PEACE OR A SWORD?
Jesus is always saying uncomfortable things. How can the 'Prince of Peace' say he comes not to bring peace but a sword? As ever we need both a rounded view of what the Gospels say, and context. Firstly, there are times Jesus tells us he longs for peace, and calls us to be peacemakers ('Blessed are the peacemakers' Matt 5.9 for instance!). So we cannot take this line alone, but stand it next to those verses where Jesus clearly does come to bring peace. John 14.27 'My peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives.' It may be a different kind of peace from what we are expecting of course. But secondly, the context is that the Gospel writers are writing what Jesus said after his death and resurrection, in a time when the very early church was in conflict and separating from Judaism. Christians were thrown out of the synagogues in this turbulent time, and when Jewish thinking is so focused on the importance of kinship, those who begin to follow Jesus are seen as turning their back on family. Family may indeed have been reporting against other family members for what they saw as betraying the faith. Jesus' words are to encourage those whose family has turned against them to remember firstly the Way of Truth, the way of discipleship, is not an easy one. But secondly, they are entering a new family, wider than kinship - the family of God. A sword is not always a weapon of war, but a symbol of judging where Truth lies, with power to cut loose and set us free.
To Readings for 25 June 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.
