GOOD AND EVIL IN THE KINGDOM
Parables like today's, which speak of the Kingdom of God in such a way, can be a real challenge. With their apocalyptic end-time vision, they recognise that in this world it is impossible to separate out good and evil either amongst people, or in the experience of living. To live life is a risky and fragile business: good crops and weeds can grow together, and it is impossible to have one without the other. But what Matthew really seems to be saying is not evil and good per se, but evil and good people, and their being judged at the end of the age. Perhaps one wants to say in response, But are not most people's lives a mixture of good and evil, good crops and weeds? Will not most of us be aware that for all the good of which we can be capable, most of us are capable of letting weeds grow up in our lives. 'Keep short accounts with God,' can be quite helpful advice, and our Anglican service recognises both our constant need for confession and absolution, but also the grace in which we walk and upon which all of us depends.
Passages like this, using metaphorical language, cannot spell out for us exactly what will happen at the end of the age, because we cannot interpret symbolic language with a literal mindset. Nevertheless, Jesus has much to say about judgement. The good news is that Jesus died for that which is wrong in humanity, and it is that grace on which we all depend. No good deed can earn us eternal life: but Christ both judges and forgives, and it is there we can be assured his love has set us free.
To Readings for 23 July 2017
Services at Parish Church of The Holy Trinity, Minchinhampton
SUNDAY
8.00 a.m. Said Eucharist
10.00 a.m. Sung Parish Eucharist except First Sunday - All Age Service.
5.30 p.m. First & Third Sunday: Evensong (BCP).
Second, Fourth & Fifth Sunday: Said Evening Prayer - Common Worship
WEEKDAYS
8.30 a.m. Tuesday, Thursday to Saturday: - Said Eucharist
11.00 a.m. Wednesday: Eucharist (BCP)
4.30 p.m. Friday: Said Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel
5.30 p.m. Monday Thursday and Saturday:- Said Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel
For additional services please use the Calendar.
Services at St Barnabas, Box
SUNDAY
9.00 a.m. Eucharist with hymns.
WEEKDAYS
8.00 a.m. Wednesday – Eucharist
For additional services please use the Calendar.
Do You Enjoy Singing?
We are growing our choirs! Please consider joining at the level of commitment / frequency you feel able to offer. The choirs (adult & junior) sing a wide range of music not only for regular church services but also for weddings, funerals, carols in church, special events and even a recent film! Junior singers are trained according to the RSCM's Voice for life scheme – recently a chorister was accepted by Gloucester Cathedral choir. Choral scholarships available for over 16-year-olds still in full-time education. Adults singers commit only to what they are able to do. Details on the church website and on the Choirminch Facebook page. If you think you might enjoy singing, contact Julian Elloway for an informal chat
Faculty for Re-ordering of Parish Church
In recent days a formal application for a faculty has been submitted to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) and is due to be considered on 7 April. If they approve they will go into a formal consultation process with statutory consultees and the general public, before finally granting any faculty. The main documents submitted can be downloaded (see below) and in addition there are a series of drawings which we hope to display at the APCM to be held at Minchinhampton School on Monday 3 April at 7.00pm.
Holy Trinity Church, Minchinhampton Design Statement
Holy Trinity Church Outline Technical Specification
Statement of Significance produced by Chiz Harward BA MlfA. (This is a large file and will take a little while to download)
Wednesday Cuppa
Takes place every week from 2:30 until 4:00pm in the Porch Room or if really nice weather outside the church as in the picture.
Church members attend as well as non-church goers and a warm welcome and good cake awaits you. The Wednesday walkers often join us as they finish ready for a sit down and a cuppa. It is a good social gathering of friends and all are welcome to come and chat and meet new people.
