you 
• to encourage and nurture disciples 
• to develop lay leadership 
• to work with the clergy to support the mission and ministry of the church.

Thinking back to the gospel reading and taking into account that list from your brochure…if you had to relate to one of the sons, which one would it be?

Are you like the son who said he would but didn’t? Or the son who said he wouldn’t but did?

Now…in our defence, the covid pandemic has been with us for about 7 of the 10 months that I have been here and things are hardly normal. But that doesn’t mean that we should become complacent or too comfortable because we can’t get out and about like we used to.

What I think we really need to do at this time is to start praying more. Prayer is a dangerous thing. When we pray, things happen. And not always in the way we expect it but don’t be mistaken into thinking that God has just ignored our prayer; he hasn’t.

So, my prayer for us all today is that we may be strengthened by the presence of Christ in our lives. That we will follow where he leads us, and that we may do our bit to further God’s kingdom.

And then…and only then, will we join the likes of the tax collectors and the prostitutes on the journey to heaven.

Amen.

Parish Newsletter - 25 September 2020

 

Dear friends

It has been another week of change, with new guidelines and legislation put in place to try to stop the ever-growing pandemic. Yesterday the NHS Track and Trace app was launched and I was busy creating posters for all three of our churches, so that those with a smartphone can scan the ‘QR’ code that allows people to be traced. It is all sounds rather technical but it all seems to work quite simply…providing you have a smartphone of course!

Not everyone likes the idea of the government knowing their every movement…it is very ‘Big Brother is watching!’ How are you feeling about all this? Confident…comforted…assured…worried…confused…sceptical …doubtful…afraid…excluded?

Being under a watchful eye isn’t something new. The psalmist writes –

“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” – Psalm 139

With God, there is no need of any fancy smartphone, or the need to ‘zap a QR code’. God is all-knowing and his love is unconditional. How does that make you feel? Confident…comforted…assured…worried… confused… sceptical…doubtful …afraid…included… loved beyond measure?

However you are feeling at this very strange and difficult time, may God bless and keep you safe.

With love and prayers - Julie

The Generosity of God

Matthew 20:1-16
Sermon 20 September 2020

One of the things that we have had to get used to in recent months is queueing. It has become the norm to see long lines of people, 2-metres apart in orderly queues on our streets. It isn’t just at the chemist or the food stores but everywhere. DIY stores, sports shops, cafes, bus stops. There’s even traffic light systems in some shops.

I read somewhere that over the year, on average we spend approx. 67 hours queueing – that’s almost 3 days! And that was before Covid 19!

We Brits are pretty good at queueing. We’re well known for it. Have you ever noticed when you go abroad, they don’t queue quite as orderly as us. They just go for it. Barge right in and never mind good manners.

We might be patient at waiting our turn but we’re not very good about it when someone tries to jumps the queue. We do everything to stop it from happening, whether that’s in the street, in a shop or even in a traffic jam. Or is that just me?

Most of us are fair minded and all for equal rights and so reading this mornings’ parable is actually quite a hard read. On first hearing it, your first reaction may have been something on the lines of…”erm…that’s not fair’.

If you were listening carefully and keeping score, you will have worked out that by the end of the day we have different groups of workers in the vineyard. There are those who have been there for twelve hours, for nine hours, for six, three, and only one hour. When the time comes to pay them, the landowner pays everyone a full day’s wage, and what is more, he pays the last ones first.

You might ask, “Why does he allow the last to receive a full day’s pay for just an hour of work? How fair is that on all those who put in 12 hours worth of work? The workers in the vineyard, were angry, not because the others got the full pay but because, those who worked longer didn’t get more. They looked down on the late arrivals as unworthy of being considered equal.

Can you imagine? There would be uproar if that happened in our politically-correct society.And also, no employer, then or now, could hope to run a business successfully in that kind of way. But the parable was not a lesson in business and in money-making. It was a lesson on the Kingdom of God. It was a teaching about God and his generosity. The parable turned the way of the world upside down. But so does the kingdom of God. God is like a father who gives to his children according to their need and not according to what they have earned. He doesn’t pick and choose and he doesn’t have favourites.

Jesus told this parable in answer to a question from Peter. He was asking what God-given reward that they, the disciples could expect. After all they’d given up a lot in order to follow Jesus.

The parable challenges Jesus' disciples in their spiritual arrogance. They were probably thinking that they should be the first in the queue or given some preferential treatment at the very least...they’d earned their place. Or so they thought!

It also challenges Matthew's Jewish Christians who oppose the entry of Gentiles into the blessings of the kingdom.

And the parable continues to challenge us today in our churches as we come to worship and accept, beyond doubt that we are saved and that we are guaranteed a place in God’s kingdom.

The scandal of this parable is that we are all equal recipients of God's gifts. The parable teaches that the gift of eternal life is not the reward of all our human endeavors but a free gift of divine grace. God’s ways are not our ways. God gives us all the same thing, not what we deserve, or what we’ve worked for. God is being merciful, not fair, and this is what mercy looks like.

It is very easy to feel resentful at the idea that someone, having a death-bed conversion after a life of self-indulgence might receive the same reward as us. Or even worse, what about the likes of mass murderers like Adolf Hitler?

At one level, it is not fair! At another - what reward could be greater than eternal happiness as a child of God in heaven? Not one of us can ever earn eternal life…however hard we work. It is purely a gift of God. The point is that God's grace, mercy, and forgiveness are God's to give away as God sees fit. Think about how dangerous it would be if God were to put human beings in charge of who receives what from the hand of God.  I mean…who are we to judge?

This is a kingdom turned upside down. Individuality, self-worth and deals do not work. What we do doesn’t get us into the kingdom. The generosity of God does.

We are privileged to be the people of God. God has chosen us, you and me, to work in the vineyard, to offer our time and our talents. Maybe God chose you when you were a child and you have worked your whole life to further God’s kingdom. Or you may have just recently begun that spiritual journey. I’m sure we can all think of others who’ve worked longer and harder than we have. The reward of the heavenly banquet is offered to all without regard to

our work(s) or the price we have paid to be part of the kingdom. The truth is that none of us can claim that we have earned, or deserve this wonderful gift from God.

So…the next time that you are standing in a queue in the supermarket, or sitting in a traffic jam, just remember that God’s fairness isn’t our fairness and that in Jesus Christ we find that what seems to be the unfairness of God in saving those who don't seem to deserve it…

is in reality…the grace of God… for you and for me.

Amen
Rev Julie Clarkson

Parish Newsletter - 18 September 2020

 

Dear friends

 

I hope that you are well, staying safe and managing with the new six-person rule. Our churches are still open and we are still worshipping together albeit socially distanced. Although there is no limit on numbers for Sunday services, we still have to abide by the guidelines which means that face coverings are mandatory, hands are washed or sanitized and we have a one-way system for entry and exit. Oh yes, and there is still no singing or gathering for coffee afterwards. Regardless of all that, it is still good to gather to worship God in a sacred place alongside our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

What a treat this week with the return of some sunshine. There is no denying though that autumn is just around the corner and my garden is showing all the signs. The nights are really drawing in and last night I had a meeting at Rathmell and it was pitch black at 8pm as I walked back to my car. I’ve always liked autumn, especially the trees and the wonderful colours. In fact, I like each of the seasons for different reasons. The prospect of winter this year is one of trepidation and we face the unknown in terms of what coronavirus might bring. Having such nice weather back in March made lockdown so much more bearable and I’ve even heard it said by some, that for them, it was a time of peace and even rejuvenation.

 

Isolation may suit those who like their own company or who are self-sufficient but there are many who need additional support at these difficult times. I mentioned in last week’s newsletter that I intended to say Thursday’s Morning Prayer online so that people could join in from home if they wished. I’m pleased to say that several people joined me on Zoom and we used the Celtic Daily Prayer from the Northumbria Community, which is a quiet contemplative style of prayer. On Monday this week at Holy Ascension, a Requiem Mass was held in memory of Elsie Twistleton, after which, her ashes were interred in the churchyard.

 

So, the rich cycle of church life and worship continues to evolve as we continue on our Christian journey. It may sometimes look and feel a bit different to what it has in the past but one thing never changes and that is God himself – 

‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’ - Hebrews 13:8

 

Blessings

Julie

3 Parishes Newsletter - 4 September 2020

 Dear friends

September already…where does the time go? In 1752 Britain decided to change from the Julian Calendar (365.25 days long) in favour of the Gregorian Calendar. By doing so, 3 September instantly became 14 September and as a result, ’nothing whatsoever happened in British history’ between 3 and 13 September 1752. Many people believed that their lives would be shortened and they protested in the streets, demanding their 11 days back! Well…it’s been 165 days since Covid 19 forced us into lockdown and the future continues to be uncertain.

 

If you could, would you protest in the streets to demand back your ‘lost’ 165 days? I’ve heard it said by many that they actually enjoyed lockdown. What about you? For me it has been a bit of a roller coaster. Yes, there were good bits, like at the beginning when suddenly everything stopped and I had some time on my hands…books were read, jigsaws completed and lots of gardening done. I even managed a bit of baking. But then there were (and still is) some sad times because of being unable to see and hug many of my loved ones.

 

This week, we formed a bubble with my son’s family and they came to stay for the first time. What a joy to be able to hug my grandsons. They are 11 and 9 (so I make the most of it before hugging and kissing their grandma becomes an embarrassment!)

 

Also this week, you may have read in the Craven Herald that Craven District Council has granted the planning permission needed for St Alkelda’s to go to the next step in arranging solar panels of their church roof. This is quite something because being a 15^th century, Grade 1 listed building means that there is a lot to take into consideration. It does, however mean that we are on the way to reducing our carbon footprint, save energy and do our bit for the environment.

 

Quite apt really because it’s that time of year when, as a Church, we move into Creationtide. The Season of Creation runs from September 1 until October 4 each year, with the theme for 2020 being ‘A Jubilee for the Earth’, based biblically on the idea of Jubilee which is found in Leviticus, making the Season a time to listen to prophetic voices.

 

“For six years sow your fields, and for six years prune your vineyards and gather their crops. But in the seventh year the land is to have a year of sabbath rest, a sabbath to the Lord. Do not sow your fields or prune your vineyards. Do not reap what grows of itself or harvest the grapes of your untended vines. The land is to have a year of rest. Whatever the land yields during the sabbath year will be food for you—for yourself.” – Leviticus 25:3-6

 

With every blessing - Julie

Semon - 30 August 2020

 Matthew 16: 21-28

Have you ever been through a time in your life when things have gone really well? You know what I mean...when you just can’t seem to do no wrong, when plans come together and everything just falls into place. The sun shines, everything’s rosy, all’s well with the world and it feels good to be alive.

At those times, our confidence is built up, we get a sense of invincibility and it could be said, even a shot of arrogance.

But, let’s be honest, life isn’t really like that. We may experience little glimmers but more often than not, these exciting episodes in our life don’t last all that long and the ups and downs of life quickly return to normal.

Last week in our gospel reading, we heard how Jesus’ disciple, Peter had his moment of glory when he declared Jesus to be the messiah, the son of the living God. He must have been feeling pretty chuffed with himself. For once he had got it right. He had left behind the family fishing business to follow this man Jesus and he hadn’t been   disappointed. Jesus was proving to be quite something. He was a man of deep faith, a powerful speaker, he healed people, he performed all sorts of miracles, he’d even walked on water! And just look at the following that he had. He couldn’t go anywhere without crowds of  people following him. Yes, he was definitely the one to lead the people to freedom from their Roman oppressors. And not only that, but he Peter, the rock would continue to be part of the inner circle, a trusted confidante who would share in   Jesus' victory. Peter must have been basking in the glory and he was feeling pretty good.

This week’s gospel reading tells us what   happened next as Jesus began preparing for the next stage. He told his disciples that he would suffer and die at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the scribes, and that on the third day he would be raised.  Peter, riding high on his new-found         confidence objected strongly.  I mean… this didn’t fit in with his vision of the future. What about the overthrowing of the romans and being a military force to be reckoned with?

Jesus’ reaction isn’t what Peter expected. Can you imagine? One moment, Jesus is saying you’re “the rock on which I will build my church” and the next he’s calling you “a stumbling block.” 

That told Peter!

Yes, Peter would share in Jesus’ victory but it wouldn’t be the kind of victory that he had in mind. It would be a victory won, not by overthrowing his enemies but by forgiving them. It would be a victory gained by death on a cross and that certainly didn’t fit in with Peter’s plans.

We do that don’t we. Sometimes, we have our plans. We build them up. We look     forward to everything falling into place and then something happens and we have to adapt or change things. Not funny, is it?

Jesus went on to tell his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. To pick up your cross can mean many things. Most of us at some time or other have what we may consider a cross to bear. It might be in the form of illness or disability …addiction…an unhappy family life …bereavement…and much more...  

None of us can know what will be asked of us in the days, months or even years ahead. Knowing and trusting in God isn’t a passport for an easy life and it doesn’t eliminate suffering. But the thing is, is that there is nothing in this world that we go through that Jesus can’t understand… because he’s been there. He knows all about human suffering. He knows about doubt and fear, about humiliation, betrayal, bereavement…and he knows about love. There is nothing that Jesus has not seen, that he has not heard, nothing that would cause him to stop loving us. 

Jesus chose the way of the cross for each one of us. Yes, he could have avoided it. He could have gone back home, picked up the family carpentry business and carried on with a nice quiet life in the rural town of Nazareth…Nothing easier.

But God didn’t come to this world to take the easy path…NO! He came to experience life as we know it. Not just the times when things go right but to see hardship and     suffering up close and personal. Christ shares in the weight of our cross. He helps us to bear the load by being with us in the midst of what we’re going through. He suffers with us and for us. We are not alone.

Jesus denied himself of the easy path and took the route to the cross. He told his   disciples that “If any want to become my  followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross. 

Deny themselves…

He wasn’t talking about living lives of constant self-denial, of fasting or living lives of abstinence. He was talking about saying yes to God. Of following him wherever that might lead.

When we follow Christ and live a Christian life, we try to follow Jesus’ example. That may mean that we have to think that bit   differently to what our natural instinct and reaction would normally be. To give instead of take, to love instead of hate, to forgive instead of condemn.

It isn’t easy.

In the world that we live in, it may mean that we are the odd one out. It may mean       sacrifice, putting ourselves out. It may even hurt our pride or go against what we really believe. It may be costly. It may even weigh us down…it’s the cross we bear.

But we don’t do it alone because God is with us. Supporting us, strengthening us, enabling us and loving us…it doesn’t get any better than that.
Ame

 “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves
and take up their cross and follow me. 
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it,
but whoever loses their life for me will find it." 
Matthew 16:24-25